Workman features in France

Ponies and young riders

Frank Mulvihill

France-based Irish junior rider William Workman took part in the CSI-J show at Auvers in France, last weekend, and got into the line-up on a number of occasions. In Saturday's one-round speed class, Workman, riding Le Cruise, slotted into third place with four faults in a time of 34.70 behind winner Abel Said of Egypt on Team Harmony Lieke, which had a clear round in 31.70.

He also took a 6th placing with the same horse in a two-phase competition the following day.

Then in Sunday's Junior Grand Prix, Workman finished in 5th place on Euro Clover with eight faults in the second round. This class was won by Belgium's Rossella De Simone on Nolino.

Training news

The latest series of training for pony and young riders has been announced by the Cork/Kerry SJAI committee. Tom O' Dwyer will give a day on 12 April in Woodlands, Killarney, while Philip Horgan will take charge on 15 April at the West Cork Equine Centre.

Two further dates for National Bursary Training will take place at the Green Glens in Millstreet on 24 and 25 April.

Ian Fearon will be the trainer and assessor for this session which is aimed at 14 to 25-year-old riders.

Further information from Mary O' Riordan Dineen (087-4125633 or 021-7334850).

International pony training

The SJAI national pony committee has put together three training days for Grade A and B ponies. The committee considers training days such as these a necessity for those intending to compete internationally.

All three days will be held at CoilÆg Equestrian Centre in Co Kildare with the first taking place this Saturday, 3 April and followed by two others on 7 and 8 April.

Northern Bursaries

The Northern Region has completed 14 intensive training days and Comdt. John Ledingham has selected four young riders (from a total of 24) for bursaries. They are: Lucy Buchanan, Daniel Hughes, Catherine Thornton and Kris Marshall.

Junior show jumping trials

As the outdoor season approaches, the junior show jumping selectors are not wasting any time. Four venues have been organised for trials over the coming months.

The first of these will take place in Cavan on 18 April over a 1.40m track. Selectors will publish a long list after the second trial and a short list after the fourth.

The final selection will be based on consistency as opposed to just one-off performances and riders are advised to compete in the IJM Grand Prix League.

Pony invitations

Pony riders interested in competing abroad should be aware that invitations have been received for a number of shows in Europe in the immediate future.

Among these are Le Touquet (France) on 7 to 9 May, Courlands (France) on 20 to 23 May, Reims (France) on 28 to 31 May and Wierden in Holland on 10 to 11 June.

As nominated, entries usually need to be processed well before show dates. Those interested should contact the SJAI office as soon as possible.