The league, now in its sixth year, attracted almost 100 entries during the qualifying phases held throughout Munster, with the top 30 then going forward to the final.
The series has been instrumental in developing good horsemanship among pony riders and uses optimum time as the criteria for deciding winners. Competitors who jump clear in the first round make it through to the second round where optimum time (as opposed to the fastest time) decides the winner.
On this occasion the top seven ponies were separated by less than 2.5 seconds, with Vivian Leslie from Ferrybank, Co Waterford, taking first place on Castletown Cyril, who was just 0.13 off the optimum time of 51 seconds. Another Co Waterford rider Jess Widger from Grantstown, claimed runner-up spot aboard Desarbre Falcon, just ahead of Harriet Penfold from Templemore on Brodella Cream Cracker.
Three riders share title
This year a decision was made to divide the leading rider title between three consistent performers who, throughout the league, competed without faults. The recipients were Alice Power, Glenbeg, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, riding My Party Pop; her sister Katie Power on High Star Flyer; and Gavin Devereux, Grangemore, Tipperary. The three winners were presented with trophies, jackets and rugs from the sponsors Clothes Horse Equestrian Store in Waterford.
SHARING OPTIONS