The annual Showjumpers’ Ball took place on Saturday night at the Killashee House Hotel, Naas. Following a very successful year for Irish show jumpers at home and on the international stage there was plenty to be celebrated.

As mentioned in Amii McKeever’s editorial on page 3, the ball had particular meaning this year as guests honoured Jack Dodd who tragically lost his life in the summer, leaving behind a large void in the industry.

Over the course of the evening there were over 50 awards presented. The awards were kindly sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills, Showjumpers Club, Foran Equine, Showjumping Ireland, TRM, Horseware, Top Spec, West Wood Trailors, Bluegrass, Tredstep, Trailor Vision, Flexi Equine Tack Lockers, Irish Equine Centre, the RDS, Jack Dodd Foundation, MyShowAdvisor, Tattersalls Horse Trials, HSI, Acadami Animal Bedding, EquiVET, Finlay Horseboxes and Gain.

The riders, owners and breeders of the World Young Horse medallist were honoured, as were the underage European medallists. Alan Wade received a Special Recognition award for his course building at the World Equestrian Games.

National success was also celebrated as awards were given for the Spring Tour, National Grand Prix, New Heights Series and National Champion.