Downshire Success at NIRC Team Championships

NIRC held their annual Indoor Mixed Team Championships at Portmore Equestrian Centre on Sunday 8 March 2015. 19 teams gathered from all over N Ireland to jump at this superb indoor arena with proceedings getting under way just after 9.30 am.

Downshire fielded two teams and it was their youngest team member Victoria Fox aged just 10 and her lovely 7 year old Connemara pony Lislaird Joni riding for Downshire A who had the very daunting task of being the very first rider to jump in the whole competition. This was Victoria’s very first mixed team Championship and she rode a very accomplished two rounds just picking up 4 faults at the first fence. Next Downshire rider to go was  Suzie Davis who put her experience to good use by jumping a super double clear on her very reliable horse Hayden’s Star. Second rider to go for Downshire A was another rider new to the team experience in Molly Simpson who rode an immaculate double clear round on her very well turned out grey Camaro.  Claire Smith going second for Downshire B on Tilly had unfortunate faults but again will have gained valuable experience.

The fences were then raised for the third and fourth team riders with Lisa Spratt and her young 5 year old mare Coolcorron Cool Imp jumping a lovely double clear for Downshire A. Next rider for Downshire should have been Nikki Cullen but unfortunately a riding accident resulting in a broken collar bone meant she was a late withdrawal and many thanks are extended to Sarah Kee who filled in at the very last minute on her very reliable Kizzy. Sarah jumped a super two rounds incurring just 4 faults. Last rider to go on Downshire A was Pam Fox on her young horse Bonny Sir Edward with a double clear needed to put a Downshire team through to the jump off which Pam and Ed delivered in style. Vikki Titterington and Eye of the Storm were last to jump for Downshire B and despite their best efforts had an unfortunate 4 faults.

Downshire A were only one of three teams to make it clear to the jump off stage and once again young Victoria was first to go! She had plenty of wise counselling from spectator Nikki Cullen and duly jumped a lovely round just picking up 4 faults. Molly Simpson didn’t let the pressure get to her and delivered a great fast clear. Lisa was next and knowing a clear was needed did not take any undue risks but still delivered a good clear in a fast time. Last rider in for Downshire being Pam Fox decided to throw caution to the wind and really went for it recording Downshire’s fastest clear round. So once the times were tallied up Downshire just missed out on first place and settled for a very honourable second! It was great to see a mother and daughter riding for Downsire on the same team and Pam and Victoria should be very proud of themselves. New members Molly,Claire and Lisa fitted very well into their respective teams and all augers well for the future. Many thanks are extended to Sharon Cullen Chef  D’Equipe for the day ,NIRC for organising the Championships ,and all those Downshire members and members from other riding clubs for helping on the day and without whose help these events cannot run.

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