All rosy in Greenvalley
The Greenvalley squad who qualified for the RDS where they will represent South Leinster.
GREENVALLEY made it two years in a row recently when they rose to the top in the four-way jump off and secured their place in RDS to compete in the Horseware Team Show jumping Championship, representing South Leinster for another year.
Jumping began early at Boswell Equestrian as 13 teams put in their bid for a place at the Dublin Horse Show in August. Competition was tough, and as a result after round one, seven teams went to lunch with a zero score.
Following the second round, there was a noticeable change on the leader board with four teams Long Acre, Foxborough, Carrickmines and Greenvalley making it through to the jump off.
Emma Nolan aboard Stepping Up was first to go for Long Acre and she set off at a blistering pace, leaving all the poles in the cups in 42.47. Alicia O'Donnell Moran from Carrickmines riding Too Blue chased Nolan home to the bitter end and managed to slice almost four seconds off the time (38.98), but at the expense of two poles on the ground. Foxborough's Rita Holmes riding Carrowkeel Bi Bi lowered the target, when recording a clear in 36.41, to take the lead. Last to go, Greenvalley's Mary Ryan with Igo knew what she needed to do. Negotiating the tight lines, and cheered on by the Greenvalley Club the combination clocked 34.73 ensuring the team's place at the RDS. Taking second place Foxborough had a second chance to pick up the wild card slot at the Riding Club Festival.
Apart from the exciting show jumping the Annual Helen Mangan award was presented to Dalma Stanley, a member of Greenvalley. Dalma has been a member for many years and, until earlier this year, a very active competitor, particularly in jumping competitions. It was also a significant week for both Dalma and her partner, Michael O'Connor. They have been together for 21 years today (6 June) and Michael celebrated his 60th birthday last week
