HORSE SPORT Silver Medal for Ireland in Pony European Championships

The Irish team took the European Silver Medal at the Pony Nations' Cup in Moorsele, Belgium this afternoon (Saturday) on a total score of 12 faults.

Clear rounds from Kellie Allen (Ballyowen Maybell Molly), Emma O'Dwyer (Edna) and Michael Duffy (Silogue Darkie) left just the five faults of Emily Turkington (Sambo Lino) as the discard in the first round, putting Ireland in the lead.

However, a raft of single mistakes from Ireland in the second round allowed the Danish team to advance from their runner-up spot to claim European Championship Gold on an eight fault total. Germany took the Bronze Medal on 16 faults.

Ireland jumped as second of nine teams in the Pony Show Jumping European Championships.

In 2008, the Irish pony team finished in sixth overall at the Championships on a total of 21 faults.