Ireland Takes Silver In European Pony Championships

The Irish quartet of Olivia Roulston, Abbie Sweetnam, Luke Garrigan and Michael Pender claimed the Silver Medal at the European Pony Show Jumping Championships in Malmo, Sweden, today (Friday), missing out on Gold by just three faults.

Great Britain took first place on one fault, while Ireland finished on four, with France taking the Bronze medal on five faults.

The tightly-fought final, featuring riders under the age of 16, saw Michael Pender with the Irish Sport Horse Imagine If One deliver three textbook clear rounds, while Luke Garrigan and Dr Spot faulted once in the final round.

Olivia Roulston aboard Ballygawleys Little Ferro (ISH) had two clear rounds on the board, with five faults in the second round, while Abbie Sweetnam, niece of international senior rider Shane Sweetnam, also had two clears and an eight fault round with Spartacus Reape.

Ten nations took part in the competition.

Malmo also hosts the European Pony Dressage and Pony Eventing Championships this weekend, with Ireland represented in both disciplines.