The Seama Lease Camphire International Horse Trials took place recently in West Waterford and drew bigger names than ever to the scenic Blackwater Valley.
The horse trials went through rocky waters earlier this year and was very nearly cancelled due to lack of financial support. Luckily, Richard Ames of Seama Lease came on board in May and offered major sponsorship to ensure that the top class event would again go ahead.
The five day event got under way on Wednesday afternoon, July 25th with some inspections and briefing. The dressage competitions took place on Thursday (26th) and Friday 27th with the cross-country, showjumping and the family friendly activities taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
Riders from nine nations competed in the high profile event, from Great Britain, USA, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Norway, China and of course, Ireland.
There were a record number of entries this year and enthusiasm for the event is bigger and better than ever, a nice reward for those who fought tooth and nail to ensure it would take place.
The landowners, the Wilks and the Brownes, who allow their grounds to be used for the horse trials, have been more than helpful and supportive over the past 8 years and Paul Brady, director and organiser of Camphire Horse Trials, wishes to thank them for their constant support.
IRISH WINNERS
Irish Eventing riders claimed victory in the two biggest competitions on offer at the horse trials with Galway’s Cathal Daniels climbing from his overnight second place position to win the Sema Lease CCI3* with Sammy Davis Junior (ISH).
Irish riders dominated the final standings in the Cahervillahow CIC3*, with Tipperary’s Padraig McCarthy leading from start to finish to claim victory. McCarthy and the 13-year-old gelding Mr Chunky, finished on a final score of 27.2 after adding just 0.4 time penalties Cross Country to their Dressage score of 26.8.
Irish riders filled all of the top three places on the podium with Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound (ISH) finishing second on 27.4, while Ciaran Glynn took third place with November Light (ISH) (TIH). Aidan Keogh also finished strongly, taking fifth with Master Tredstep and sixth with Pride of Tredstep.
“This was a great weekend and brilliant for Team Ireland to win both three-star classes at Camphire against top international competition. Our riders produced very professional performances which gives us great confidence in our preparations for the World Equestrian Games,” said Sally Corscadden, Horse Sport Ireland Eventing Team Manager.
“I have to thank the organisers for producing such good courses with great ground conditions in both the Cross Country and Show Jumping and the landowners and sponsors for putting on such a high class competition,” she added.
