The Munster Eventing Ireland region had their end of year ball last Saturday and there was exciting news on the night for Galbally show jumper Katie Frazer, who received the amateur 1 star rider of the year award.
Katie couldn’t make the event because she was attending the wedding of a close friend, but her neighbour Rodney O’Donnell stepped in to accept the trophy on her behalf.
On a wonderful evening, Munster Eventing Ireland held an auction of which some proceeds went to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund, as well as training initiatives and venues across Munster.
There were awards for all categories in the eventing sphere and the Irish team, who won silver medals at the World Equestrian Games, were present on the night.
Speaking to The Avondhu, Katie said, “I was unable to attend on the night due to a close friend getting married, but a neighbour, Rodney O’Donnell who also events and has had a good year, collected the award for me.
“I received the amateur 1 star rider of the year, for my accomplishments this year in eventing. I moved up to 1* in May, and competed in two international events between May and September which would be a big step to make when only moving to that level.
“I think due to my jumping background I found the move up in heights easy enough for the show jumping element and Storm (Keylogues Red Clover) is very good to gallop and cross country.
“From our seven days at this level we had a super record with two wins and finishing in the top 10 at three other outings, and I completed the Ballindenisk International in the top 20.”
Katie said herself and Storm have a few things to work on in the spring including their dressage skills which she joked is not her forté, but right now Storm is having a few weeks off until Christmas.
“The fact that the Munster committee recognised my achievements and that I stood out as the best amateur at the 1* level this year is fantastic and I’m thrilled to have been recognised for doing very well in the amateur class side of eventing,” concluded Katie.
No doubt there’s plenty more sporting success for the Galbally native in the months and years ahead.
