Spectacular Weekend at the IQHA Summer Show in Drumcoura City

The Irish Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) hosted its highly anticipated two-day Summer Show last weekend at the scenic Drumcoura City Equestrian Centre in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim! Ireland’s only AIRE-approved Western riding facility.

With over 100 entries and riders from across the country, the show was a resounding success, highlighting the growth and passion within Ireland’s Western riding community.

Among the highlights:

• Niall Bradley, who travelled from Northern Ireland, brought his American Quarter Horse mare Shes So Magnetizing. The talented mare did not disappoint, claiming victory in three of her classes.

  
  

• Ella Thomas of Co. Leitrim, a former Youth World Cup (YWC) team member and manager of Team Ireland in 2023, took top honours in the Hunter Under Saddle class. This class was generously sponsored by Frank Payne of Banner Hill Sport Horses, in memory of his late wife Deirdre Lynch.

  
  

• The youngest competitor of the weekend, Fiadh McLoughlin, age 6, delighted the crowd with her pony Buttons, cheered on by her proud mother Susanne Hehle, a well-known and respected figure in Ireland’s Western community.

  
  

• Kristin Kilfeather secured victory in the Amateur Reining aboard her Quarter Horse CR Best Lil Look. Kristin is also a passionate breeder of Quarter Horses in Ireland, with promising stock already on the ground.

  
  

• Local representation came from Emma Cagney, a member of the AIRC Drumcoura Riding Club, who competed with her mare Swiftie, highlighting the strong ties between Western riding and the broader Irish equestrian community.

  
  

• It was a special reunion as Mia Green, recently returned from the UK, was in the ribbons with Mr. Ron Weisz’s American Quarter Horse Brightgoldpocopine. She was joined by 2023 Team Ireland Youth World Cup teammates Charlotte Doyle and Kristin Kilfeather, along with team reserve Hazel Dardis, who successfully showed her Quarter Horse Docs Irish Starr in-hand on the Saturday.

  
  

• Coach Marleen Rutten was victorious in the Western Pleasure Open division and once more in the In hand Trail with QH gelding Django Command, owned by Mr. Ron Weisz

  .

• A major highlight of the weekend was the presence of internationally respected judge and clinician Mr. Cédric Leroux, visiting Ireland for the first time. His expertise, professionalism, and warm encouragement left a lasting impact, and the IQHA sincerely hopes to welcome him again in the near future.

  
  

• Throughout the show, James Jenkins of Keyflow Feeds provided expert equine nutrition advice. Pink mash starter kits were a big hit with class winners! His company Move Right Therapy also offered complimentary therapy floor sessions to all attendees and discounts, all greatly appreciated by both riders and horses!

  
  

• Although unable to attend due to judging commitments at the World Championships in Texas, Cyndi Robbins, (USA) generously sponsored the Ranch Horse Championship. 

  
  

  Jane Hedge, riding her Quarter Horse mare Betty Boonzsmal, claimed the Novice Horse Ranch Championship title. Jane had already impressed the previous day with ribbon winning performances and came back even stronger on the Sunday to win the championship. 

  Betty Boonzsmal continued her winning streak, with Charlotte Doyle taking top spots in the Youth 18 & Under Showmanship and the coveted Quarter Horse Mature Mares class, the latter kindly sponsored by Dermot McGeady of River Bank Ranch.

  
  

• The Bullhorn Ranch team enjoyed a successful weekend, taking wins in both the Ranch Horse Conformation and Reining classes. 

  Eimear Daly added to their accolades by winning the Novice Amateur Ranch Horse Championship and winning a therapy session from sponsor ND Equus in Novice Amateur Ranch Trail.

  
  

• Also making a memorable impression was Charles Hanley, a well-known figure in Irish show jumping circles and owner of Claremorris Equestrian Centre. Riding his stunning purebred Shire horse Shirley, Charles won the Western Pleasure Novice Horse class and placed in the top three in all their classes over the weekend!

  
  

The IQHA would like to thank all competitors, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible, with special appreciation to Mr. Ron Weisz, owner and proprietor of Drumcoura City Equestrian Centre, for his ongoing support of the Western riding in Ireland is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you also to overall show and platinum sponsor True Grit Horsemanship.

To all our competitors, volunteers, and spectators!

• Our generous sponsors, especially

  • Mr. Ron Weisz, owner of Drumcoura City Equestrian Centre

  • Banner Hill Sport Horses

  • Bullhorn Ranch

  • ND Equus Equine Massage Therapy

  • James Jenkins - Keyflow Feeds / Move Right Therapy

  • Frank Payne (Banner Hill Sport Horses)

  • Dermot McGeady (River Bank Ranch)

  • Cyndi Robbins 'Get Coached' (USA)

    
    

And last but not least, thank you to Morris Haggerty, whose talent behind the lens captured the unforgettable moments of the weekend in spectacular fashion.

Fiadh McLoughlin age 6 with her pony 'Buttons' pictured with Charles Hanley and his pure bred shire 'Shirley'

📸 Stay tuned for the photo gallery and future events.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and visit www.iqha.ie for more.

Until next time, Ride with heart, Train with purpose, and stay Western.