26/07/2026
What a week it has been for Leitrim Pony Club at the Irish Pony Club National Championships in Barnadown Equestrian Centre! 💚🐴
As another Championships comes to a close, we couldn't be prouder of every rider, pony, volunteer and supporter who represented our club with such determination, sportsmanship and team spirit. The ribbons and placings are wonderful, but it's the friendships, encouragement, resilience and unforgettable memories that make this event so special.
✨ Our achievements included:
🥈 Our Musical Ride Team of 16 riders finishing as National Runners-Up, while also taking home the Best Small Club Award – an incredible achievement that reflects months of hard work, precision, teamwork and dedication.
🥈 Sophie Tiernan finishing Runner-Up in the U12 Combined Training, producing a beautiful clear round of showjumping alongside an outstanding dressage score of 73.5%.
🏅 Meara Stevenson and Harry securing 4th place in the Senior Individual 1.10m Showjumping Championship after a fantastic performance.
🐎 Our John Ledingham Team riders Orla Kelly, Zara Mee and Meara Stevenson, joined by Longford Pony Club's Eleanor Egan, all produced excellent rounds over a very difficult and technical team track, showing great determination and skill.
🐎 Our Robbie Bailey Team rider Darcy Lawlor also rode a fabulous round over a challenging course, representing Leitrim with confidence and composure.
💚 Our Pure Dressage Team of Isla Stevenson, Meara Stevenson and Niamh O'Neill all produced lovely dressage tests in a highly competitive class, doing themselves and the club proud.
But beyond the results, this week was about so much more than competition. It was about friendships being strengthened around the campfire while roasting marshmallows, cheering one another on from the sidelines, celebrating every clear round, and picking each other up after disappointments. These are the moments our young members will remember long after the rosettes have been put away.
None of this would be possible without the incredible people behind the scenes. We are so fortunate to have such a hardworking committee, supported by parents who are always willing to lend a hand wherever it's needed. Whether organising, transporting, grooming, encouraging, taking part in a sewing circle or simply making sure everyone has what they need, your commitment is what makes our club so special.
We are blessed beyond words to have such a talented, patient, knowledgeable coach in Becky Tiernan, she has been there for every last one of our riders. She painstakingly choreographed and perfected our Musical Ride routine, she has reignited a love of cross country riding in our club. Our rider Orla Kelly has qualified for the Eventing Championships later this month and we have had a massive increase in members taking part in ODE's due to the encouragement and expert instruction that she has provided. She has become an integral part of our club and all our members have had huge improvement because of her.
We truly have a wonderful community at Leitrim Pony Club, and this week in Barnadown was a perfect reflection of everything our club stands for.
Congratulations to every single rider, every pony, every volunteer and every family. You represented Leitrim Pony Club with pride, kindness and true Pony Club spirit. We couldn't be prouder of all you have achieved.
💚💛 Until next year, thank you Barnadown, for another unforgettable Irish Pony Club National Championships.
