North Munster Youth Competes in Scotland
North Munster was represented at the BYRDS Friendly International in Rowallan, Scotland on 26/27 July 2011 by Young Rider Tara Oliver and Junior Rider Bethany Quinn.
Tara and Bethany were joined on their Team by South Munster’s Caroline Marwood and Northern Region’s Katie Burns. Ireland sent four teams to Scotland with all seven Regions being represented.
There were 25 teams taking part from all over England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Tara, Bethany, Caroline and Katie’s Team finished in 8th place - a fantastic achievement to finish in the top third against such strong and experienced competition. All four girls rode and scored consistently well throughout to bring their Team in eighth. Very well done to you all.
The weather stayed fine, almost too hot on occasions, hitting the mid-20’s, which did, however, suit those travelling with tents!
On the first day, Tuesday 26th, Tara, riding Earlspark Loretto and competing at Medium level, scored 63.79% in the warm-up and 62.86% in the Team Test, while Bethany, riding Zorro and competing at Novice level, scored 66.55% in the warm-up and and 65.65% in the Team Test. Team members Caroline (Jazzin’ Along), riding at Elementary level, scored 69.66% in the warm-up and 67.50% in the Team Test, while Katie (Harry Hoot), riding at Novice level, scored 72.76% in the warm-up and 66.77% in the Team Test.
On Wednesday 27th, the second day of Team Tests, all girls retained their good scores of the previous day, Bethany matching her mid-60’s score-line with a 65.71% and Tara too holding her place at medium with a 63.48%. Similarly, Team members Caroline and Katie also scored well with a 64.84% and 65.89% respectively.
Tara also rode a PSG test on Wednesday, again on Earlspark Loretto, achieving a very good 61.05% on only her third outing at this level.
Prize-giving at the end of the two days was a very smart affair in full dress with lots of rosettes proudly making their way back to Ireland. And finally, there was much praise from the entire North Munster contingent for Chef d’Equipe Norma Wylie, whose support and encouragement for all the riders throughout the trip was greatly appreciated.