This year’s world finals were hosted by the fun and enthusiastic Irish crowd. Alot of work went into this competition as it was the biggest competition of the year, the one competition that decided which countries would be the Student Riding Nations Cup Champions.

15 countries from all over Europe and teams from the USA, Canada and for the first time an Individual rider from Egypt travelled to fight it out for the 3 prestigious World Final Cups, Showjumping, Dressage and the Famous Presidents Cup (Over-all)

Teams arrived on the 30th December where they were greeted by the organising committee and friends from all the different countries. The first party night was the always funny and exciting Fancy Dress night where the theme was “What you wanted to be when you were 7 years old” which proved hilarious as you can imagine.

The first day of competition was dressage where we saw good first and second round ridding from all the different riders. There was a little bit of a scare when we saw girl run into the arena to give a certain Irish rider a pair of gloves to avoid elimination. Luckily the judges were kind and let it slide bye.

The second night was the Famous New Years Eve Gala Ball which was being hosted in the Crown Plaza Hotel, not far away, where we were greeted with a lovely wine reception. The food was lovely and of course plenty of fun was had, singing in the rain was sung out loud, and everyone welcomed 2010 with a glass of Champaign.

Show Jumping was next, so despite a good party the night before everyone was up early and ready for the first round. We saw a few little falls which was slightly entertaining but thankfully the rider whose name I dare not mention was not injured. After lunch the second round commenced where we saw more stylish ridding. The third party was held in a local small Irish pub where there was live traditional music which was good for everyone to see what kind of music the Irish are famous for.
There was a small fire-work display for everyone also. Finally, it was decision time for riders and judges as the semi finals and finals were about to start. The dressage started the day where we saw 6 riders and 3 horses determined which two would go head to head in the final. It was Friederike Haas from Germany and Great Britain’s Joanna Honey.

After 2 great rounds from both riders it was the German rider who came out on top, despite strong competition from Joanna. After lunch it was the jumping semi final and final. Again 6 riders jumped off against eachother on 3 horses, it was clash between Luxembourg and Holland. Elodie Weber and Ans Van Oort. The course was changed and the fences altered.
After some fast jumping and tight turns it was victory for the Luxembourg rider Elodie Weber.

The prize giving was shortly commenced after the jumping as some riders were travelling home that evening. The OC presented prises to all the winners individually and as teams. Team dressage went to Great Britain with Germany in second and team showjumping went to Belgium with the host country Ireland in second place. Combined Individual winner was Great Britain’s Joanna Honey and Friederike Haas in second.

Not only was it the prize giving for the competition over the weekend but it was the last leg of the AIEC SRNC Nations Cup League, Countries battled it out all year in the 5 competitions which were hosted and winners of the showjumping cup was the host Country of Ireland who had great successes through out the year.
The Dressage Cup went to the neighbouring Nation of Great Britain, Well done Team GB, and finally the Presidents Cup which is the Combined prize and It was yet again the Host Nation of Ireland who took the Title. “It was a great honour to have won both the Presidents Cup and Show Jumping Cup, it was a great effort from all the Irish riders through out the year” said Irelands Chef de quip.

Over all it was a great weekend for meeting old friends and making new ones and great competition. Everyone enjoyed all aspects of the competition and the beautiful surroundings of Carlingford. A massive Thank You was given to all the kind sponsors who helped made the competition possible by the Organising Committee.