IT Sligo student Elaine Horan notched up a memorable victory when she decided to compete in the National Intervarsity Equestrian Championships “just for the craic”.
Elaine (19), from Strandhill, Co Sligo, ended the day as the top rider, winning the Individual Show-jumping title from a field that included a number of well-known riders on the national show-jumping circuit.
“It’s a great confidence booster and I was delighted to win,” said Elaine, who is studying Health Science and Physiology. A total 109 riders from 20 colleges took part in the show-jumping event. Riders progressed through the various stages on the basis of clear rounds and marks from judges for their riding style and ability.
It is the first time the prestigious title has come to IT Sligo. A team of three represented the Institute in the championships, which were hosted by Trinity College Dublin and held Killossery Lodge Stud in north county Dublin. The event also had dressage and prix caprilli (team) competitions.
Cheering on Elaine were the other IT Sligo team members, third-year students Olivia Burns from Kilmacowen and Avril Burke from Collooney. Olivia is doing Business Studies and Avril is studying Medical Biotechnology. The trio are trained by Declan McGarry at the Sligo Riding Centre. IT Sligo lecturer Louise Walsh, one of the guiding lights behind the flourishing club, said: “Elaine put in a first-class performance and everyone here is very excited by her win. To get a national title at your first try is truly inspirational and it sets the bar high for the other students in the Club.”
Though a novice at national events, Elaine is no stranger to the saddle. “Horse-riding is in our family’s blood. I started lessons when I was about six,” she explained. “It was my first time to go into the championship. I just said I would do it and see. To be honest, I thought it would be an experience. I didn’t think I’d get past the first round but I said I’d go for the craic. And then when I did get through it, it kind of went from there. I had to wait a while for the final result but it was a nice feeling when they called out my name.
As well as studying for her degree, Elaine is also studying to be a horse-riding instructor. She has already taken the first two stages of the British Horse Society’s four-part instructor qualification examinations. The team was supported by IT Sligo Students’ Union and sponsored by Burns Car Sales and BTW.
National Intervarsity Individual Showjumping champion Elaine Horan and are her trainer, Declan McGarry, celebrate her title win with Dr Jerry Bird, Head of the School of Science at IT Sligo and lecturer Louise Walsh.
Avril Burke, Elaine Horan (centre) and Olivia Burns, the IT Sligo team who competed in the National Intervarsity Equestrian Championships, where Elaine won the Individual Showjumping title. Pictured also are IT Sligo lecturer, Louise Walsh and Dr Jerry Bird, Head of the School of Science.