Highland Lodge Secure Home Win at Regional Show Jumping Qualifiers

Highland Lodge Riding Club were proud hosts — and eventual winners — of the Foran Equine RC70/RC80 Team Show Jumping Championship 2025 South West Region Qualifiers, held on Sunday, 27th April at Hitchmough’s Equestrian Centre. 

The event brought together teams from across the region, including Earls Well, West Cork, Lismore, and Highland Lodge, all competing for a coveted place in the Riding Club Festival final this June. The club was delighted to welcome so many riders, supporters and spectators to a busy and well-run day of competition. 

Dry but cloudy weather made for ideal jumping conditions, and the team at Highland Lodge ensured everything ran smoothly throughout the day. A lunch break gave riders and supporters a chance to catch up and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, with Prestige Photography on hand to capture moments from the day. 

The winning Highland Lodge RC team at the Foran Equine RC70/RC80 South West Qualifier: (L–R) Melanie Cole with Ringwood Sahara, Lesley Maye (captain) with Ballyneale Daisy, Zoe Wilson with Bunowen Scotty, and Orla O’Kelly with Tonafora Lass. The team secured victory on home ground at Hitchmough’s Equestrian Centre and now look ahead to the Riding Club Festival in June. 

Highland Lodge’s own team produced a stellar performance to claim first place, with double clears from Lesley Maye (Ballyneale Daisy), Melanie Cole (Ringwood Sahara), and Zoe Wilson (Bunowen Scotty). Lesley also went forward to the jump-off, delivering a steady round with just one time fault at 46.153 seconds, which proved enough to secure the win.

Other strong performances came from Lismore Red, who finished second after a competitive jump-off, and West Cork Team 2, who took third place with just four faults over two rounds. The day also saw good rounds from Earls Well, Lismore Blue, and West Cork Team 1. 

The club would like to extend sincere thanks to: 

• Jill Twomey of Hitchmough’s Equestrian Centre for use of the venue 

• Declan Cunningham, course builder 

• Paula Cunningham and Norma Lucey, judges 

• Prestige Photography, and 

• all the volunteers who gave their time to make the day a success. 

  
  

Thanks also to Foran Equine for their ongoing sponsorship and support of this valuable championship series. 

With the win under their belt, Highland Lodge now look ahead to the Riding Club Festival in June, where they will represent the South West region and aim to build on this early-season success.