'It's a bit like ballet': Sinéad saddles up for Royal Windsor Show

IT’S next stop Windsor for 12-year-old pony rider Sinéad O’Regan who will be travelling from her home near Bandon to compete for Ireland at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show next month.

A riding enthusiast for years, Sinéad started competing in dressage competitions two years ago and has now been selected as Ireland’s sole competitor in the Novice section at The Pony Club Home International Dressage Competition at Windsor Castle on May 5 next.

The daughter of Claire and Tony O’Regan, from Lislevane, Sinéad is a member of the Carbery Hunt Pony Club and, with her horse, Alana’s Rambler, has been preparing for this upcoming test with Katie McKeon in order to perfect the routine.

Her mother, Claire, told The Echo her daughter has been riding since the age of seven.

“She’s really taken to dressage, her pony and herself seem to score very well with the judges,” said Claire.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is top of the charts in terms of prestige equestrian events, and Sinéad is really looking forward to competing in what can be a very exacting competition.

“Dressage can be tricky as it’s kind of a communication between horse and rider,” said Claire. “You need quite an understanding horse — it comes from the seat of the rider, not the hands, it’s all invisible to the eye — you’re basically training the horse to perform a specific movement using your inside leg.

“It has to be very precise as, if you have too much speed involved, they would miss their next step. I suppose it’s a bit like ballet.”

Sinéad will be competing against the best riders from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England at the event which will feature equestrian sports including showjumping, three-day eventing, and other equine pursuits.

Sinéad will be supported at the event by her parents and her younger brother, Seán, and while they’re confident she will acquit herself well, they know it will be a tough competition.

“With dressage, it’s one of the hardest ones in terms of you just don’t know what the judge is looking for on the day,” said Claire.

“With showjumping, you knock a pole down and you incur faults.”