One of the fun jumping events of Dublin Horse Show is the Pairs competition which sees the 128cm pony riders matched with Senior International Riders. The Course Walk in itself is always entertainment as we watch the parents walking the track with their child and the International Rider - no doubt there is a temptation on the part of the parents to tell the Seniors how to "give it a go" so that their child is in the placings!

This year saw 12 teams - Leon Thijssen and Sharon Mckenzie (pony rider); Theo Muff and Daniel Coyle (pony rider); Peder Fredericson and Shea Bell (pony rider); Maryline Vorpe and Jessica Lee )pony rider); Dermott Lennon and Sophie Dalm 9pony rider); Ulrich Kirchhoff and Michael Duffy (pony rider); John Whitaker and Alex Duffy (pony rider); Shane BReen and Trevor Grey (pony rider); Jean-Claude van Geenberghe and Tom Foley (pony rider); Cian O'Connor and Kenneth Graham (pony rider); Stephan Lafouge and Cormac Hanley (pony rider) and last team out were Rene Tebbel and Bertram Allen (pony rider).

This class is really about the kids and whether the adults can keep up the pace for their pony riding partner and it is a great opportunity for the kids to get up close and personal with some of the best riders in the world!

The legendary John Whitaker needs no introduction and then we had Olympic Gold medallist Ulli Kirchhoff and of course the current World Champion, Irishman Dermott Lennon - this is some experience for these kids who are aged between 8 years and 12 years.
The winning team led from the front - first to go and first into presentation was Leon Thijssen and Liehebbers Quality - pictured right - paired with Irish rider, Shannon McKenzie and Spinelli - pictured below.
Ulli Kirchhoff was in fine form jumping Pizza Hut's Paul - pictured right - paired up with Michael Duffy and Woodfield Star - pictured below.

John Whitaker paired up with Irish International showjumper and eventer Vina Buller's daughter Alex and these two seemed to have plenty to chat about waiting for presentation.

First for young Alex there was the Course Walk - pictured below - which she did with her mum and John who would be old friends from days of competing against each other.
Pictured left - a "gaggle of pony riders" - now i know that is a term used for geese but if you could hear the noise you would understand the use of the term!
Bertram Allen is a particular favourite of the jumpingaround.com crew - we were at Kill Equestrian the day he jumped his first class in 2003 and now we are photographing him at Dublin Horse Show in the main arena with Olympic International rider for Germany, Rene Tebbel and his own International superstar Coach Con Powers - one of Ireland's favourite sons. We hope to be

photographing young Bertram through to the very top of his sport - he has the sheer determination combined with talent which screams "winner" from the rooftops.

Pictured above right from left to right - Rene Tebbel, Bertram Allen and Con Powers
Another young gun who has a whole family history of Irish Internationals behind him is 9 year old Cormac Hanley - son of SJAI Chairman until recently, Charles Hanley and showjumper mother Sinead and nephew of Irish Aga Khan Team member for Friday, Cameron Hanley - pictured above right showing what a turn is all about on his pony Trine Cheile. Cormac was paired with French International rider Stephan Lafouge riding Felix De Vialonne - pictured above left.
Peder Fredricson and Shea Bell were definitely the pair that came intpot he arena in the most orderly fashion - pictured left - although Shea's Emerald Lucky looked like it wanted to overtake Peder's H&M Kricket Du Hequet.
There are many who say that John Whitaker is only happy when on a horse and most would agree - pictured above John is certainly comfortable in the saddle.
Even John and Alex's horses seemed to have plenty to chat about as well - pictured left - Finbarr V and the superstar pony It's Otto.
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