For the first time this year, the Showjumpers Club gave the vote on the International Showjumper of the Year to the public - everyone was encouraged to vote by text message for the rider of their choice out of Jessica Kurten, Billy Twomey, Dermot Lennon and Shane Breen.

Having not been done before nobody really knew how many votes would be registered but those in charge we both pleased and surprised at the huge response - 3,500 people voted and the winner took the award with 1,884 of the votes.

The voting was close between Shane Breen and Billy Twomey with Shane winning the title of International Showjumper of the Year 2005 and there was no doubt this was a very popular result as the crowds erupted when David Darragh opened the envelope and announced the result.

Shane, a former pony rider for Ireland has had a brilliant season riding Sandra Duffy's World Cruise, the handsome grey gelding is not only one of Ireland's most exceptional riders, he is also a very popular rider amongst his peers and this award is further proof of his popularity.

Shane has done plenty of tours on Irish teams and is always a calm and cool competitor. In his acceptance, Shane thanked Sandra Duffy for the ride on World Cruise and all the people who text their vote for him and finished off saying "I will meet you all in the bar for a drink!"