Kiltoom's Sophie qualifies for Dublin Horse Show

Kiltoom teenager Sophie Dolan-Harte has qualified to compete in the renowned Dublin Horse Show at the RDS.

Sophie (13) booked her place in the Dublin Horse Show when competing in a qualifier recently in Killossery Lodge in north Co. Dublin.

It’s the second time for Sophie to qualify for the Dublin Horse Show, having taken part in the equitation jumping class last year.

A daughter of Karen and John Harte, Sophie is student at Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone, and she’ll be going into second year in the autumn.

Sophie’s father John said the family is “thrilled” that she has again qualified for the prestigious Dublin Horse Show.

Riding on Curraghaleen Hazy Match, Sophie competed in the 153cm Working Hunter Pony class in her qualifier.

It was a very competitive class, having 59 starters, but Sophie and Curraghaleen Hazy Match claimed the win to secure their ticket to the RDS.

Riders are allowed to be 20 years of age and under to compete in this class, so Sophie had to show plenty of skill and composure when coming up against more experienced riders.

Curraghaleen Hazy Match, who is eight years old, is home bred by Karen and John Harte out of the Smokey Duncan mare Shannon Princess.

This year’s Dublin Horse Show takes place from August 6-10.

Anoter local youngster, Ellen McLoughlin (12), who is a pupil at Ardnagrath NS, will also take part in the Dublin Horse Show this year.