Lauren Haire

“Having qualified for Dublin in 2010 for the second consecutive year in the 1.10 class all my sights were set on having Funny Time ready for some very fast action at the RDS! Preparation was in order with Ger watching closely. Young Rider 1.10 day came and I was drawn first to go, meaning I was also first to jump against the clock.

There were 12 clear out of 20, and a very fast jump off was in store. I jumped a clear round, but not quick enough for the ribbons; ending up 7th! Sunday was a different story, with only four clear first rounds. I was one of the four, and with Ger’s advice, decided there wasn’t much to lose. To be in with a chance, I had to “have a go” against the clock. I ended up 4th! Better luck next year! Funny Time continued to jump well throughout the summer and notched up some good placing’s in the 1.20s at the Cavan Summer Show and at Coilog Horse Championships, particularly in the speed classes. September came and my luck was in store as Ger spotted the next mare for me! You Two Kelly; a previous ride of Tholm Keane, was coming to Raheen na Gun Stud! Thanks mam and dad!

The mare had already proven her form in 2010 in the 5 year old classes with a ribbon at the RDS and also at the National Horse Championships in Coilog where she was 2nd . The mare travelled with us to the indoor shows at Cavan at the end of the year and I jumped her in the 1.10 classes with much success considering I was only just getting to know her!

Both horses were kept in light work over the winter, with short breaks, except of course for that -freezing period where they were left snug in their stables!! I continued with my weekly lessons with Ger and (not swiftly enough), the new season has come around again! I’ve been to a few shows so far, mainly schooling at Raheen na Gun Stud. Both mares jumped good at Kill International a few weeks ago. This year I’m gearing both horses for the RDS again. They will both jump the 1.20 Young Rider qualifiers which are coming up soon so fingers crossed! Ger and I are bringing on You Two Kelly slowly as the partnership is very much still forming but all steps are being taken to ensure “the job is done right” to quote Ger!!! Hopefully, come the end of the summer, I will jump some of the 6 year old classes with You Two Kelly and the 1.30 Pegus Y.R classes with Funny Time. All in all, myself and Ger are happy with how the horses are progressing and provided all goes well, this year should be an exciting and successful one for me and for all at Raheen na Gun! Stud!!”

Lauren and Funnytime qualify for the RDS for the 2nd year in a row, winning the 1.10m Young Riders Dublin Qualifier at Galway Equestrian Centre on Saturday 1st May 2010 in great style. Watched on with a close eye by her Coach Ger O'Brien.