A splendid day's jumping at Connell Hill
Training show offers perfect opportunity for schooling young horses and ponies
The first few classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show in Randalstown on Saturday, February 10 were the perfect opportunity for schooling young ponies and horses, and hats off to committed young rider Ben Walsh, who jumped in a range of the many classes throughout the day, while well-known eventer Steven Smith made his trip from Gilford worthwhile, bringing multiple horses along for a run out.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc5e0d39-05b7-44a9-a275-c9d683094326_1111x778.jpeg)
Hello and welcome to Horse&Field. Our aim is to support local, grass roots equestrian enthusiasts and competitors and keep you all informed of what’s happening in the horsey world, as well as covering all things agricultural. If you haven’t already subscribed you can do so below:
The morning moved on swiftly to the 70cm class and, taking equal first place, were Katie Surgenor on ‘Prince’ and Aimee Frew riding ‘Minty’. The 80cm class saw some great jumping, with Caroline Gaston on ‘Stella’ and daughter Emma on ‘Dora’, along with competitors Ben Walsh, Bianca McElnea, Eva O’Melvena and Mya Morrison all picking up the red rosettes.
Well done to all riders who competed in the 90cm class, who showed some great talent and skill. Gilford rider, Steven Smith, excelled in the 1m class, with some super double clear rounds and there was also a double clear round for Denis O’Brien riding young horse ‘Jeffrey’.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fe24997-700c-4298-90c8-4eb8e4781d40_1111x741.jpeg)
The top riders in the 1.10m class included Steven Smith, who competed another four horses and Ben Walsh rode ‘Paddy’ and ‘Casper’ on what was a very successful day. The final class saw Ben Walsh jump again, this time taking ‘Paddy’ to the top of the 1.20m.
Congratulations to all riders for such a splendid day’s jumping!
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F39f90620-ba5d-4240-a787-f0327e79bb1e_1111x741.jpeg)
The next date of Connell Hill’s unregistered jumping is this Saturday, February 17, starting at 10am.
There will be classes for everyone, starting from cross-poles all the way up to 1.20/ 1.30m. Entries are now open online and can also be taken on the day.
All details can be found on Gillian Creighton and Connell Hill Facebook pages.
Everyone is very welcome.
RESULTS
Saturday, February 10
Class 1 - Cross-Poles (assisted/unassisted):
Grace Coiley, Shadow.
Class 2 - 50cm:
Ben Walsh, Molly.
Class 3 - 60cm:
Aimee Taylor, Diamond; Ben Walsh, Molly.
Class 4 - 70cm:
Katie Surgenor, Prince; Aimee Frew, Minty; Emma Gaston, Dora; Denis O’Brien, Coco; Aimee Taylor, Diamond.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92135cc0-661c-419e-b158-9261d2136b65_1111x741.jpeg)
Class 5 - 80cm:
Ben Walsh, Caroline; Emma Gaston, Dora; Caroline Gaston, Stella; Eva O’Melvena, George; Mya Morrison, Olive; Bianca McElnea, Carmella; Katie Surgenor, Prince; Aimee Frew, Minty; Christopher Brown, Shadow.
Class 6 - 90cm:
Christopher Brown, Rita; Valerie Penny, Oskar; Keith McDonald, Lyla; Ben Walsh, Caroline; Mya Morrison, Olive; Bianca McElnea, Carmella.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2147b4ba-5911-45e1-97b0-becf1fd6ea02_1111x741.jpeg)
Class 7 - 1m:
Steven Smith, Jasper; Steven Smith, Lara; Denis O’Brien, Jeffrey; Ben Walsh, Casper; Steven Smith, Leo; Chloe McLean, Sammy.
Class 8 - 1.10m:
Ben Walsh, Casper; Steven Smith, Lucy; Steven Smith, Alfie; Steven Smith, Seb; Steven Smith, Mike; Ben Walsh, Paddy.
Class 9 - 1.20m:
Ben Walsh, Paddy.