Christmas Cheer at Strule Valley

Co Tyrone club hosts last event of the year, while looking ahead to 2025

Strule Valley Riding Club held their Annual Christmas Show on Wednesday night (December 11) at Ecclesville Centre, Fintona. The club would like to thank Conor McCabe for course building, assisted by Katie Clarke, Helen Badger, Jane Elliott and Alison Donnell. Thank you to Ann Friel for judging, Emma King and Gillian Hynes, entries and Helen Badger and Alison Donnell, call up.

Elaine Lynch and ‘Dakota’ jumped double clear in the Sleigh Bells 70cm class at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

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The club would like to thank those that came along to compete and special mention to the little riders from Seskinore Harriers Branch of the Pony Club, O’Kane’s Stables and Livery, RD Equestrian and Moorlough Riding Club, as well the competitors that travelled from Fermanagh and Donegal.

Looking ahead

Moving into the New Year, the Club’s Annual General Meeting is planned for Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 8pm in the RDA, Omagh. The Dolly Mixture Perpetual Shield will be awarded to the member, who has attended the most riding club events during the year.

There will be a bit and bridle fitting talk with Marita O’Loughlin-Doyle from Equi-Bit Ireland on Wednesday, January 22 at 8pm in the RDA, Omagh. Everyone is very welcome to come along.

Members look forward to a horse riding simulator session at the end of January to work on developing their position and technique, helping their performance improve!

Emma Bratton and ‘Bailey’ jumped double clear in the Elf 80cm class at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

February sees Wayne Hamilton return to the club for three weeks, to take members for flatwork training at Ecclesville.

Monthly pleasure rides are also on the schedule at Gortin Glens Forest Park for members.

A horses-only working hunter show to include NI Festival Qualifiers is planned for Sunday, March 2, 2025, commencing at 11am at Ecclesville Centre Indoor. Everyone is very welcome and entries will be on the day.

Keep up to date with the Club on their facebook page.

RESULTS

Wednesday, December 11

Annual Christmas Show

Father Christmas 40cm double clears:

Sox, Saoirse O’Kane; Sally, CJ O’Kane; Holly, Emily Irwin; Jacko, Nancy Teague; Culmore Princess, Isla Clarke; Oreo, Maisie Mullen; George, Jimmy Donaghy; Eddie Rocket, Anna Armstrong; Oscar, Annie Kelly.

Annie Kelly and ‘Oscar’ jumped double clear in both the Father Christmas 40cm and Frosty the Snowman 50cm classes at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

Frosty the Snowman 50cm double clears:

Sampson, Ailish McBride; Sandy, Caroline Wallace; Oscar, Annie Kelly.

Ailish McBride and ‘Sampson’ jumped double clear in both the Frosty the Snowman 50cm and Santa Claus 60cm classes at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

Santa Claus 60cm double clears:

Sampson, Ailish McBride; Sox, CJ O’Kane; Culmore Princess, Rosie Clarke; Mo, Joshua Grayson; Sandy, Caroline Wallace.

Joshua Grayson and ‘Mo’ jumped double clear in the Santa Claus 60cm class at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

Sleigh Bells 70cm double clears:

JJ, Conor McGirr; Dakota, Elaine Lynch.

Elf 80cm double clears:

Gucci, Maddison O’Kane; Tornado, Nakita Thompson; Missy, Kyra Loughran; Rosie, Ellie Mae McCrory; Bailey, Emma Bratton.

Maddison O'Kane and ‘Gucci’ jumped double clear in the Elf 80cm class at the Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show.

North Pole 90cm:

No clears.

Mistletoe 1 metre double clears:

Ida, Emma Bratton.