Competitors sparkle at Connell Hill Christmas Show

Indoor Winter League concludes at Randalstown venue

Dec 18, 2024

All roads led to Randalstown over the weekend, as Connell Hill Equestrian held a glittering Christmas Show combined with the Final of their Indoor Winter Show jumping League 2024. Joining the party was Mid Antrim branch of the Pony Club to host the next leg of their Barrier Health Spring Festival Qualifiers and everyone was smartly turned out and well equipped to compete for the winning places, trophies and prizes.

Winner of the Christmas Hamper at Connell Hill, kindly sponsored by Spar Parkgate and Trophy winner of the 60cm and 70cm classes on two ponies - well done, Katie Surgenor!

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Local businesses came together this Christmas in support of the young riders and Connell Hill would like to thank each and every one who supported the riders in any way, for their generosity and kindness in making the day such a big success.

Trainee jockey Weston John Connor pictured at Connell Hill’s Christmas Show.

For their support and generosity:

Clare Farm Supplies of Ballyclare for their generosity in sponsoring the fabulous Rider’s Sashes.

Debbie and Tazmin for the magnificent array of trophies for all competitors competing throughout the day.

The continued generosity of family-run Spar & Butchery in Parkgate for their fabulous Christmas Hampers.

Dennison Farms for their glittering array of Rider’s Rosettes.

Dunadry riders Lucy Maybin and Mia Connor were in the ribbons, kindly sponsored by Clare Farm Supplies of Ballyclare, at Connell Hill’s Christmas Show.

Connell Hill would also like to thank:

Doagh Equestrian for their continued support throughout the year.

Russell Bros. Contractors for their fabulous medals and young rider trophies.

Sylvia Thompson for her skill and expertise in supplying such beautiful sashes and rosettes at competitive rates.

Winners of Connell Hill Christmas Show 60cm class, from left: Emily Dobbin on ‘Ellie’, Katie Surgeoner on ‘Joey’, Summer Frizzell on ‘Pippa’ and Sarah Kirkpatrick on ‘Volvo’.

Looking ahead

Connell Hill’s next big date for your diary is Friday, December 27, when Pony Club will run the Qualifiers for the Arena Eventing, alongside Connell Hill Equestrian’s Derby Show. The Derby classes will range from 50cm up to 1.10m, with a good mix of jumps to navigate, incorporating working hunter, cross-country and show jumping fences. The first half of the course will consist of show jumps and the second part will be made up of working hunter and derby-style fences. Entries are £20 and taken on the day. This is a super opportunity giving competitors the opportunity to navigate over professionally-designed courses in the comfort of the indoor arena and there’s always help on hand and encouragement for all levels of rider.

Christmas cheer! Event rider Lucca Stubington and friends at Connell Hill’s Christmas Show.

Please keep an eye out for a host more shows, events and clinics. A warm welcome will be extended to everyone as they come along, whether competing, spectating or just socialising with a hot snack and cup of tea from Debbie Dunlop’s cafe.

For further details of all events, please see Gillian Creighton and/or Connell Hill Facebook pages. Indoor and outdoor arena hire seven days a week (subject to availability)

The Creighton Family would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2025 Dates for your Diary

Bringing in the New Year will see unregistered show jumping events running on Saturdays throughout January, working hunter qualifiers and top class clinics to suit all levels. Coming to Connell Hill on Saturday, January 18 is well-known top class Champion show producer and rider, Richard Telford, who will travel from Scotland to run a Working Hunter and Flat Clinic at Connell Hill Equestrian.

Open to all ages and abilities, you don’t have to be aiming for anything big or even interested in showing, this is a rare opportunity to ride under the instruction of Richard, a true professional who is super at teach-ins and all aspects of working on the Flat. Groups of four at £40 per person per hour. The clinic is high in demand. All enquiries, please contact Gillian Creighton directly on 07715 201787 for details. Payment secures your slot.

Connell Hill have also secured dates for another four-week flatwork clinic with Lisa Dundee every Monday evening in January between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, following a highly productive clinic last month. This clinic will book quickly, so please contact Gillian Creighton or Lisa Dundee direct for further details.

On Sunday January 12, Connell Hill will hold a Working Hunter Show incorporating NIF Qualifiers. Horses are scheduled to run in the morning and ponies in the afternoon.

Winning rider Mia Connor with the Sash and Trophy she won on her four-year-old pony ‘Ash’ at Connell Hill’s Christmas Show.

Then, on Sunday, January 19, a Judges’ Assessment Day with Ryan Anderson is being held and is open to those who are interested in becoming a judge - come along and be assessed. Anyone with an interest is very welcome.

In February 2025, there will be a Clinic at Connell Hill with top show producer Kirsty Ard - date to be confirmed. To register interest and further details are available by contacting Gillian Creighton on 07715 201787.

March 2025 will see a Clinic at Connell Hill with UK-based top producer and rider Craig Kiddier. Craig is this year’s Supreme Working Hunter Champion of Champions at the Royal International Horse Show and Working Hunter Supreme Hunter at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show 2024. All details to be finalised and dates to be confirmed.

Everyone is very welcome.

RESULTS

Saturday, December 14

Christmas Show and Indoor Winter Show jumping League final

Cross-poles:

=1) Mia Connor, Ash; Sorcha Maher, Angel; Alice Gregg, Patchy, Lucy Maybin, Piccola.

50cm:

=1)Alice Gregg, Patchy; Sorcha Maher, Angel.

Alice Gregg on ‘Patchy’ and Sorcha Maher on ‘Angel’, proud winners of the 2024 Connell Hill Winter League (trophies kindly sponsored by Debbie and Tazmin).

60cm:

=1) Emily Dobbin, Ellie; Summer Frizzell, Lorrilli; Katie Surgeoner, Joey; Sara Kirkpatrick, Volvo; Summer Frizzell, Pippa.

70cm:

1) Katie Surgeoner, Joey; 2) Katie Surgeoner, Prince.

PC Qualifier 70cm:

1) Emily Dobbin, Ellie; 2) Leah McCord, Rosedale Tilly.

80cm:

1) Rhianna Wylie, Bessie; 2) Katie Surgeoner, Prince; =3) Summer Frizzell, Winnie; Kyrstal Frizzell, Jem Princess.

80cm class winners at Connell Hill’s Christmas Show, from left: Rihanna Wylie, Katie Surgeoner and the Frizzell sisters, Krystal and Summer, all receiving their winners trophies, kindly sponsored by Debbie and Tazmin.

PC Qualifier 80cm:

1) Annie Connell, Battlebridge Alfie; 2) Molly Clarke, Belmont Abbey; 3) Leah McCord, Rosedale Tilly; 4) Carla Dolan, Tannaghmore Good Girl Carly; 5) Jodie Anderson, Tallyho Jumpingdale.

90cm:

1) Stephen Darragh, Tilly; 2) Leah Wylie, Shadow; =3) Lucca Stubbington, Phoebe; Krystal Frizzell, Jem Princess; Summer Frizzell, Winnie; 4) Rihanna Wylie, Bessie.