Connell Hill springs into action with a busy weekend of jumping
Saturday's unregistered show jumping got the weekend started in Randalstown
With Spring just around the corner, Valentine’s weekend at Connell Hill Equestrian leapt into action. With a noticeable chill in the air, there was nonetheless a heart-warming and friendly family atmosphere, as many young athletes travelled to Randalstown from Dublin and right across the country to jump their challenges competitively, with show jumping on Saturday, followed by Working Hunter on Sunday, achieving great results, and engaging spectators with a wide range of impressive jumping.
First up, Saturday, February 15 set out to ensure all riders reached their potential, with unregistered show jumping classes to suit all levels. Portadown rider Tim Morton competed in numerous classes throughout the day on a variety of young ponies, and Dublin-based Joey Nell showcased her true skill in multiple classes, with multiple wins and double clear rounds.
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The day began with joint first place in the pony cross-poles class going to Magheramorne junior, Beatrix McCann on ‘Boodles’ and Aria Kirk on ’Chloe’, with Oscar McCann and Caroline McKeown taking a very close joint second.
Joining sibling Beatrix McCann in attaining top placings was big sister Harriet in the 50cm on ‘Feliciya’, who went on to join the party with another faultless round in the 60cm, tying with sister Elizabeth! There was terrific competition amongst the Robinson family, as Molly kicked off with a lovely double clear in the 50cm and jumped up into the 60cm class to compete against her siblings, Penelope and Harlow!
This strong performance was matched by Magheramorne sisters, Elizabeth and Harriet McCann, who also collected red rosettes for a good day’s competition. Alice Gregg showed her skill on ‘Patchy’, as this talented combination progress up the classes week by week, securing another top spot in the 60cm!
Winning combinations in the 70cm class were Harriet McCann and Clara Little partnered with their ponies ‘Feliciya’ and ‘Bambi’.
Moving forward, the 80cm and 90cm classes saw another good turnout of very talented riders securing double clear rounds. Tim Morton set the bar high in the 80cm class, jumping his way through to the 1m class with a tremendous five double clear rounds on a selection of talented mounts, followed by some great jumping from fellow competitors.
The ultimate classes saw Dublin rider Joey Nell in top form with her team of super ponies, taking home an inspiring six double clear rounds in the 1.10m and 1.20m concluding classes of the day!
Well done to everyone who took part!
Connell Hill is an excellent venue and first-class facility to school around on a Saturday morning with classes to suit all levels. There is always a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
This Saturday, February 22, Connell Hill will host the TRI Spring Pony Tour - entries are online at www.sjilive
The next training show will be held on Saturday, March 1, starting at 10am with classes from pony cross-poles (assisted/unassisted) up to 1.20m, and everyone is very welcome. Entries are taken on the day.
Details of all events can be found on Gillian Creighton/and Connell Hill Facebook pages, and SJI Registered show dates are available on www.sjilive
Indoor and Outdoor School Hire available seven days a week (subject to availability)
Additional Dates for your Diary
Connell Hill will be hosting their Spring Extravaganza Working Hunter two-day Show over the weekend of April 19 (Ponies) and April 20 (Horses). The event will showcase all classes in good time to brush up on all preparations for the forthcoming Northern Ireland Festival, and is one not to be missed. Entries online and further details available on Gillian Creighton Facebook pages.
Photography for all Connell Hill Events is available on Lyndon McKee Photography Facebook page.
RESULTS
Saturday, February 15
Connell Hill Training Show
Pony cross-poles:
Beatrix McCann, Boodles; Aria Kirk, Chloe; Oscar McCann, Boodles; Caroline McKeown, Ashfield Dusty Diamond.
50cm:
Harriet McCann, Feliciya; Alison Matthews, Darcy; Alice Gregg, Patchy; Lizzie Taylor, Chester; Molly Robinson, Cossie; Elizabeth McCann, Feliciya; Aria Kirk, Chloe; Jessica Simms, Bell.
60cm:
Elizabeth McCann, Feliciya; Alice Gregg, Patchy; Molly Robinson, Cossie; Penelope Robinson, Polly; Harriet McCann, Feliciya; Harlow Robinson, Holly; Lizzie Taylor, Chester; Jessica Simms, Bell.
70cm:
Harriet McCann, Feliciya; Clara Little; Bambi; Clara Little, Snowy; Tim Morton, Frankie.
80cm:
Tim Morton, Frankie; Laura Harris, Dixie; Leah Wylie, Shadow; Carla Dolan, Carly; Heather George, Jenson; Carraig McLarnon, Clover; Keely McConaghy, Orah.
90cm:
Tim Morton, Uno; Tom Morton Carckerjack; Tim Morton, Nemo; Rhonda Carson, Tilly; Keith McDonald, Sienna; Carla Dolan, Carly.
1m:
Joey Nell, Sheley; Lucca Stubbington, Phoebe; Tim Morton, Nemo; Rhonda Carson, Tilly; Laura Stanfield, Sandy; Lucca Stubbington, Goofy; Tim Morton, Junior; Leah Wylie, Layla.
1.10m:
Joey Nell, Bungi; Joey Nell, Lily; Joey Nell, Sheley; Lucca Stubbington, Harry; Tim Morton, Nemo; Joey Nell, Susie; Laura Standfield, Sandy.
1.20m:
Joey Nell, Susie; Joey Nell, Bungi; Joey Nell, Lily; Oliver Doherty.