Connell Hill Winter League hosts Pony Club Qualifiers
Chill in the air, but warm atmosphere at Randalstown venue
County Antrim’s Connell Hill Equestrian was a hive of activity on Saturday, November 16, as they hosted week three of their Indoor Winter Show jumping league and Mid Antrim Branch of the Pony Club tacked up to host Pony Club Qualifiers in the 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1m classes.
With a noticeable chill in the air, the friendly atmosphere was certainly heart-warming, as young athletes jumped their challenges competitively, with true grit and capability, providing spectators with really good jumping. Many riders turned out in smart competition attire, with their mounts immaculately groomed and prepared for an exciting day ahead.
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The pony cross-poles class, sponsored by Doagh Equestrian, saw junior competitors Alice Gregg on ‘Patchy’ and Sorcha Maher on ‘Angel’ standing joint first in the third week of the Connell Hill League. Sorcha and Alice went on to jump again in the 50cm class, with Alice Gregg and Penelope Robinson taking the tributes in this class.
League competitors Penelope Robinson on ‘Polly’ and Harrow Robinson on ‘Holly’ were placed equally with Katie Surgenor on ‘Joey’ in the 60cm class. Perrie Barkley jumped well with her first mount ‘Coco’ in the 70cm class and went on to jump a lovely double clear, achieving another super round on her second horse ‘Smurf’ in the 80cm. Charlotte Harding partnered with her second mount and young horse ‘Jack’ went on to deliver another impressive round this week, with plenty of scope and skill.
Pony Club competitors took up their places to jump against the clock, with leading combinations Katie Surgenor on ‘Cornaughy Joey’ (70cm), Carla Dolan on ‘Gipsy Lady’ (80cm), Cayleigh Erwin on ‘Murph’ (90cm) and Laura Dale on Cardio Diamond (1m) all taking the red rosettes for top places in the fastest times.
This great day of jumping drew to an end as Lisa Dundee on ‘Dawn’ jumped the first double clear in the 90cm class, tying with Lucy McMullan on ‘Barney’. Well done to everyone who took part.
All riders who competed in weeks one to three of the Indoor Winter League will be accredited with these qualifying weeks towards their three qualifying shows required to receive prizes, sashes, vouchers, trophies and rosettes in the Christmas Show Final on December 14.
Connell Hill training shows provide competitors the opportunity to jump, train and school over professionally designed courses on a Saturday morning in the comfort of the indoor arena on a carefully maintained surface offering smooth take-off and landing to encourage horses forward and giving competitors the confidence to aim higher week by week which has become so evident throughout the year at Connell Hill, there is always help on hand and lots of encouragement for all levels of rider.
Please keep an eye out for a host more shows, events and clinics, including details of Connell Hill’s Indoor Winter Show Jumping League. 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.
The League continues this weekend, Saturday, November 23, which will be week four of the Indoor Winter Jumping League.
All details can be found on Gillian Creighton and/or Connell Hill Facebook pages. Indoor and outdoor arena hire seven days a week (subject to availability).
Watch out for more details on all Flatwork and Show jumping Clinics at the start of 2025.
Everyone is very welcome.
RESULTS
Saturday, November 16
Winter Show jumping League - Week 3
Cross-poles class:
Sorcha Maher, Angel; Alice Gregg, Patchy.
50cm class:
Penelope Robinson, Polly; Alice Gregg, Patchy; Sorcha Maher, Angel;
60cm class:
Harlow Robinson, Holly; Katie Surgeoner, Joey; Penelope Robinson, Polly; Charlotte Harding, Bear.
70cm class:
Summer Frizell, Winney; Perrie Barkley, Coco; Lisa Dundee, Connie.
80cm class
Louise Clelland, Cheek; Amy Fleming, Jess; Perrie Barkley, Smurf; Ruth Cousins, Buddy; Rebecca Sim,,Princess; Charlotte Harding, Jack; Perrie Barkley, Coco; Keith McDonald Lyla; Rhianna Wylie, Bessie.
90cm class:
Lisa Dundee, Dawn; Lucy McMullan, Barney; Leah Wylie, Shadow; Dean Bell, Bunny; Ruth Couisins, Buddy.
1m class:
Stephen Darragh, Tilly.
PC Qualifier 70cm:
1) Katie Surgenor, Cornaughy Joey; 2) Annabel Manson, Dunraven Jolie; 3) Elsa O’Kane, Derravaragh Peaches; 4) Carla Dolan, Tannaghmore Good Girl Carly.
PC Qualifier 80cm:
1) Carla Dolan, Gipsy Lady; 2) Annabel Manson Dunraven Lady; 3) Carla Dolan, Tannaghmore Good Girl Carly; 4) Georgia Bingham, Rosie Boo; 5) Jodie Anderson, Slide Away; 6) Lily Park, Knocklishan Willow.
PC Qualifier 90cm:
1) Cayleigh Erwin, Murph; 2) Callie Kennedy, Correen RocknRoller; 3) Lily Park, Knocknasheen Willow; 4) Freya O’Kane, Tullibards Say Wonderful.
PC Qualifier 1m:
1) Laura Dale, Cardio Diamond; 2) Cayleigh Erwin, Murphy; 3) Christopher Smith, Ballylurgan Caslas.