Danescroft kicks off 2025 with Working Hunter show

Lisburn venue hosts classes for both horses and ponies

It was a lovely day for the Working Hunter Day at Danescroft Equestrian, Lisburn on Sunday for the first of their many shows in 2025. The morning saw the horses present in front of judge, Alex Spencer.

The course proved to take some riding, but remained inviting and promoted a positive, bold approach.

Alex Hemsley and ‘Dale’ won the 60cm Working Hunter Pony class at Danescroft. PICTURES: courtesy of Ellie Johnston

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Later in the day was the turn of the ponies. With a quick change of distances, course designers Leah Knight and Corey Mawhinney opted to keep the course the same to encourage the same positive riding approach, while remaining accurate.

Ellie Johnston Photography was in attendance to capture all the action.

Poppy Moore and ‘Western Melody’ placed third in the 70cm Working Hunter Pony class at Danescroft.

RESULTS

Sunday, January 19

Working Hunter Day

70cm Working Hunter Horse:

1) Katie McArdle, Burrenhill Corona; 2) Louise Reid, Stella (4yo); 3) Laura Bell-McKevitt, Beechmount Distraxion.

80cm Working Hunter Horse:

1) Lorraine Kennedy, Peggy; 2) Katie McArdle, Burrenhill Corona; 3) Katie Longmuir, Ollie; 4) Lexi Wallace, Frankie.

90cm Working Hunter Horse:

1) Rosey Herron, Imperial Wonder; 2) Katie Longmuir, Ollie.

Cross-Poles Working Hunter Pony (Assisted):

1) Libby Leathem, Silver Jubilee; 2) Olivia Ward, Ffynnonbach Oscar; 3) Annie Hoey, Bubby; 4) Kacie Lennon, Hunter; 5) Freddie Stamper, Jelly Tot.

Cross-Poles Working Hunter Pony (Unassisted):

1) Charlotte Cassidy, Arnie; 2) Kacie Lennon, Hunter; 3) Fia Hoey, Lilly.

45cm Working Hunter Pony:

1) Penelope Robinson, Dat'll Do; 2) Pippa Leathem, Flash Harry; 3) Molly Robinson, Cossie.

60cm Working Hunter Pony:

1) Alex Hemsley, Dale; 2) Penelope Robinson, Dat'll Do; 3) Pippa Leathem, Flash Harry; 4) Farrah Davidson, Rummy; 5) Harlow Robinson, Holly; 6) Zahrah Zahoor-Ali, Dee Dee.

70cm Working Hunter Pony:

1) Isobel McCracken, Springhill Quickstep; 2) Maisie McCracken, Lor Ruadh's Ceallach; 3) Poppy Moore, Western Melody.

80cm Working Hunter Pony:

1) Isobel McCracken, Springhill Quickstep; 2) Ellen Rooney, Gortlemon Isabelle; 3) Daniel Kennedy, Frank.

90cm Working Hunter Pony:

1) Eva Kennedy, Darcy; 2) Lewis Orr, Charleville Get Me Out; 3) Sienna Savage, Follis Princess.

1m Working Hunter Pony:

1) Max McDonnell, Knocklucas Chloe.