Electric atmosphere at Gransha Equestrian Centre

Annual Summer Fayre provided a day out for the whole family

Saturday, July 20 saw the annual Summer Fayre and Gymkhana take place at Gransha Equestrian Centre near Bangor. It really was a day out for the whole family, those with four legs too!

Sylvia Henry on ‘Gwen’, Reserve Supreme; Conor O’Hare, judge and Supreme Champion Henry Titler on ‘Dryfe Elizabeth Arden’, with mum Grace at Gransha.

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Kids enjoyed two bouncy castles, carnival games, reptile petting, face painting, pony rides and hobby horses! Not to mention a fun dog show. Judge Sylvia Gibson had the tricky job of deciding the winner in the various classes, including ‘dog with the waggiest tail’ and ‘best rescue dog’.

Lead Rein Champion, Clara-Rose Huddleson; judge Conor O’Hare and Reserve, Holly Wylie, pictured at Gransha.

The chosen charity for this show was the NI Air Ambulance. A whopping £1,170 was raised for this incredibly important resource that is based here in Northern Ireland.

Clara Rose and Potteries Superstar in the handy hunter class at Gransha.

It was a joy to see the beautiful, bright and colourful craft stands that came to support this event.

Mylie McAllister and ‘Prince’ competing in the 70cm class at Gransha.

The day kicked off with show jumping classes in the Diamond Arena for the smaller children and progressed through to higher heights. Showing classes started outdoors, but were able to come indoors when the rain began. The popular Handy Hunter classes took place in the Derby Arena and incorporated the steps, sunken lane and the water complex.

Amelia McCartan on ‘Louis’, with mum Natalie at Gransha.

Conor O’Hare did a fantastic job of judging the show classes, alongside scribes Fran Warden and Barbara Magee. The Handy Hunter was judged under the watchful eye of Karen Bleakley and Jenny Bell. There were lots of willing volunteers, who gave up their time to help the day to run smoothly - Rachel Martin Gray, Neil Armstrong, Jenny Morris and, not forgetting, Caitlin McKechnie, Tim McKee and Paulene Foster, who collected money in the Air Ambulance suit!

Laura McMaw and ‘Dunross Ocean Mist’ with her prize from the 80cm class at Gransha.

A huge thank you has to go to the competitors and their families, who come year after year to support these events - without them, these competitions could not run.

Charlotte McAllister jumping well in the 90cm class at Gransha.

First Ridden Champion, Eirin Wardle on ‘Timber’; judge Conor O’Hare and reserve Isaac Gordon on ‘Arthur’ at Gransha.