Equestrian exploits and interesting announcements!
Latest news, reports, results and fantastic photos from local equine activities
Hi folks,
Well, it’s been a busy week… Not only have there been multiple competitions for local horse and pony owners to choose from, including the first show jumping league final of the year at Ecclesville, as well as dressage and Flexi Eventing, but there have also been some interesting announcements…
In an innovative new move, the Northern Ireland Horse Board has announced a Healthcare Plan for members - click below to read more details:
NIHB announce Healthcare Plan for members
Even with the addition of Breeders Elite to the Meadows Complex, it’s business as usual for the Northern Ireland Horse Board, as they enter their 30th year of business. Continuing under the Chairmanship of Hugh McCusker, and with Chris Bogle heading up operations in the office, it's set to be another busy year!
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the latest equine news, as well as reports, results and pictures from local competitions and events over the past week or so, including week three of the dressage league at Ardnacashel; unregistered show jumping at Connell Hill; the penultimate leg of the Flexi Eventing Series at The Meadows; the final of the first league of 2025 at Ecclesville; the first Dressage Ireland Northern Region show of the year at Laurel View; and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland annual ‘Omagh Day’. The NIHB has also issued a timely reminder for horse owners to check their equines’ passports are up to date.
Shining horses at Ardnacashel dressage
Leg three of the Winter Dressage League at Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber, took place on Sunday, and what a great day it was! The horses were shining and the riders looked sharp. Judge, Fiona Morrow, was truly impressed by the competitors, while the café staff worked diligently to refuel and warm them up.
Classes for all at Connell Hill
Saturday, February 8 was a great morning at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown, as the pony cross-poles class saw Alice Gregg, Jessica Simms, Mya McKay and Aria Kirk all jumping super double clear rounds.
Young Ana shows her class with highest score at Flexi Eventing
The excitement is definitely mounting, as the penultimate leg of the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing Series concludes. Zara Reid has built up a commanding lead with ‘Greylands Diamond Girl’ and is now six points clear of Catherine Cowan and ‘Lady Remarque’ who, in turn, is five points clear of Nikki Cullen and ‘Gemstone Ruby’.
Fabulous first League Final for 2025 in Fintona
The Final of the first of Ecclesville’s Show jumping Leagues for 2025 was held on Sunday, February 9 and it was again very enjoyable, with the competitors definitely up for the challenge of Raymond Caldwell’s courses!
Laurel View welcomes Dressage Ireland NR
Dressage Ireland NR competitors kicked off 2025 with their first show at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, Templepatrick on Sunday, January 19. The highest scoring competitor of the day was Courtney Akkari (Category 3) with ‘Bernabeo’, scoring a fantastic score of 76.04% in the BD Novice 23.
Siobhan Corry wins prestigious Frank Mullan Trophy at AVSPNI Omagh Day
The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI), which counts over 550 vets in practice amongst its members, hosted its annual prestigious “Omagh Day” last month. This event was first held in the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Omagh Veterinary Laboratory 50 years ago in 1975 and has taken place there every year…
In equestrian and local news:
NI Horse Board urges owners to check their passports
With the darker nights now drawing back, the 2025 Breeding and Competition season is just about to get under way!
Leading equine charity vet to share knowledge at free weight management webinar
Nicky Jarvis, Head of Veterinary and Care at Redwings Horse Sanctuary will be sharing her extensive knowledge and experience at the SPILLERS™ brand’s forthcoming webinar ‘Spring into action: Effective strategies to help your horse shed pounds’ on February 27, 2025 at 7.15pm’.
Vincent's encourages shoppers to share the love sustainably this spring
The public is being encouraged to ‘Share the Love’ sustainably at Vincent’s this spring. The initiative is being launched across its 28 shops in Northern Ireland, which are a vital community resource, offering affordable new and pre-loved clothing, giftware, household items, toys and accessories, while supporting The Society of St Vincent de Paul.
In case you missed it, the latest Straight From The Horse’s Mouth podcast may be found here:
Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Toni Donnelly
Hello and welcome to the 26th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!
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The Horse&Field calendar lists local equine activities and is updated on a daily basis. We are trying to make the calendar as comprehensive as possible and it currently lists shows and events right up until the spring, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know by emailing: horseandfield@gmail.com!
Horse&Field Calendar
Calling all horse enthusiasts! As the seasons change, so does the equestrian calendar, filled with exciting events and competitions that bring the equestrian community together.
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