Equestrian fun for all on our doorstep!
Local equine results, pictures, forthcoming events and news
Hello folks,
Local activities are well underway again following Dublin, with a busy schedule of equine competition and more taking place last weekend.

Not sure where the summer went to, but the Ecclesville Centre is looking forward to their fourth league of the year, commencing on Friday, September 6:
Show jumping to resume at Ecclesville
The fourth of Ecclesville’s Show jumping leagues for 2024 is scheduled to start on Friday, September 6 and will run for five weeks with the Final on Friday, October 4.
And don’t forget, the St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride is being held on Saturday, September 7, entries are still open and, if you are not planning to ride, your assistance would be appreciated with stewarding, if you are free!
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the latest equine news, as well as reports, results and pictures from local competitions over the past week or so, including the ILDRA Pleasure Ride at Scarvagh House Estate; the final of Ardnacashel’s Summer show jumping league; the latest leg of the Summer Show jumping Blow Out at Hagans Croft; Training Show action and the SJI Summer League at Connell Hill; and Olympic Challenge excitement at Gransha. In equine news, both NIVA and BEVA have articles that are well worth a read, while there is a bit of general local news too!
ILDRA hosts Pleasure Ride at Scarvagh House Estate
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) headed to Scarvagh House Estate on Sunday, September 25 for a day of pleasure riding, with many riders choosing this as an opportunity to get in some last minute fitness work before the annual St. Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride taking place on Saturday, September 7.
Summer Show jumping finale at Ardnacashel
The last leg of the Show jumping League at Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber, took place on Sunday, August 25. Thank you to everybody that supported the league and a huge well done to all the competitors.
Rachel and 'AJ' claim two first place rosettes at Hagans Croft
Hagans Croft Equestrian welcomed competitors back on Saturday, August 24 for their 'Show jumping Summer Blow Out' event. The day started off with the cross-poles class and all three competitors were delighted as they went home with a rosette and ice cream for all their efforts.
A great day's jumping for all ages at Connell Hill
Another super day’s jumping was had at the Training Show at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown on Saturday, August 24. The cross-poles class got off to a great start, with all the young competitors taking home red ribbons.
Talented registered combinations at Connell Hill
Some talented combinations were out at Connell Hill’s SJI Summer League on Thursday, August 22. Emma Jackson had a great day at the office, riding four of the five double clears in the 1m class.
Competitors take on Gransha’s Olympic Challenge
Adults and children alike embraced the Olympic Spirit at Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor on Sunday, August 18. The day kicked off with the 30-40cm class, with competitors having the option of two phases (show jumping and cross-country) or all three of the eventing disciplines (dressage, show jumping and cross-country).
Training Show action at Connell Hill
Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown, continues with its series of Training Shows, with the photos below highlighting some of the talented show jumping combinations in attendance on Saturday, August 17.
Equine news:
NIVA highlights key animal health issues
The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) continues to engage with decision-makers on key veterinary issues, including future access to veterinary medicines, a livestock animal health and welfare strategy, dangerous dogs and equine welfare.
BEVA Congress to shine spotlight on the horse’s foot
BEVA Congress (September 11-14, 2024, at the ACC in Liverpool) will be shining the spotlight on the horse’s foot, with a lecture stream dedicated to the foot and farriery. The wide range of content should appeal to vets, vet nurses and farriers and aims to celebrate teamwork between vets and farriers in making the dream work.
Local news:
NI Hotel sector launches search for Rising Stars
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) has once again teamed up with Ulster Bank to announce an exciting competition aimed at discovering 'Rising Stars' within the hotel sector of Northern Ireland.
In case you missed it, the latest Straight from the Horse’s Mouth podcast interview with Marian Tennyson may be found here:
And the accompanying article and photos are here:
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More details on these and more are available by clicking on the stories or visiting Horse&Field and having a scroll through - there are now almost 900 articles to choose from, with a search facility to find what you wish to read!
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 end of the year, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know!
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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