Equine companions and enjoyable outings
Local equestrian reports, results, photos and news from Horse and Field
Hello everyone,
This might be the busiest newsletter I have sent out yet… Every time I thought about sending it, something else arrived that I thought should be included! So apologies if there’s a lot of scrolling to do here, but there is just so much going on at the moment… And, in the midst of all this busyness, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have our equine companions to not only enjoy outings with, but also, perhaps ironically, to help us keep our feet on the ground. As we all know, the outings couldn’t happen without a lot of hard work in between!
The past week or so has seen lots of events taking place, including a charity ride, dressage and show jumping, as well as Ballymena Show. The busy schedule is set to continue this weekend, with Lurgan Show, Ballymoney Show and a Young Event Horse competition at Danescroft this Saturday and the two-day Banbridge Charity Show this Saturday and Sunday, among many other equestrian activities!
The Horse&Field calendar lists many of the other local equine events that are being held - it currently lists dates right up until the end of the year, so is well worth a look to help plan your diary.
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 previews of the Working Equitation show at Laurel View this Sunday, Armagh Show on June 14, Saintfield Show, Down Royal Festival and the Arches Festival Gymkhana all on June 21; coverage of the dressage league at Ardncashel; Ballymena Show; week four of Hagans Croft’s show jumping league; training show at Connell Hill; the ILDRA Charity Ride at Clandeboye Estate; show jumping at the Meadows; SJI horse jumping at Connell Hill; Prosecco show jumping at Ardnacashel; news of ‘Ardnacashel Monarch’s’ success at Balmoral, as well as some local news that may be of interest!
Debut show imminent for Working Equitation group
Organisers are looking forward to their venture into Working Equitation with the first show being held this Sunday, June 8 at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, Templepatrick.
A holistic approach to lameness and performance
Chris Akkari of KR Equine Veterinary Services, Ella Boyle of Glebe Equine and Clare Maria Currie of CMC Physio are set to hold an insightful client evening at The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick on Wednesday, June 11 at 7.30pm.
Looking forward to Armagh Show
Entries are flooding in for Armagh Show, which is due to take place in the picturesque surroundings of Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Co Armagh on Saturday, June 14.
Festival Gymkhana sure to be a great day out
Mid Antrim branch of the Pony Club is looking forward to hosting the Festival Gymkhana, as part of the Randalstown Arches Festival, at Dunmore Park, Randalstown on Saturday, June 21.
Entries open for Saintfield District Show
The Saintfield District Show Committee are delighted to be able to run the show again in 2025. The Lawson family have generously agreed to host the show at Glenbrook Farm (12 Lough Road, Lisburn, BT27 6US) on Saturday, June 21.
Down Royal Racecourse gets set for style, sophistication and sparkle
Down Royal Racecourse is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Ladies’ Day as part of the 2025 Boylesports Summer Festival of Racing, taking place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 – with exciting new elements, glamorous prizes and an unbeatable day of sport and style.
Dressage league kicks off at Ardnacashel
Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber, held the first leg of their latest Dressage League on Sunday, June 1, with classes from Intro up to Elementary, as well as Pony Club classes from walk/trot up to Novice.
Charlotte takes Supreme title at Ballymena Show
Ballymena Show was held at Ballymena Livestock Mart on Saturday, May 31, with the usual wide variety of agricultural and equestrian classes and trade stands. Spectators certainly had plenty to entertain them on the day, particularly those with an interest in horses and ponies, with classes to suit all.
Bumper show jumping entries at Hagans Croft
Saturday, May 31 saw competitors flock to Hagans Croft Equestrian, Bailiesmills for the fourth week of their show jumping league. The day started off with the cross-poles class, where a great turnout of young riders took on the course of 12 fences. It was amazing to see 13 confident riders and obliging ponies having so much fun, made even better when ev…
Electrifying day of jumping at Connell Hill
It was another busy week of show jumping at Connell Hill Equestrian, as competitors arrived at the Randalstown venue to take part in the weekly show jumping events, incorporating registered classes on Thursdays, and unaffiliated jumping on Saturdays.
Charity ride at Clandeboye raises funds for Air Ambulance NI
ILDRA’s (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) latest event took place on Saturday, May 31 at Clandeboye Estate near Bangor, with a day of pleasure riding taking place to raise money for the vital work of the Air Ambulance NI, a charity well-deserving of support.
Red ribbon for Darcy at The Meadows
The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan, held another of their Spring/Summer Horse Shows on Saturday, May 31, with registered horse classes running from 80cm up to 1.30m.
Lucy takes SJI top spot at Connell Hill
Thursday, May 29 saw another round of the SJI Summer Horse League being held at Connell Hill, Randalstown, with classes from 80cm up to 1.30m. Once again there were some impressive combinations in attendance and some super rounds of jumping being completed.
Ardnacashel's Prosecco Sunday proves popular
Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber, has had a busy schedule of show jumping lately. Sunday, May 25 saw the centre hosting ‘Prosecco Sunday Show jumping’, which saw horses and ponies welcomed to the venue to try and win some of the bubbly that was up for grabs!
'Ardnacashel Monarch' shines at Balmoral
All at Ardncashel Equestrian, Comber, were over the moon to share that their incredible stallion, ‘Ardnacashel Monarch’ (affectionately known as ‘Sidney’), won the Irish Draught Performance class (Older Section) at Balmoral Show 2025 — and was then crowned Reserve Performance Irish Draught Champion!
In local news:
Kathryn Callaghan Exhibition tees off on the north coast
Co Down Artist Kathryn Callaghan is exhibiting her ‘Irish Golf’ artworks of 13 iconic Irish links golf courses from June 5 to July 31 on Northern Ireland’s historic ‘golf coast’.
Golden seal of approval for art at Titanic Hotel Belfast
A local illustrator has received the golden seal of approval from the owners of Titanic Hotel Belfast, as they have commissioned him to create a series of artworks honouring the legacy of Harland & Wolff and the monumental efforts of its workers, with the latest commission having been installed in the hotel’s prestigious Drawing Office Two bar.
Lurgan volunteer retires from Vincent's after 36 years
Lurgan lady Phyllis McIlduff is hanging up her Vincent’s apron at 96 years young, having volunteered with St Vincent de Paul for 36 years.
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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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