Equine competitors spoilt for choice!
Local reports, results, photos and news from the equestrian world
Hello everyone,
What a busy week it has been! With lots of equestrian activities in the past week or so, as well as lots to look forward to in the coming weeks, the emails simply haven’t stopped! And that means there is much to share with you here… It will also require a further update over the next day or two, as there just won’t be space for everything in one newsletter.
There has been a great selection of disciplines for competitors to choose from recently, including both registered and unregistered show jumping, Working Hunter and dressage, all at multiple venues and at levels to suit every ability… On top of this, there is the added competitive element of RUAS Balmoral qualifiers and NI Festival qualifiers - one thing is clear, we are very fortunate to be so spoilt for choice!
The busy schedule of activities continues in the coming weeks - please do have a look at the Horse&Field calendar, which has had lots of dates added recently. It might be helpful in planning your forthcoming horsey outings! Please do get in touch, if you have any events to add.
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 the three-day SJI horse show with Balmoral qualifiers at Portmore; the final of the dressage league at Ardnacashel; the Strule Valley Riding Club Working Hunter show; the latest round of the Working Hunter Series at Lusk’s; the popular Training Show at Connell Hill; the first dressage day of 2025 at Hagans Croft; the first leg of the second show jumping league of the year at Ecclesville; and the first leg of the Paul Johnston Memorial Midweek league at Knockagh View.
Show jumpers book Balmoral places at Portmore three-day show
There was great excitement as Portmore Equestrian Centre, Aghalee not only got their registered show jumping competitions back underway following storm damage, but the centre also played host to a number of RUAS Balmoral qualifiers during a three-day show over the weekend of February 28 until March 2.
Super day at Ardnacashel dressage finale
Sunday saw the final of the Winter Dressage League and Pony Club Spring Festival Qualifiers being held at Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber. It was a super day - the weather was on side and it allowed competitors to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and competitive spirit.
CAFRE student takes Champion Working Hunter title at Strule Valley
Strule Valley Riding Club held their Annual Working Hunter Show, which included Northern Ireland Festival Qualifiers, on Sunday, March 2 at Ecclesville, Fintona.
Working Hunter Series attracts increased entries at Lusk's
Lusk Equestrian, near Lisburn, held the second of their 2025 winter/spring Working Hunter Series and, with increased numbers, the show started promptly at 10am under the direction of Fran Warden, who prides herself in keeping the classes running to time.
Spring is in the air at Connell Hill Training Show
On the first day of Spring, the windows opened to great opportunities at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown, as Jack Bell, Leah Wylie and Eva O’Melvena saddled up their new mounts, unlocking the potential over a wide range of coloured poles and fillers. Connell Hill is the perfect place to school around on a Saturday morning, whether it be introducing…
2025 events begin at Hagans Croft Equestrian
Saturday, March 1 saw the beginning of 2025 events at Hagans Croft Equestrian, Bailiesmills, starting with three dates in March for dressage days. On offer were British dressage tests from Intro to Medium level, so there was something for everyone with a great uptake of entries for the Intro and Prelim tests.
Super start for Ecclesville’s Show jumping League
Ecclesville Centre, Fintona started the second of their Show jumping Leagues for 2025 on Friday evening (February 28). The organisers were delighted to see such a strong number of competitors continuing to support these local shows.
Paul Johnston Memorial league underway at Knockagh View
Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland held the first week of their Paul Johnston Memorial Midweek Show Jumping league last Wednesday night, February 26. Thanks go to everyone who supported the show.
In equestrian and local news:
Bluegrass Horse Feed expands sponsorship at Down Royal
Bluegrass Horse Feed has unveiled its new ‘Best Turned Out League’ at Down Royal Racecourse, a pioneering initiative set to celebrate the unsung heroes of the horse racing world – the dedicated stable staff and grooms, who ensure racehorses look and perform at their best.
Charity president says there needs to be a turning point
Speaking on behalf of the largest voluntary charity in Ireland, Mary Waide, Regional President for the Northern Region of The Society of St Vincent de Paul, has said that the publication of the Programme for Government needs to be a turning point in the level of ambition and action shown by the Executive in tackling social exclusion.
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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
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