Equine fun and competition galore
From endurance to Working Hunter, from dressage to show jumping
Hi everyone,
Among the many equestrian events that took place over the weekend, one had caught my attention… The Endurance Ireland National Championships 2024. Having completed numerous competitive trail rides with ILDRA over the past few years, spurred on by the fact that a number of southern riders attended the recent St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride and being the ‘mad horsey person’ that I am, I decided to reciprocate their support and make the journey down to Stradbally Hall in Co Laois and throw my (riding) hat in the ring!
Of course, with horses things don’t always run smoothly and, when my mare injured herself, it was uncertain if we would be able to go, but a positive vet visit gave us the go ahead. It was a very long journey and a very long day, but I’m so pleased that I took the plunge - you can read more about the competition below, along with coverage of all the many others activities that took place!
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 dressage at Ardnacashel; Strule Valley success at the NIRC dressage championships; the Endurance Ireland National Championships 2024; Hagans Croft’s Working Hunter league; Autumn/ Winter Training Show at Connell Hill; the penultimate leg of the show jumping league at Danescroft (with the final this Sunday!); and SJI horse jumping and week one of the unregistered league at The Meadows.
Impressive competitors at Ardnacashel dressage
Week three of the Dressage League took place at Ardnacashel Equestrian Centre, Comber on Sunday, October 13.
Eimear shines for Strule Valley at NIRC Championships
Strule Valley Riding Club had two members compete at the recent Northern Ireland Riding Clubs’ Dressage Championships at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland.
Perfect conditions for Endurance Ireland National Championships 2024
The Endurance Ireland National Championships 2024 were held at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois on Sunday, October 13.
Champion day for Gareth and Kylestone Highwayman at Hagans Croft
Saturday, October 12 saw the second leg of Hagans Croft’s Working Hunter League and Northern Ireland Festival Qualifiers being held. The day started off with the Horse classes and the 60cm and four-year-old class was first on the schedule.
Connell Hill extends a warm welcome this Autumn
Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown has wrapped up outdoor competitions for the season and moved the jumps indoors, as Training Shows continue each week throughout the Autumn/Winter season.
Shloer league final approaches at Danescroft
Week three of the popular Shloer show jumping league was held at Danescroft on Sunday, October 6 and saw some competitive jumping across the classes.
Show jumping continues at The Meadows
The SJI Autumn Horse Series continued at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan on Saturday, October 5, alongside week one of the Unregistered Winter League classes, which offer equines and riders of all levels of experience and ability the opportunity to take on professionally built courses in a competition setting.
Equestrian news:
Vets warn about the seasonal risk of sycamores
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is reminding owners to keep their horses safe from the risk of grazing around sycamore trees, as they shed their seeds. Ingestion of sycamore seeds can cause rapidly fatal illness in horses.
Feed manufacturer to donate £10,000 to charities of your choice
The SPILLERS™ brand has announced that it is going to divide a generous donation of £10,000 between five worthy equine charities, but is asking the equestrian community to choose which ones most deserve the funds.
In case you missed it:
The latest podcast interview was with coach Patrick McCready and the rider he has nominated for the Equine Development Academy training day, Bea Brown - if you haven’t yet listened, just click below!
And, in local news:
Just click anywhere on this email to open the Horse&Field page or click on any individual story to read it in full and see the fantastic images that accompany each of them!
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More details on the above and more are available by clicking on the stories or visiting Horse&Field and having a scroll through - there are now almost 1,000 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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