Equine heaven...? Glorious weather and a long weekend
Previews, reports, results and fantastic photos from local equestrian activities
Hi folks,
What a glorious spell of weather! And just in time for the bank holiday weekend here in Northern Ireland. I hope you can get out and enjoy a bit of extra time in the sunshine with your horsey friends!
The quantity of events on this weekend might be curtailed due to the bank holiday weekend, but the quality is as strong as ever, with Eventing Ireland Northern Region moving to Tullymurry and a Horse and Pony Training Show at Connell Hill on Saturday, as well as a Two-day Pony Premier Show with the Ulster Region Spring Pony Tour Final being held at The Meadows on Saturday and Sunday. Also on Sunday, finals are imminent at Lusk’s, who hold their show jumping series final and at Ardnacashel, who host their dressage final; there is also registered horse jumping at Portmore.
As mentioned last week, the National Balmoral Championships are being held from July 17 to 20 and an extra challenge has just been added to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association - find out more here:
One Arm Challenge to raise funds for MND
Kathy McMullan of The Grooms’ Group has been in touch to make people aware of an additional challenge that will be happening at the National Balmoral Championships, in aid of a worthwhile cause.
As ever, the Horse&Field calendar lists National Balmoral, as well as many other equestrian competitions and activities through until the end of the year - it’s worth a look to make your horsey plans!
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 a preview of Limavady Show; the penultimate night of the Strule Valley Riding Club show jumping; the SJI Horse Show at Portmore; the third week of show jumping at Lusk’s; eventing action from The Clare; the horse results from Knockagh View’s Summer Festival; Training Show at Connell Hill; show jumping at The Meadows; dressage at Hagans Croft; registered jumping at Connell Hill; Ardnacashel’s Golden Ticket league; results from Mid Antrim Horse Show and ILDRA at Shane’s Castle.
Looking forward to Limavady Agricultural Show
Preparations are ongoing for the Limavady Agricultural Show, which is due to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Aghanloo, Limavady, by kind permission of Mr John McMonagle.
Final approaches for Strule Valley club
STRULE Valley Riding Club held the penultimate night of their Annual Summer Show jumping League on Wednesday, July 9 at Castle Irvine, Necarne on a fine summer’s evening. The final will take place on Wednesday, July 16, starting a little earlier at 6.45pm with the 60cm class, followed by 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1 metre open.
Chloe claims 1.20m win at Portmore
Portmore Equestrian Centre, Aghalee held another of their popular SJI Horse Shows on Sunday, July 6, with classes offered from 80cm up to 1.30m.
Treble for Aimee and ‘Nala’ at Lusk’s - can she make it a clean sweep?
Lusk Equestrian’s third week of show jumping was a great success, with excitement in every jump-off.
Spectacular eventing action at The Clare
Every detail was meticulously addressed in the execution of the event at The Clare on Saturday (July 5). The Co Armagh venue exuded an elegant charm from the moment competitors and the large group of spectators arrived, with the long driveway adorned by promotional signs from numerous local sponsors, keen to support the Cullen family.
Horses perform at Knockagh Summer Festival
The Horse classes at Knockagh View’s Summer Festival was held at the Greenisland venue on Sunday, June 29 and hosted classes for Working Hunters and Showing for Ridden and In-Hand competitors.
Summer jumping at Connell Hill Training Show
There is jumping for all levels this Summer at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown. The centre holds training shows every Saturday morning, with classes from cross-poles (assisted and unassisted) up to 1.20m. Registered horse jumping runs every Thursday and classes start at 80cm up to 1.30m. Everyone is very welcome.
Joshua scores a Meadows double
The Spring/ Summer Horse Shows continued at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan on Saturday, July 5, with registered classes from 80cm to 1.30m and unregistered jumping from cross-poles up to 1.10m being held.
Lizzy and 'Chester' take two firsts at Hagans Croft
Saturday, July 5 saw the second leg of Hagans Croft Equestrian’s five-week dressage league. This league has something for everyone, with dressage tests from Intro to Medium level in both short (20m x 40m) arena size tests and long (20m x 60m) arena size tests.
Red ribbon for 'Cairnview Redwood Guy' at Connell Hill
The SJI Summer Horse League at Connell Hill, Randalstown continued on Thursday, July 3 and saw some super jumping.
Competitors shine at Ardnacashel's Golden Ticket League
Wednesday night, July 2 saw Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber continue with their Golden Ticket League. Competitors clocked up clear rounds in classes from cross-poles up to 60cm, while from 70cm up to 100cm, placings were decided by time.
McEntee wins Mid Antrim Grand Prix
Mid Antrim Horse show took place on Saturday, June 28 at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown, by kind permission of Gillian and Noel Creighton. The show was the second leg of the Fraser Homes Ulster Region Grand Prix series.
Endurance success continues at Shane’s Castle
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle, Antrim, on Sunday, June 15, with a great turnout of riders taking part in pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs). Pleasant riding conditions on the day allowed riders to enjoy the variety of trails within both the Shane’s Castle Esta…
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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!
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