Fabulous foals on display at NIHB Foal Show
Celebration of exceptional breeding programmes and remarkable foals
The Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) hosted its highly anticipated annual Foal Show last week, captivating equestrian enthusiasts from across the region. Held at the prestigious Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan, the event showcased a remarkable display of talent, beauty and promising young horses.
With an unwavering commitment to promoting and advancing the equestrian industry in Northern Ireland, the NIHB organised the Foal Show as a platform to recognise and celebrate the exceptional breeding programmes and remarkable foals bred within the region.
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The show attracted a diverse array of breeders, owners, trainers and horse enthusiasts, all eager to witness the future stars of the equine world.
The Meadows Equestrian Centre, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and picturesque surroundings, provided the ideal backdrop for this prestigious event. Participants were treated to an impeccably organised show, complete with world-class judging by none other than Mr Tiernan Gill, hot of the back of his multiple successes at the 2023 Dublin Horse Show.
The Foal Show featured several categories, including show jumping, eventing and traditional foal classes. The meticulous judging panel, composed of esteemed industry professionals, evaluated each foal based on conformation, movement, temperament and potential for future success. The competition was fierce, as breeders proudly presented their finest young horses, highlighting the remarkable breeding programmes within the region.
“This year’s Foal Show has been an outstanding success,” said Chris Bogle, spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Horse Board. “We were astounded by the high caliber of foals on display, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our local breeders. The event not only showcased the exceptional talent within our region, but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among horse enthusiasts.”
The first class to take to the arena was the Show jumping foal class, with 23 mares and foals coming forward, Mr Gill had a tough choice to make with so much variety to choose from.
In the end, it was Donna Gillen’s ‘Orville Miss Heartbreaker’, that collected the winner’s rosette, leather headcollar and first place prize of £250. The liver- chestnut filly by KWPN stallion ‘Orville Van De Watermollen’ and Irish Sport Horse dam ‘Oughterard OBOS’ (‘Bosellwell Mr Heartbreaker’ x ‘OBOS Quality 004’), impressed in the arena, with bold movements and arena presence.
Donna, from Kilrea, also went home with second place in the show jumping class, when her ‘Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve’ (BWP) colt was pulled in second, with only a few marks separating the Gillen duo. Third place in the class was presented to the Carol Armstrong bred ‘Cornascribe for Emerald’ by the Belgian warmblood stallion ‘Emerald Van’t Ruytershof’.
Janice Reddy, from Ardnacashel Equestrian Centre took the winner’s share of the Baileys Horse Feeds sponsored Eventing Foal class. Showing her ‘Vivant’ (KWPN) filly, ‘Ardnacashel Lady Vivant’ to its fullest potential, the young bay gave a show with great balance to ensure the winner’s rosette was destined for Co. Down. Second place was awarded to ‘Timpany Tiger Two’, bred and owned by Paula Howard, the ‘Tiger Attack’ (SHGB) colt was in the expert hands of Mr David Lyons, Ballynahinch. Rounding up the top three on the day was ‘Lawana SL’, bred and owned by Shane Belton. The grey filly by ‘Cormint’ (HOLST), out of a ‘Fiero’ (KWPN) dam, made the judging of the class very tough indeed, with only a few marks separating the placings.
The final class of the day was the Traditional Foal class, sponsored by MGM Logistics Ireland.
Taking first place in the class was Shauna McCotter with her stunning mare and foal. ‘Pandora’, the liver chestnut filly, out of Irish Draught sire ‘Moylough Legacy’ (ID) gave a foot-perfect display alongside dam ‘Ballycann Marie’, who is out of local stallion ‘Lislap Benedict’ (ID). Second place went to ‘Ardnacashel Rock ‘N’ Roll’, the grey ‘Ardnacashel Monarch’ (ID) colt, bred and owned by Janice Reddy. Third place went to ‘Craigmore Rock N Roll’, the Connemara bred filly (‘Galloon Rollover’ (CP) x ‘Currachmore Cashel’ (CP)). Bred by Teresa O’Hagan, the grey roan filly also picked up the prize for the highest placed Connemara on the day.
The NIHB extends its deepest gratitude to the Meadows Equestrian Centre for providing exceptional facilities and their invaluable support in making the Foal Show a resounding triumph. The event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of sponsors Lougherne Performance Horses, Baileys Horse Feeds and MGM Logistics Ireland, volunteers and participants, who all played a crucial role in its success.
As the curtain falls on yet another remarkable Foal Show, the Northern Ireland Horse Board remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering excellence within the equestrian industry. Through events like these, the NIHB continues to inspire breeders, owners and enthusiasts alike, propelling Northern Ireland to the forefront of the global equine community.
For more information about the Northern Ireland Horse Board and its upcoming events, please visit: www.nihorseboard.org, check out their Facebook page or contact them on 028 3834 3355.
RESULTS
NIHB Foal Show
Show Jumping Foal, sponsored by Lougherne Performance Horses:
1) Orville Miss Heartbreaker - liver chestnut filly by Orville Van De Watermolen (KWPN). Dam: Oughterard OBOS (ISH) by Boswell Mr Heartbreaker (ISH). Owner/ Breeder - Donna Gillen;
2) Diamond Tangelo - bay colt by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP). Dam: Chacoa Diamond (ISH) by Chacoa (HOLST). Owner/ Breeder - Donna Gillen;
3) Cornascribe For Emerald - bay colt by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof (BWP). Dam: Cornascribe Fortuna (ISH) by Numero Uno (KWPN). Owner/ Breeder - Carol Armstrong;
4) Castamir JSB - grey colt by Emir R (HOLST). Dam: Castakko (HANN) by Cassini II (KWPN). Owner/ Breeder - Jackie Short;
5) Ballyginnif Rocket Man - bay colt by Kingdom (SF). Dam: Ballyginniff Chilli Filli (ISH) by Diamond Chin (ISH). Owner/ Breeder - Linda Buchanan;
6) Bella Miracolo - chestnut/ grey filly by Singulaer Della Cassia (HOLST). Dam: Beechburn (IRE) [TB] by Tikkanen (USA) [TB]. Owner/ Breeder - Alistair McDonald.
Eventing Foal, sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds:
1) Ardnacashel Lady Vivant - bay filly by Vivant (KWPN). Dam: Ardnacashel Lady Luidam (ISH) by Luidam (KWPN). Owner/ Breeder - Janice Reddy;
2) Timpany Tiger Two - bay colt by Tiger Attack (SHGB). Dam: Dernahatten Out of Touch (ISH) by Bienamado (TB). Owner/ Breeder - Paula Howard;
3) Lawana SL - grey filly by Cormint (HOLST). Dam: Carrigshawn Blue Imp (ISH) by Fiero (KWPN). Owner/ Breeder - Shane Belton;
4) Cushlas Notanotherone - bay filly by Another Pleasure (KWPN). Dam: Cushlas Skyimp (ISH) by Master Imp (TB). Owner/ Breeder - Roundabout Stud;
5) Fargo - bay colt by Bernhard (KWPN). Dam: Big Old Unit (GB) [TB] by Royal Academy. Owner/ Breeder - Carole Abram;
6) Ashhollow Candy Beach - bay filly by Beachball (ISH). Dam: Tawnmore Imp by Master Imp (TB). Owner/ Breeder - James and Allison Callion.
Traditional Foal, sponsored by MGM Logistics Ireland:
1) Pandora - liver chestnut filly by Moylough Legacy (ID). Dam: Ballycann Marie (NIHB) by Lislap Bendict (ISH). Owner/ Breeder - Shauna McCotter;
2) Ardnacashel Rock ‘N’ Roll - grey colt by Ardnacashel Monarch (ID). Dam: My Mountain Lady (ISH) by Sir Rivie (ID). Owner/ Breeder - Janice Reddy;
3) Craigmore Rock n Roll - grey roan filly by Galloon Rollover (CP). Dam: Ballydoolagh Dreamer (CP) by Currachmore Cashel (CP). Owner/ Breeder - Teresa O’Hagan;
4) Shannaghmore Morning Mist - dun colt by Dunbeggan Lightening (CP). Dam
Slievedarragh (ID) by Supreme Ginger (ID). Owner/ Breeder - Victoria Teuton.
About Northern Ireland Horse Board:
The Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) is a leading organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the equestrian industry in Northern Ireland. With a focus on breeding programmes, training and competitive excellence, the NIHB strives to create a vibrant and sustainable equine community. Through its wide range of initiatives and events, the NIHB fosters growth, education and collaboration among breeders, owners, trainers and enthusiasts, positioning Northern Ireland as a hub for equestrian excellence.
For further details, please visit: www.nihorseboard.org
A great day out - super foals