From snow and ice to storms: weather challenges equestrian enthusiasts
Despite some cancellations, many local activities were able to go ahead
Hello everyone,
After the snow and ice last week, I imagine that any of you who were able to get out to compete on Saturday were feeling relieved (and probably rather satisfied) to have been able to go ahead with your equine activities… Many of those due to compete (or indeed participate in clinics) on Sunday were not so fortunate, as Storm Isha arrived and put a spanner in the works. Many of Sunday’s competitions were postponed or cancelled due to the stormy weather, but despite the loss of some weekend activities, there is plenty to report this week!
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the reports, results and photos from local events that were able to go ahead, as well as details of forthcoming activities and, of course, the calendar.
In the absence of many competitions on Sunday, I hope you had a chance to read the latest Equestrian Inspirations article on Emma Jackson - if you haven’t had a chance yet, it is well worth a read to find out more about this hardworking and very successful horsewoman!
Dressage Ireland Northern Region got their competition year underway at Gransha on January 13, with some very talented combinations clearly starting the year as they mean to go on!
Continuing on the dressage front, Wheatfield Equestrian has announced their Leading Rider of the Year for 2023 - see who that is and read about the prizes by clicking below.
Eventing Ireland Northern Region held their Annual General Meeting recently and, alongside elections of office bearers and committee members, they also presented some awards to their loyal members and supporters.
Meanwhile, the second week of the Flexi Eventing was held at The Meadows on Saturday, with another great turnout, despite the challenges of the recent weather.
Ecclesville continued with their show jumping league on Friday evening and organisers were amazed by the turnout after the snow and ice - their loyal competitors are clearly keen to keep jumping!
Seskinore Harriers Branch of the Pony Club held their prize giving night recently and it is a pleasure to be able to share their many winners with you here.
More details on these and more are available by clicking on the stories below or visiting Horse&Field and having a scroll through!
There are plenty of activities currently listed in the calendar for this weekend, but with weather conditions as they have been and with high winds currently forecast for the weekend ahead, please do check that activities are going ahead before you set off.
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 currently lists shows and events right up until September, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know!
To new subscribers, welcome! You will receive this newsletter twice each week, as well as occasional emails in between - we want to keep you informed, but do not want to overload your inbox!
Please remember that Horse&Field will be updated on a regular basis and you can visit it at any time to find out what is happening. If you wish, you can download the Substack app; you can search online for: horseandfield.substack.com or, if you are subscribed, just click on the email.
If you have any articles or photos to contribute, queries or suggestions, or if there is someone you think deserves to be featured in Horse&Field, please do send an email to horseandfield@gmail.com
Have a great weekend!
In the news
Here are some of the latest articles on Horse&Field…
Please click on each story to read the article and see more photos:
Dressage Ireland Northern Region kick off 2024
Dressage Ireland Northern Region hosted their first show of the year at Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor on Saturday, January 13. Lisa Dundee and Roundthorn Oreo scored the highest percentage of the day at 70.21%. Joanne McSeveney had a brilliant show, placing first in both Novice category 2 classes. Caroline Herron also placed first in a Novice class …
Leading Rider of the Year announced at Wheatfield Dressage
The winner of the Leading Rider of the Year at Wheatfield Dressage for 2023 has been announced! Wheatfield were very generously sponsored with a beautiful Perpetual Cup by Michael D Connor for the winner, along with prize money.
AGM and awards night for Eventing Ireland NR
On Tuesday, January 16, Eventing Ireland Northern Region held their AGM. The weather tried it’s best to put a stop to proceedings, but the eventing crowd are made from stern stuff and nearly 40 friends and members made it to the venue in Ballygowan, Co. Down. Event Co-Ordinator and part time International jet setter Dora Beacom had flown in from Spain t…
Business as normal at Flexi Eventing
The snow and ice may have reduced the numbers of competitors on Saturday, but it certainly did not stop play for Week 2 of the Bailey’s Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan. Sadly, a number of enthusiastic entrants had to make the decision to withdraw, as frozen conditions in yards and laneways made the journey impossible a…
Ecclesville competitors brave icy conditions
The organisers of Ecclesville’s Show jumping League were pleased that competitors braved extreme weather conditions on Friday evening to jump at the Show. The League will continue next week at 6.15pm, hopefully with better weather! Hello and welcome to Horse&Field. Our a…
Seskinore Harriers Pony Club awards night
Jenna Coote and Mandy McQuade, District Commissioners of Seskinore Harriers Branch of the Pony Club, welcomed everyone to their recent Annual Awards Night. The Branch ended the year with 64 members, 16 of whom were new members! The Branch is delighted to have them all and hopes that everyone has enjoyed this past year, as they now look forward to another…
In case you missed it:
Please visit Horse&Field to read more on each of these stories and others!