Gala Show for Emma and Dressage at Home and International

Virtual dressage goes live at Castle Irvine, Necarne

Emma Hobson is a 5* Freelance Equestrian Instructor based in Tynan, near Armagh town and close to the borders of County Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone.

Emma Hobson and ‘Rolando’ pictured at an affiliated competition.

Hello and welcome to Horse&Field. Our aim is to support local, grass roots equestrian enthusiasts and competitors and keep you all informed of what’s happening in the horsey world, as well as covering all things agricultural. If you haven’t already subscribed you can do so below:

Emma Hobson and ‘Rolando’ are currently working at Advanced Medium level dressage at home and competing at Medium level at affiliated competitions.

Emma holds her BHS AI qualification and BHEST (British Horse Racing Education and Standards Trust) Stage Two and Stage Three qualifications. She is a Dressage Ireland List Six Dressage judge (June 2016) and a Dressage Ireland Listed Para-Equestrian Dressage Judge (June 2017); she is fully First Aid accredited, CRB checked, has her Safeguarding and Protecting Children Instructor Accreditation and is fully insured, as well as being a Pony Club Accredited instructor. She has a wealth of both practical and theoretical experience, having worked in five-star yards, as well as completing numerous equine courses and qualifications.

Some of the fabulous rosettes on offer from the Dressage at Home and International competitions.

Emma has been riding competitively for many years and trained with some of the top dressage riders in Ireland and Scotland. Her own horse, a Grand Prix show jumper, is currently working at Advanced Medium level dressage at home and competing at Medium level at affiliated competitions. She has enjoyed many wins and successes at Dressage Ireland National Championships and she qualified for the Hickstead Dressage Masters two years running. Aside from dressage successes, Emma has competed in eventing, side saddle, long distance riding, show jumping competitions and hunts.

For five years running, she has proudly been a sponsored rider for Bluegrass Horse Feed and participates in various promotions in and out of the country.

Emma has been an active member of various equestrian-related committees and boards, including being a member of the Dressage Ireland Northern Region committee and was previously an active member of Tullylagan Pony Club committee.

Amy McGarvey’s horse ‘Charmonix Rough Diamond’ looking very happy with all their rosettes! The pair ride in Freestyle classes.

Emma certainly doesn’t rest on her laurels.

Emma started Dressage at Home and International in 2020 to encourage people to enjoy their horses even when shows weren’t being held due to lockdown. The concept was for riders to choose a test to ride and get someone to video it and then send it to Emma for a British Dressage or Dressage Ireland judge to score.

This has proved popular, as competitors have the opportunity to ride their test more than once and send in what they feel is the best video; there is no expense in travelling to a show, such as diesel costs and the general stress is minimised, as plaiting isn’t required. This is a real plus for those who get stressed about dressage, as they don’t need to leave the comfort of their own yard.

Jodie Frost and her horse ‘Jerry’ are from Essex, but were able to compete in the Dressage at Home and International virtual competitions - with great success judging by all these ribbons!

One of the impressive things about Dressage at Home and International shows is the huge number of classes available, with more than 20 different options available at most of Emma’s shows! There really is something to suit every horse and rider combination. Emma has written the tests herself and they have been trialled by other instructors, riders and judges, with positive feedback.

Emma recognises that, occasionally, it is still nice to get out to a show and have interaction and the social aspect with fellow competitors, as well as that competitive spirit, that can only be found at a ‘live’ show!

This weekend is one of those occasions and Emma has outdone herself… Dressage at Home and International is holding a residential camp at Castle Irvine, Necarne, which includes lessons with well-known instructors, demonstrations and talks on Friday and Saturday, followed by a Gala Dressage Show on Sunday, with 27 different classes to choose from, running from Lead Rein right up to Advanced Medium.

Heidi Scott Jorgensen had a super run of success in the Dressage at Home and International virtual competitions!

If you didn’t get your entry in on time for this live show, you will be pleased to know that another virtual league will commence on October 28. This league will have eight legs, with subsequent dates being November 11 and 25; December 9; January 13 and 27; February 3 and 17. You can find out more on the website: www.dressageathome.com or Facebook page.

If you need equine assistance, Emma welcomes all queries and would be delighted to help. Please get in touch by either phoning 07805 901744; messaging the Facebook page: Emma Hobson Equestrian or email: emmajbhobson@hotmail.com