Getting into the equestrian Christmas spirit
Local reports, results, photos and news from the equine world
Hello everyone,
Things were a little bit quieter in equine terms this week, following the cancellations last Saturday due to Storm Darragh. However, a number of events were able to go ahead as planned and they feature below, along with some local news and I have taken the opportunity to share details of some Christmas-themed events, just to get into the festive spirit!
The weekend ahead sees a variety of competitions happening, from dressage to Working Hunter, from show jumping to Jump Cross - so there is something for everyone! Fingers crossed there will be no weather warnings this weekend…
The main purpose of this page is to celebrate local equestrian talent and I was very pleased to be able to put together an article on two young riders, who have had a really great year - sisters, Lily and Ellie Murphy. Please do have a read of the article and, if you know someone who deserves to be featured here, please get in touch!
Murphy sisters celebrate spectacular year
Equestrian sport can be difficult - it is hard work looking after our four-legged friends, never mind succeeding in competition. Recognising the effort that goes in and encouraging young talent is so important for the future of the sport.
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 Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Christmas Show at Ecclesville; the Christmas Fun Day at Knockagh View; the final of the Ecclesville show jumping league; the pony cup night at Mossvale and the final of the Pairs’ league, also at Mossvale.
Christmas Cheer at Strule Valley
Strule Valley Riding Club held their Annual Christmas Show on Wednesday night (December 11) at Ecclesville Centre, Fintona. The club would like to thank Conor McCabe for course building, assisted by Katie Clarke, Helen Badger, Jane Elliott and Alison Donnell. Thank you to Ann Friel for judging, Emma King and Gillian Hynes, entries and Helen Badger and A…
Christmas Fun Day brings smiles to Knockagh View
While equestrian events all around the country were being cancelled due to Storm Darragh last Saturday, Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland were able to go ahead with some non-equestrian activities, in the form of their Christmas Fun Day.
Fabulous 2024 final in Fintona
The fifth and final of Ecclesville’s Show jumping Leagues for 2024 concluded on Friday, December 6 and it was a great night of jumping, as not only the League prizes were up for grabs, but beautiful perpetual trophies for 2024 were also being awarded.
Silverware and smiles at Mossvale
Congratulations to Fia Hoey and ‘Lilly’ on winning both the Cross-poles and 40cm cups at Mossvale’s Cup night on Friday, December 6. Runner-up in the cross-poles class was Fia’s little sister, Annie Hoey and ‘Bobby’.
Little and Large win Mossvale pairs league
The Pairs League at Mossvale Equestrian Centre, Dromara was held last Thursday evening, December 5.
In equine news, local news and looking ahead to Christmas:
Threats and opportunities in the spotlight for NEF 2025
Threats and opportunities for the future of the equestrian sector will be addressed at the 33rd National Equine Forum (NEF25), to be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Santa officially takes up residence at Hillmount
The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, officially declared Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount open, with Santa and his elves residing there until Christmas Eve.
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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 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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