Glitz, glamour... and winter gloves in the local equine world
Reports, results and photos from local equestrian competitions and awards night
Hello everyone,
It was a fairly mixed bag of weather last weekend, but aside from the rain or shine, there has been a marked drop in temperature… and, since then, some snow! The extra layers, the heavier coats and even the winter gloves have made their seasonal reappearance…!
There was, as ever, a super selection of equestrian delights to choose from in terms of training and competition over the past week or so, as well as the social highlight of many local equestrians’ year, the ultra-glamourous Eventing Ireland Northern Region Awards Ball at Stormont Hotel. Added glitz came this year in the form of the Saintfield Horse Show and Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Gala Charity Ball held at La Mon.
Competitions once again covered various disciplines, including Working Hunter, dressage and show jumping, while on the training front, the Equine Development Academy training day, brainchild of Penny Sangster, was held at Danescroft on Saturday, followed by clinics on Sunday, hosted by the incredible Donald Kear.
The forecast is looking a bit dubious for this weekend (and some of us may need to see if the snow clears!), but if you venture out with your equine friend, wrap up well!
Looking ahead, Strule Valley Riding Club has announced the date of their Annual Christmas Show:
Christmas Show at Strule Valley
Strule Valley Riding Club have planned their Annual Christmas Show for Wednesday, December 11, commencing at 7pm in Ecclesville, Fintona.
While the recent Gala Charity Ball served as the launch of this year’s Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride:
Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride launched in style at Gala Charity Ball
The Gala Charity Ball was the most perfect and glamorous evening to launch the 18th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride, which will take place on Saturday, December 7. The ride will start from its fantastic new venue, by very kind permission of Father McHugh and Mary Mother of The Church, 33 Crossgar Road, Saintfield.
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 a report and pictures from the Eventing Ireland Northern Region Awards Ball; week two of the dressage series at Lusk’s'; week two of the Winter Working Hunter Series at Ardnacashel; the Six Mile Water Riding Club dressage day at Laurel View; week three of the Indoor Winter Show Jumping League at Connell Hill, which also hosted Pony Club Qualifiers; the first leg of the Winter Dressage League at Hagans Croft; week two of the show jumping league at Ecclesville; and week five of the Inter-Schools’ show jumping league at The Meadows.
Dazzling display at Northern Region Awards Ball
The Northern Region of Eventing Ireland held their Annual Awards Ball at The Stormont Hotel on Saturday, November 16 to promote the organisation’s many eventing achievements for 2024.
Impressive tests ridden as Lusk's dressage series continues
Week two of the dressage at Lusk’s started promptly at 10am, under the direction of Fran Warden, who takes pride that competitions at Lusk’s run to the scheduled time.
Fantastic day at Ardnacashel Working Hunter
Despite the cold, it was a fantastic day at Ardnacashel, Comber for week two of their Winter Working Hunter Series, which included NI Festival qualifiers.
Super combinations out at Six Mile Water dressage
Six Mile Water Riding Club held a dressage day at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, Templepatrick on Sunday, November 17. They had some super combinations competing with the highlight being the Freestyle to Music class. Zara Jones topped the music class and went home with the beautiful trophy, donated by Mary and Peter Horton in memory of ‘Blossom’.
Connell Hill Winter League hosts Pony Club Qualifiers
County Antrim’s Connell Hill Equestrian was a hive of activity on Saturday, November 16, as they hosted week three of their Indoor Winter Show jumping league and Mid Antrim Branch of the Pony Club tacked up to host Pony Club Qualifiers in the 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1m classes.
Winter Dressage League starts at Hagans Croft Equestrian
Saturday, November 16 saw the start of Hagans Croft Equestrian's six-week dressage league. It was great to see both new faces and returning faces to this venue. It was also very positive to see riders out with their new horses for the first time, with young four-year-olds taking to the white boards like pros and, for those who gave their first ever dres…
Ecclesville’s popular Show jumping League continues
Week two of Ecclesville’s Show jumping League was very well supported, with numerous competitors enjoying Raymond Caldwell’s flowing courses.
Fierce competition as Meadows' Inter-Schools' final approaches
Saturday, November 9 saw week five of the Inter-Schools’ show jumping league at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan. Competition was fierce, as the final of the league approaches!
In case you missed it, the latest Straight From The Horse’s Mouth podcast was a chat with coach, Jenny Caldwell and rider, Sarah Ross:
Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Jenny Caldwell and Sarah Ross
Hello and welcome to the 22nd Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!
In local equine news and looking ahead to Christmas:
Chloe Ferris appointed as Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse
Down Royal Racecourse is delighted to announce the appointment of Chloe Ferris as its new Commercial Director. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years, Chloe brings a wealth of experience to the team. She has held key roles in developing and executing strategic growth plans across various industries, excelling in brand development and cultivati…
Enjoy a magical Christmas Twilight Market at St George’s this month
St George’s Market will sparkle even more this month with its Christmas Twilight Market taking place on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27 (4pm to 11pm).
Malachi Cush music brings joy this festive season
Embracing the spirit of Christmas, Malachi Cush, one of Ireland’s most influential singer-songwriters, collaborated with the Omagh Community Youth Choir to create a heartfelt festive classic.
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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
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Not sure which photo you mean - the 'cover shot' is from the dressage at Lusk's last Sunday.
Is that photo from Millstreet? 🤔