Good cheer for Connell Hill’s End of Season Derby
Challenging course well-navigated by combinations at Randalstown venue
Friday, December 27 saw a good turnout of competitors arrive at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown, for the Derby and Pony Club Barrier Spring Festival Arena Eventing. A challenging course and fabulous range of fences made for an action-packed event under the watchful eye of course designer, Mr William Crean. All classes were timed and well-navigated by each and every combination, who put their best foot forward in taking away both Connell Hill Derby Prizes and PC Qualifiers for the Barrier Spring Festival 2025.
The first class of the day saw Lily Crawford on her pony ‘Biscuit’ take first place in the 50cm class, in a time of 77.33 seconds. Moving up to the 60cm class, Emily Dobbin rode her pony ‘Ellie’ into first place in a super-fast time of 61.71 seconds, closely pursued by Lily Crawford and Sarah Kirkpatrick, all securing winning places for the Connell Hill Derby prizes.
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Sarah Kirkpatrick jumped another nice round in the 70cm class, this time representing the Pony Club, as the Pony Club competitors took up their places to jump against the clock, with leading combinations including Katie Kilpatrick on ‘Vales Rose Sparrow Gem’, who took first place in the 80cm class in a time of 86.98 seconds, and winning rider Maeve Rolston-McAuliffe partnered with her mount ‘Clashadoo Jay’ taking first place in both the 90cm and 1m classes in super times of 75.60 and 83.30 seconds.
Well done to everyone who took part.
Keep an eye out for a host more shows, events and clinics at Connell Hill. A warm welcome will be extended to everyone as they come along, whether competing, spectating or just socialising with a hot snack and cup of tea from Debbie Dunlop’s cafe.
For further details of all events, please see Gillian Creighton and/or Connell Hill Facebook pages. Indoor and outdoor arena hire seven days a week (subject to availability).
The fantastic photos from Connell Hill are generously provided by Lyndon McKee to illustrate the results and recognisecombinations that are doing well. If you would like to order a copy of a photo, you can contact via his Facebook page - proceeds all go to charity.
Clinic
Bringing in the New Year will see unregistered show jumping events running throughout January, as well as working hunter qualifiers and top-class clinics to suit all levels. Coming to Connell Hill on Saturday, January 18 is well-known top-class Champion show producer and rider, Richard Telford, who will travel from Scotland to run a Working Hunter and Flat Clinic at Connell Hill Equestrian. Open to all ages and abilities, you don’t have to be aiming for anything big or even interested in showing, this is a rare opportunity to ride under the instruction of Richard, a true professional who is super at teach-ins and all aspects of working on the Flat. Groups of four at £40 per person per hour. The clinic is high in demand. All enquiries, please contact Gillian Creighton directly on 07715 201787 for details. Payment secures your slot.
Dates for your Diary for 2025
Saturday, January 11: Unregistered show jumping training show, cross-poles to 1.20m;
Sunday, January 12: Connell Hill Working Hunter Show, incorporating NIF Qualifiers (Horses scheduled to run morning/am and Ponies afternoon/pm);
Saturday, January 18: One-Day Clinic at Connell Hill with Scottish-based show producer and rider Richard Telford. Contact Gillian directly on 07715 201787 for bookings and/or enquiries.
Sunday, January 19: Judges’ Assessment Day, organised by Ryan Anderson, is open to those of you who are interested in becoming a judge, come along and be assessed. Anyone with an interest is very welcome.
Saturday, January 25: Unregistered show jumping training show, cross-poles to 1.20m.
February 2025: Clinic at Connell Hill with top show producer Kirsty Aird, date to be confirmed. To register interest and further details are available by contacting Gillian Creighton on 07715 201787.
March 2025: Clinic at Connell Hill with UK-based top producer and rider Craig Kiddier. Craig is this year’s Supreme Working Hunter Champion of Champions at the Royal International Horse Show and Working Hunter Supreme Hunter at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show 2024. All details to be finalised and dates to be confirmed.
Everyone is very welcome.
RESULTS
Friday, December 27
Derby and Pony Club Barrier Spring Festival Arena Eventing
50cm:
Lily Crawford, Biscuit; Naoishe McPeake, Bear.
60cm:
1) Emily Dobbin, Ellie; 2) Lily Crawford, Biscuit; 3) Sarah Kirkpatrick, Volvo, =4) Katie Surgeoner, Joey; Julie Allen, Lily; Annabelle Breen, Tara.
70cm:
1) Isabel Herbison, Casper; 2) Julie Allen, Lily.
80cm:
1) Isabel Herbinson, Casper; 2) Jodie Anderson, Slideaway; 3) Carly Agnew, Harry.
90cm:
1) Callie Kennedy, Careen RocknRoller.
1m:
1) Holly Logan, Owen; 2) Beth Doherty, Cassie.
1.10m:
1) Beth Doherty, Cassie.
PC Qualifier 70cm:
1) Katie Surgenor, DS Ebony Boy 82.65 seconds; 2) Maia Rolston-McAuliffe, Kellora Sandstorm; 3) Sarah Kirkpatrick, Robe Archie.
PC Qualifier 80cm:
1) Katie Kilpatrick, Vales Rose Sparrow Gem - 86.98 seconds; 2) Hollie Surgeoner, Tullagh Hill Dutchess; 3) Katie Surgenor, DS Ebony Boy; 4) Annabel Manson, Dunraven Jolie; 5) Hannah Stoats Howard, Soda Stream; 6) Lacie McDowell, Cruella.
PC Qualifier 90cm:
1) Maeve Rolston-McAuliffe, Clashadoo Jay. 75.60 seconds; 2) Hollie Logan, Owen Shadow; 3) Amelia Wheeler, Lisnahall Miss Toffee; 4) Annabel Manson, Dunraven Jolie; 5) Ciaira Cormack, Tory’s Island Boy; 6) Caitlyn McCullough, Nonvic Kismet.
PC Qualifier 1m:
1) Maeve Rolston-McAuliffe, Clashadoo Jay. 83.30 seconds; 2) Grace Moore, Canadian Clipper; 3) Grace Moore, Dolly; 4) Caitylin McCullough, Nonvic Kismet; 5) Ciaira Cormack, Tory;s Island Bay; 6) Charlotte McAllister, Captain Missy Finn.