Here's to a Healthy, Happy and Horsey New Year!
Local equine reports, results and some fantastic photos from festive outings
Hi folks,
Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to the year and the competition season ahead. Unfortunately, it has been a difficult festive period for some this Christmas, so I would like to spare a thought for those whose loved ones have been ill and for those who have lost someone special at such a difficult time of year.
Equine activities are beginning to get back into gear, so there are some reports and fabulous photos to share here, from various competitions and from a super day out with the Antrim Chase! As 2025 gets underway, if you are thinking about your possible equine exploits for the year ahead, please do have a look at the Horse & Field calendar, where you can plan your horse and pony activities for the weeks and even months ahead - there are currently dates listed right through until the spring.
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 Antrim Chase meeting at Bellaghy on New Year’s Day; the rescheduled Christmas Show at Knockagh View; the Annual Christmas Show jumping Show at Ardnacashel; and the Christmas Cracker Show at Ecclesville.
Antrim Chase kick off the New Year in style at Bellaghy
By P Weir (Chair) - Antrim Chase is a charity organisation, which was started by George Graham and family in 2010. Like traditional hunts, the rides commence in late October and continue through until March.
Festive theme at Knockagh View Christmas Show
Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland, ran their rescheduled Christmas Show on Saturday, December 28. There was a definite festive vibe at the show, with very appropriately named classes, which ran from the Jingle All The Way 30cm up to the Mulled Wine 90cm, as well as a Festive Obstacle class and a rather creative Fancy Dress class.
Smashing turnout for Christmas Show jumping at Ardnacashel
What a great day it was at Ardnacashel Equestrian’s Annual Christmas Show jumping Show, sponsored by Holmestead Saddlery, on Sunday, December 29. There was a smashing turnout and each and every competitor gave it their best shot. The competition was hot, yet healthy - organisers hope that everyone had as enjoyable a day as the Ardnacashel Team did!
A cracker of a show to round up 2024 at Ecclesville!
Ecclesville’s Christmas Cracker Show was a great event, with competitors coming from far and wide to jump Raymond Caldwell’s courses! The competitors got into the festive spirit and turned out in an array of festive costumes and tinsel!
Looking ahead, Corey Mawhinney is hosting a polework clinic at Danescroft - find out the details here:
Improve your polework with Corey Mawhinney
For anyone whose New Year goals include improving their riding skills, coach and judge, Corey Mawhinney, who has featured on this page recently, will be offering his coaching services on Monday, January 13.
In general equine and local news:
Global leader in equine nutrition to lead free nutrition webinar
Professor Pat Harris, one of the world’s leading authorities on equine nutrition, will be sharing her considerable knowledge at the SPILLERS™ brand’s forthcoming webinar on Caring for the Senior Horse on January 16, 2025. Pat will be joining Sarah Nelson, SPILLERS Nutritionist and Product Manager to share valuable insights to help you care for your seni…
Over 20,000 votes cast for Eastside Awards favourites
Finalists of the ninth Eastside Awards, in association with Belfast City Airport, have been arrived at from a diverse range of entries received across all categories.
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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 spring, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know by emailing: horseandfield@gmail.com!
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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