Honouring outstanding contributions with Equine Awards NI

Celebrating the incredible spirit within the local equestrian community

After many months of anticipation, the second running of the Equine Awards NI was held on Saturday, October 7 with a black tie reception being held in Titanic Belfast.

These awards were set up to recognise and honour the remarkable achievements, outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication displayed by individuals, businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland’s equine sector.

Best Equestrian Centre 2023, from left, Scott, Lesley, Paul and Ruth picking up their award for Knockagh View.

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The evening gave all those present the opportunity to celebrate the incredible spirit within the equestrian community and to applaud the tireless efforts of those who go above and beyond in their dedication to making a difference.

Taylor Lee Doyle, Rising Stars 60cm Show jumping Champion, pictured with her mum and dad.

After a drinks reception in the foyer, guests made their way upstairs to the function room for dinner, musical entertainment (two fantastic bands played during the meal) and the long-awaited awards ceremony, which was held on the iconic staircase.

Pictured at the drinks reception, from left, Amy Cope, Deen Haggan and Ellie Johnston, who was a runner up in the Photographer of the Year.

Following the presentation of the awards and photos being taken of all the winners, a raffle was held, in aid of this year’s charity partner Equine Halfway House.

The dancing then commenced!

Samantha Hayes and ‘Summer’ the Therapy Horse, who won a Special Recognition Award.

AWARD WINNERS

RISING STARS SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONS

30cm Assisted Show jumping Champion: Lucy Mackey

30cm Unassisted Show jumping Champion: Amelia Logan

50cm Show jumping Champion: Kacie Wickie

60cm Show jumping Champion: Taylor-Lee Doyle

75cm Show jumping Champion: Lacey McLaughlin

90cm Show jumping Champion: Abi Gardner

Emilie McCullough, Kacie Wickie, Lucy Mackey, Ellie-Mae McConnell and Sophie McCullough all attended the Rising Stars Qualifiers.

RISING STARS DRESSAGE CHAMPIONS

Mini Assisted Dressage Champion: Luisa Langsford

Mini Unassisted Dressage Champion: Grace Jackson

Midi Dressage Champion: Tommy Wakfer

Junior Dressage Champion: Eve Adair

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT DRESSAGE SERIES CHAMPIONS

Senior Intro/ new Prelim Dressage Champion: Hannah Morris

Senior Prelim/ Novice Dressage Champion Award: Maya Constable

Senior Elementary/ PYO Dressage Champion: Sharon McGimpsey

A group of Rising Stars, from left, Megan Deery, Charlotte Muir, Grace Jackson, Rhea McMullan, Tommy Wakfer, Hannah Morris and Eve Adair.

EQUINE AWARDS

Clipping and Grooming

Winner: Aaron Campbell; Runner Up: Km Equine.

Equine Services

Winner: Healy’s Haylage; Runner Up: Maid in the Country

Equine Vet & Services - this category had two winners

Joint Winners: Jeni Lyons Veterinary Physiotherapy; Parklands Veterinary Group; Runner Up: Equine Physique & Motion.

Carriage Drivers

Winner: L & M Carriages; Runner Up: Megan McOuat.

Sam Crothers and Megan McOuat were both among the award winners on the night.

Best Groom: Gemma Parks

Best Equine Product

Amazing Skincare Winner: Botanica

Best Bedding Product: Boyd Bedding

Best Equine Product: Healys Haylage

Best Equestrian Centre

Winner: Knockagh View

Outstanding Achievement: Danescroft Equestrian Centre

Runners Up: Mount Pleasant; Lessans; Lime Park; Mossvale; Narrow Water; Ballylagan.

Riding School Instructor

Joint Winners: Tori Farr, Rathlane Farm; Chloe Hicks, Lime Park Equestrian; Runners Up: David Agnew, Lime Park Equestrian; Laura Miller, Lime Park Equestrian; Gosia Zapala, Lime Park Equestrian.

Best Independent Trainer

Winner: Penny Sangster; Highly Commended: Kirsty Jackson; Highly Commended: Lynne Tennis.

Best Trainee Coach: Ruth Kavanagh Smith.

Best Horse Transport: Equitrans.

Best Saddler: The Irish Saddler.

Best Saddle Fitter: Tamlaght Equestrian Care; Highly Commended: Freedom Saddlery.

Volunteer of the Year: Carlene McCullough; Runner Up: Barbara Faulkner.

Changing Lives Through Horses

Winner: Tullynewbank Stables; Runner Up: Equine Physique and Motion.

Best Equine Health Specialist

Winner: Loughshore Equestrian; Highly Commended: Equi-formance; Runner Up: Westfield Equine Reiki.

Best Livery Yard

Winner: Brookhill Horse Holidays; Highly Commended: Rathlane Farm; Runner Up: Craigantlet House Stables.

Best Farrier

Winner: PD Farrier Services; Runners Up: Thomas Britton Farrier Services; Caolan Kelly Farriery; Adrian Sheridan.

Kelsey Ward pictured with Paul Donnelly of PD Farrier Services, who was the Best Farrier winner.

Adventures With Horses - each Finalist Received an Award for the Amazing Work They Do:

Ballylagan Trail Rides; Aria’s Adventures Donegal to Dingle Trek; Mount Pleasant Equestrian Centre.

Equine Retailers

Winner: Copa Equestrian; Runners Up: Wildwest NI; Thyolo Equestrian.

Young Persons Special Recognition Award - 2 Awards in This Category:

Niamh Fitzpatrick; Ellie-Mae McConnell.

Special Recognition Award - Each Finalist Received an Award for the Amazing Work They Do:

Irish Equine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre; Roger Gordon Master Saddler; Summer the Therapy Horse; Ted McLaughlin; Sam Crothers, TGCA.

Photographer of the Year

Winner: Dara McCracken Images; Runners Up: Ellie Johnston Photography; Kyra Griffin Photography.

Outstanding in Their Profession:

Janie Cairns; Tori Farr; Michelle Boyd.

Lifetime Achievement Award (in memory of Debbie Osborough)

Winner: Philippa Auret.

Special Contribution Award

Winner: Paul Johnston.

Dr Valerie Westfield of Westfield Equine Reiki was runner up in the Best Equine Health Specialist category.