Inter-schools’ Show jumping League kicks off in spectacular fashion at The Meadows

2023 league showcases skill, determination and teamwork

The highly anticipated first leg of the TRI Equestrian NI Inter-schools’ show jumping league for 2023 took place at the prestigious Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan on Saturday, September 16, captivating equestrian enthusiasts and showcasing the incredible talent of young riders from schools across the region. The thrilling competition unfolded over two arenas, delivering a remarkable display of skill, determination and teamwork.

Pippa Moore and ‘Scooby Bee’, winners of the Open Individual class.

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In the 50cm Primary School class, Thomas Abernethy from Stewartstown Primary School emerged as the victor, demonstrating exceptional riding abilities aboard the remarkable ‘Forman Sweet Charity’.

The Primary Teams category witnessed an outstanding display of teamwork, with the High Flyers emerging as the triumphant winners, ensuring they take an early lead on the League Leaderboards.

Evelyn O’Neill and ‘Jigsaw’ were part of the winning 50cm team, the Tullylagan Mix Ups.

Hunterhouse College celebrated victory in the Secondary Teams category, showcasing their unwavering commitment and undeniable talent. Additionally, Jack Cowan from Lurgan Junior High School emerged as the Secondary Individual champion, with a flawless ride atop ‘Edentrillick Honey Bee’.

Jack Cowan and ‘Edentrillick Honey Bee’, winners of the 75cm Secondary Individual class.

Lurgan College soared to victory in the Novice Teams category, displaying exceptional teamwork, precision and horsemanship. Isabella Irwin from Hunterhouse College claimed the Novice Individual title, after a remarkable performance aboard the magnificent ‘Sam’.

The Open 1m Teams division witnessed a fierce competition, with the Down High Flyers from Down High School emerging as the triumphant champions.

In a remarkable display of talent, Pippa Moore from Moira Primary School showcased her exceptional riding skills, claiming a well-deserved victory in the Open 1m Individual category with her trusted partner, ‘Scooby Doo’.

The day's exhilarating events culminated in the highly anticipated Open Premier class, where Cookstown High School's Kym Moore delivered a mesmerising performance aboard the extraordinary ‘Lilly’.

Kym Moore and ‘Lilly’, winners of the Premier Individual class.

As the first leg of the league draws to a close, anticipation builds for the upcoming events, promising more exhilarating displays of equestrian excellence and camaraderie. The next leg takes place this Saturday, September 30. 

RESULTS

Saturday, September 16

Class 1 - Primary Individual 50cm:

1) Thomas Abernethy, Forlan Sweet Charity, Stewartstown Primary School; 2) Erin Bates, Aughmore Dante, Woods PS; 3) Bobbi O'Hagan, Firefly, St Jarlath’s Primary School; 4) Zara Moore, AppleJack, Cookstown PS); 5) Poppy Moore, Star of Dawn, Dromore Central; 6) Zac Bradley, Susie, Fairhill Primary School.

Class 2 - Primary Teams 50cm:

1) Tully Lagan Mix Up: Erin Bates, Aughmore Dante; Dara Currie, Belles Boy; Thomas Abernethy, Forlan Sweet Charity; Evelyn O’Neill, Jigsaw; 2) Clare Primary School: Eliza Burke, Drumhass Diamond; Em-J Crawford, Dillon; Annie Crawford, Benson; 3) Mega Mix: Maisy Wright, Dinky; Zara Moore, Applejack; Poppy Moore, Star of Dawn; Zac Bradley, Susie.

Class 3 - Primary Individual 60cm:

1) Bella Murtagh, Tickles, Lisnadill PS; 2) Sofia Taylor, Scarlett Multipla, St Joseph's Carnacaville; 3) Harriet O'Hagan, Firefly, St Jarlath’s Primary School; 4) Mark Brown, Joey, Ballydown PS; 5) Lois Murtagh, Freddie, Lisnadill PS; 6) Kim McKevlin, Jessie, Irvinestown Primary School.

Class 4 - Primary Teams 65/70cm:

1) Highflyers: Charlie Watson, Golden Grove Miss Markle; Henry McCarthy, Balnashallog Goldfinch; Lee Pike, Fudge; Charlie Watson, Socks; 2) Stewartstown Primary School: Isobel Abernethy, Shadow of a Star; Kathryn Walker, Dagda Mellow; Zara Abernethy, Greendown Ozzy; Sophia Newell, Barnfield Splash of Colour.

Lee Pike and ‘Fudge’ were part of the winning 70cm Primary team, the High Flyers.

Class 5 - Primary Individual 70cm:

1) Lee Pike, Fudge, Aughnacloy Primary School; 2) Molly Reid, Little Me, Riverdale PS; 3) Zara Abernethy, Greendown Ozzy, Stewartstown Primary School; 4) Henry McCarthy, Balnashallog Goldfinch, Downshire Primary; 5) Kathryn Walker, Dagda Mellow, Stewartstown Primary School; 6) Sarah Wilson, Didi, Broughshane PS.

Class 6 - Secondary Teams 75cm:

1) Hunterhouse College: Lilly Totten, Diamond; Robyn Rice, Holiday Kruising; Ava Phillips Martin, Tara’s Lady; Isabella Irwin, Sam; 2) Victoria College Cranmore: Jennifer Thursfield, Silver Button; Martha McMurray, Woodrow Rosewood; Jennifer Tate, Danny Girl; Poppy McMurray, Finding Nemo; 3) Victoria College Richmond: Amelia Irwin, Jack; Georgia Shannon, Daisy; Susannah Tate, Blaze; Martha McMurray, Willow.

Class 7 - Secondary Individual 75cm:

1) Jack Cowan, Edentrillick Honeybee, Lurgan Junior High School; 2) Rosie Strain, Angel, SHGS; 3) Eva McConnell, Old Orchard Spirit, RSA; 4) Carraig McLarnon, Deerfin Tilly, St Louis Grammar B/Mena; 5) Jessica McGonigle, Roz, Castlederg High School; 6) Emma Baird, Sprite, Banbridge Academy.

Class 8 - Novice Teams 85cm:

1) Lurgan College: Kirsten Bailie, Dappledelight; Katie Robinson, Ophelia Cruise; Kirsten Bailie, Bluebell; Catherine Cowan, TBC; 2) Dromore High School: Jenna Morton, Mountview Misty Morning; Zara Reid, Greylands Diamond Girl; Isaac McCarthy, Balnashallog Goldfinch; Reannah McIlroy, French Connection; 3) Dromore High School: Izzy Irvine, Clear Water; Isaac McCarthy, Hollywood Pippin; Ella McCrory, Bobby Dazzler; Zara Reid, Kingsman Dave.

Kirsten Bailie and ‘Bluebell’ were part of the winning Novice team from Lurgan College.

Class 9 - Novice Individual 85cm:

1) Isabella Irwin, Sam, Hunterhouse College; 2) Lucy Orrr, Jazzy Susie, Royal School Dungannon; 3) Kirsten Bailie, Bluebell, Lurgan College; 4) Erin Doherty, Consider It Dun, Methodist College Belfast; 5) Jack Cowan, Edentrillick Honey Bee, Lurgan Junior High; 6) Katie Niblock, Star, Kilkeel High School.

Class 10 - Open Teams 1m:

1) Down High Flyers: Ellen MacNabb, Bonecastle Lass; Emma Williamson, Triple Birdy; Cara MacNabb, Melody Maker; James Murphy, Roundstone Star Express; 2) Assumption Grammar: Ruby Kinkaid, PJ; Riona Savage, Woodstock P; Megan Savage, Coffee Luike Thunder; Anna Morrow, Patsy Fagan; 3) St Catherine’s College Armagh: Grace Harney, Kylestone Diamond Lass; Shannon Curran, Mirdads Jeebral; Rebecca Rafferty, Ice King; Una McClelland, Tullyheady Blaze.

The winning Open Team, the Down High Flyers, Ellen Macnabb, Cara Macnabb, James Murphy and Emma Williamson.

Class 11 - Open Individual 1m:

1) Pippa Moore, Scooby Doo, Moira PS; 2) Lucy Crawford, Cardento Diamond, Wallace High School; 3) Shannon Curran, Mirdads Jeebral, Saint Catherine's College, Armagh; 4) Soul-be Courtney, The Dark Knight Rises, Regent House; 5) Lucy Orr, Jazzy Susie, Royal School Dungannon; 6) Jenna Morton, Estella Great Expectations, Dromore High School.

Class 12 - Premier Open Individual 1.10m:

1) Kym Moore, Lilly, Cookstown HS; 2) Holly Ross, Ech Feirin, Belfast Royal Academy; 3) James Murphy, Kylestone Carrick Prince, Down High School; 4) Kym Moore, Lucy, Cookstown HS; 5) Holly Ross, Star of Hollymount, Belfast Royal Academy; 6) Elle West, Magherard Celtic, Victoria College Belfast.