Hi folks,
The latest Horse&Field newsletter brings you an update on results, news and dates to note!
This weekend sees Area 17 of the Pony Club holding the first ever Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival at Castle Irvine, Necarne. Best wishes go to all those taking part and let’s hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend!

Hazeldene Farm, Ballynahinch held and RUAS Balmoral ‘Star of the Future’ Performance Horse qualifier on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, alongside their Arena Eventing classes - click on the link below to read more.
Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber had a busy time last weekend, as they held their Annual St Paddy’s Day Show - with ponies on Saturday and horses on Sunday.
Northern Lights NI Riding Club were ahead of the game, as they have held a showing series, which included demonstrations, hints and tips, as well as training shows.
Down Royal Racecourse has announced a new family race day, along with a new sponsor, with the additional date taking place on April 14.
On the national stage, the National Equine Forum has taken place and covered lots of relevant topics.
Also, in general local news, Titanic Hotel Belfast has announced a new charity partner, while elsewhere in the hospitality industry, The Salthouse Hotel, Ballycastle, has announced a massive new investment.
More details on these and more are available by clicking on the stories below or visiting Horse&Field and having a scroll through!
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 Autumn, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know!
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Thanks for reading!
In the news
Here are some of the latest articles on Horse&Field…
Please click on each story to read the article and see more photos:
Spring Festival first for Area 17
Area 17 of the Pony Club is hosting the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival Final in Castle Irvine, Necarne on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. This is the first time this final has been held in Northern Ireland and it is quite an undertaking to plan and host something on such a large scale. All Branches of Area 17 Pony Club worked together in …
Stars of the Future shine at Hazeldene RUAS qualifier
Hazeldene Farm, near Ballynahinch had a busy St Patrick’s Day, as they held an RUAS Balmoral ‘Star of the Future’ Performance Horse Qualifier, alongside their usual range of Arena Eventing classes. The day went well, with a challenging yet very educational course for horse and rider, built by Andrew Napier.
Enjoyment and serious contenders at Ardnacashel
What a great weekend it was at Ardnacashel Equestrian, Comber, at their Annual St Paddy's Show. Saturday, March 16 was the day for the ponies. Despite wet weather conditions, the day was filled with much enjoyment and serious contenders riding in front of judge, Miss Katie Scott from Co. Down.
Northern Lights NI club hosts successful Showing Series
The Northern Lights NI Riding Club took on the challenge of holding a couple of showing training shows at the RDA Causeway Coast and Glens Arena, Coleraine. The first show was held on January 28, when judge Richard Wilson shared his expertise and provided ‘hints and tips’ for riders to work on in preparation for the coming showing season.
Fibrus are off to the races as Down Royal Racecourse launches new family fixture
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal’s brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday, April 14. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year’s new race meeting, bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to 14.
NEF shines spotlight on cooperation, community and courage within the sector
The National Equine Forum (NEF), held in London earlier this month, embraced the importance of “cooperation, community and courage” to maintain the strength and integrity of the sector, as summarised by the NEF Vice Chair Dr Pat Harris.
Please visit Horse&Field to read more on each of these stories and others!