Momentum continues in local equine world
Bringing you local equestrian reports, results, photos and news
Hello everyone,
I hope you are looking forward to the weekend and, all being well, a chance to spend some time with your equine friends! The forecast is once again a bit wild, with another weather warning in place for strong winds and heavy rain on Sunday… Have you ever known there to be this many weather warnings?! Fingers crossed it won’t cause too much damage or disruption this time! With any luck, you will be able to make the most of the calmer conditions expected on Saturday to get out and ride - all the best to those who are competing.
The momentum is continuing - it has been another busy week, with lots to share with you here! The Flexi Eventing league has now concluded, with Catherine Cowan claiming the coveted title of champion for 2025 - well done, Catherine! There has also been show jumping and Working Hunter competitions, all-important awards nights and more!
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the latest equine news, as well as reports, results and pictures from local competitions and events over the past week or so, including Working Hunter at Connell Hill; the final qualifying leg of the Flexi Eventing at The Meadows; unregistered show jumping at Connell Hill; the showing and Working Hunter lecture and demo with Toni Donnelly at Danescroft; the SJI Ulster Region pony awards night at Corick House; the Dressage Ireland Northern Region quiz and awards night; and the latest from Strule Valley Riding Club.
Difficult decisions at Connell Hill Working Hunter
It was a busy weekend at Connell Hill, Randalstown, with a Working Hunter competition for both horses and ponies being held on Sunday, following the popular unregistered show jumping on Saturday.
Catherine is Flexi Eventing Champion for 2025
The rays of expectation were shining clearly at The Meadows on Saturday for the Final qualifying leg of the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing Series. The weather may have been cold, but it did nothing to detract from the excitement of the competitors, who had everything to play for, as the League Table showed precious little dividing the top 15 for who…
Connell Hill springs into action with a busy weekend of jumping
With Spring just around the corner, Valentine’s weekend at Connell Hill Equestrian leapt into action. With a noticeable chill in the air, there was nonetheless a heart-warming and friendly family atmosphere, as many young athletes travelled to Randalstown from Dublin and right across the country to jump their challenges competitively, with show jumping …
Toni Donnelly encourages competitors to prepare for the season ahead
The showing and Working Hunter season is just around the corner, so during half-term, Toni Donnelly took the opportunity to host a lecture and demonstration evening at Danescroft Equestrian Centre, Lisburn on Tuesday, February 11.
Pony show jumpers collect their silverware
Corick House Hotel, Clogher, Co Tyrone was a hive of excitement on Saturday, February 1, as Show Jumping Ireland Ulster Region pony athletes, along with their families, friends and supporters, gathered for their annual awards evening.
Dressage Ireland Northern Region celebrates a successful year
After a very successful year for Northern Region competitors, Dressage Ireland NR had a quiz and awards night to give out trophies and prizes. The quiz was put together perfectly by the quiz master Jim McConnell, DINR would like to extend a massive thank you to Jim for putting so much time and effort to make a very entertaining quiz.
Working Hunter qualifiers at Strule Valley
Strule Valley Riding Club held their Annual General Meeting in January, when Arlene Watson and Pippa were awarded the Dolly Mixture Perpetual Shield for attending the most Riding Club events in 2024.
In equestrian and local news:
Eastside Award recognises local woman for outstanding contribution to East Belfast
A local woman, who has dedicated her life to uplifting others, has been recognised at this year’s Eastside Awards, in association with Belfast City Airport. Jonathan McAlpin of East Belfast Enterprise presented Bernie McConnell with the Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution, acknowledging how one person can make an immeasurable difference.
EventWise NI announces inspiring women’s retreat at Castlerock
EventWise NI is thrilled to unveil its Reflect and Empower Women’s Retreat, an exclusive opportunity for women seeking inspiration, relaxation and personal growth. Taking place from May 16 to 18, 2025 at the stunning Downhill Beach House, Castlerock, this retreat offers a blend of transformative workshops, outstanding dining experiences and rejuvenating…
Just click anywhere on this email to open the Horse&Field page or click on any individual story to read it in full and see the fantastic images that accompany each of them!
Feel free to like the stories and share the links and do follow Horse&Field on Instagram: horseandfield2023 and, please note, the podcasts are now available on Spotify, as well as on the Substack page!
Further details on the above and more are available by clicking on the stories or visiting Horse&Field and having a scroll through - there are now over 1,000 articles to choose from, with a search facility to find what you wish to read!
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.
To new subscribers, welcome! You will receive this newsletter twice each week, as well as occasional emails in between - we want to keep you informed, but do not want to overload your inbox!
Please remember that Horse&Field will be updated on a regular basis and you can visit it at any time to find out what is happening. If you wish, you can download the Substack app; you can search online for: horseandfield.substack.com or, if you are subscribed, just click on the email.
If you have any articles or photos to contribute, queries or suggestions, or if there is someone you think deserves to be featured in Horse&Field, please do send an email to horseandfield@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!