Monsoons don't deter equestrian stalwarts
Reports, results, photos and news from the local equine world
Hello everyone,
What a difference a week makes! The sunshine made a welcome return this past week, after what can only be described as monsoon conditions last weekend. It must have been heartbreaking for show organisers when the rain arrived and then just kept coming, but with all the arrangements in place and, in many cases, entries already received, most activities went ahead as planned.
Kudos to all the judges, stewards and volunteers, who endured what was probably the soaking of their lives in order to keep the show on the road… Not to speak of the many competitors, whose dedication and hard work in washing and plaiting and turning out their mounts impeccably was tested to the limit. The phrase ‘keep calm and carry on’ was never more apt!
The summer schedule continues to offer a huge choice to equestrian enthusiasts, with Newry Show and Tamniarn Annual Charity Gymkhana among the offerings next weekend, as well as a midweek league commencing for Strule Valley Riding Club - as listed below.
These events and many more are detailed further in the Horse&Field calendar, which currently lists dates right up until the end of the year. So why not take a moment and grab a cuppa, get your diary out and plan your summer equine outings?
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 previews of Newry Show; Tamniarn Annual Charity Gykhana; and Strule Valley Riding Club Annual Summer Show jumping league; news of the 10,000th water treadmill session at the Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre; coverage of Armagh Show; the show jumping league finale at Hagans Croft; SJI Horse Show at Connell Hill; the Summer Dressage league at Laurel View; information on the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026; and a call for help with an equine weight management survey; as well as local news on Kathryn Callaghan’s latest art exhibition and on Genesis’ new cake range.
All roads lead to Newry Show
Newry Show is set to take place on Saturday, June 28, with the Horse and Pony Section, being run by Otterglen Riding Club, at 12-18 Derrywilligan Road, Newry. Horse and pony classes are being sponsored by The Willow Veterinary Clinic, Portadown and Markethill.
Get set for Tamniarn Annual Charity Gymkhana
Tamniarn Annual Charity Gymkhana is planned to be held at Hillhead Road, Castledawson on Saturday, June 28 at 11am.
Strule Valley club gets set for Annual Summer Show jumping League
Strule Valley Riding Club’s Annual Summer Show jumping League commences on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 and continues on Wednesdays, July 2 and 9, with the final on Wednesday, July 16 at Castle Irvine, Necarne.
10,000th water treadmill session at IERFC
The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre opened the first equine water treadmill with an incline available for use by the public in Ireland. The centre has now just held its 10,000th water treadmill session, with Jessica Rogers and her young horse ‘Sky’ receiving the landmark session.
Braving the elements at Armagh Show
Perhaps surprisingly, the bad weather on Saturday did not have a big impact on entries at Armagh County Show, as most competitors braved the heavy rain to take part.
Wet but winning day at Hagans Croft
Saturday, June 14 saw the final week of Hagans Croft Equestrian's show jumping league being held at the Bailiesmills venue. After weeks of lovely weather, Saturday saw torrential rain throughout, however, this did not dampen competitors’ spirits, as for those who were competing in the league... Rosettes and prizes were up for grabs, therefore rain or no…
Lucy doubles up at Connell Hill
The SJI Horse Summer League continued at Connell Hill, Randalstown on Thursday, June 12, with classes running from 80cm up to 1.30m. Competitors made the most of a dry day to jump round a well-built track on the super surface in the centre’s outdoor arena.
Summer Dressage Days at Laurel View
The 2025 Laurel View Summer Dressage League got off to a solid start on Sunday, May 25 at the Templepatrick venue. It was great to welcome back lots of familiar faces, but also some new to the Laurel View arenas.
Nominations open for Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026
Nominations are now open for the National Equine Forum (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026. This award honours outstanding individuals or organisations in the equine sector, who strive to make a difference but have not yet been recognised. The online nomination process is quick and easy; the form can be found
Feed manufacturer calls for help with weight management survey
The SPILLERSTM Brand is urging owners of overweight horses and ponies to take part in their new weight management survey. The results will help the trusted feed manufacturer to shape their weight management support resources into exactly what owners need to help them with their horses’ weight loss journeys. As a thank you for participating, three lucky …
In local news:
Kathryn Callaghan Exhibition tees off on the north coast
Co Down artist Kathryn Callaghan has launched her ‘Irish Golf’ artworks of 13 iconic Irish links golf courses exhibition.
Genesis Bakery launches new irresistibly indulgent 'afters' cake range
After a year in development, Genesis Bakery has proudly unveiled its most exciting own-brand innovation yet, nine uniquely flavoured Afters cakes. This luxurious new range of handcrafted cakes are made with love and designed to elevate everyday teatime moments into indulgent experiences.
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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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