Northern Lights NI club hosts successful Showing Series
Training shows and clinic demonstrations help with show season preparations
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.
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The range of classes gave the opportunity for ‘Young Handlers’ to exhibit their pride and joy; there was the ‘Newcomers’ class for anyone that was relatively new to showing; classes for cobs, Racehorse to Riding Horse, Connemaras and Hunter and Show Pony classes.
The vision of the organisers was to provide these training showing shows to enable riders and handlers to come out amongst other equine enthusiasts, expand their horsey knowledge and use the opportunity to socialise their young stock.
It was decided to take it a step further and hold a showing clinic on February 25, during which participants were very fortunate to have Jenny Lindsay, Amy Taylor and Colleen McCormack Murtagh in the saddle. Richard started the evening, giving an introduction to his showing career and how it grew from a young lad helping his granddad to then working at Maddybenny, during which time Eavan and the late Phillip White put him through his exams, starting his showing journey, for which he stated he will always be grateful to them for their insight and belief in him.
Richard introduced another guest speaker from Sligo. Gemma Baird, who founded Equimassage NW some years ago and, whilst residing in Sligo, she travels to cover the whole of the north west of Ireland, providing a professional and affordable service with testimonies to support her work through mechanical and manual massage techniques. On conclusion of Gemma’s demonstration, she took the time for a Q&A session.
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The evening progressed with Richard and riders demonstrating, whilst he talked through what a judge is looking for from both a rider and mount perspective, including correct show attire. There was the opportunity for Q&As and it was lovely to hear attendees engaging with Richard and taking full advantage of his knowledge.
The last of the showing training shows was held on Sunday, March 10.
The club’s next show is the Easter Cash Back Show on Saturday, March 30 at RDA Causeway Coast and Glens Arena, Coleraine. The jumping phase starts at 10am for horse 60cm cross-jumping in the outdoor arena (incorporates working hunter and show jumping fences).
The showing starts 9.30am indoors. Organisers are delighted to announce the showing judges as follows:
Pony Judge – Mrs Desna Lewis
Conformation Judge for Show Horses – Mrs Hilary Gibson
Ride Judge – Miss Katie Crozier
Check out the club’s Facebook @ Northern Lights NI Riding Club or Instagram @ Northernlightsniridingclub1 and enter the current competition for a free entry at the Easter Cash Back Show keep up-to-date with events.
Remember that the Riding For Disabled facilities are not only available for equestrian use, other clubs can make a booking via Welcome to Causeway Coast Arena (ecpro.co.uk), then select the ‘Facilities’ option to view availability.
RESULTS
Sunday, March 10
Showing Training Show
In-Hand Yearling, two and three-year-olds M&M and all breeds:
1) Helen Forgrave, Shambo Silver (3yr old Connemara).
In-Hand Yearling, two and three-year-olds Connemara:
1) Katie Kelly, Craigmore Rock N Roll; 2) Helen Forgrave, Shambo Silver.
Young Handler:
1) Harry Campbell, Classiebawn Headlass; 2) Darcy McMichael, Topper; 3) Darcy Campbell, Stella.
Well done rosettes were presented to:
Cali White, Honeysuckle; Ella White, Tootsie.
In-Hand Championship
Champion: Harry Campbell, Classiebawn Headlass; Reserve: Helen Forgrave, Shambo Silver.
Ridden Show Pony / Show Hunter Pony Lead Rein:
1) Ruby Cameron, Blackjack - three-year-old ‘Ruby’ has taken to showing as if she has been in the saddle for years.
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M&M Lead Rein:
1) Archie McAuley, Rocky - this was Archie’s debut show, following in his big sister Grace’s footsteps and ‘Rocky’ was a superstar.
First Ridden:
1) Grace McAuley, Konnie.
Ridden Mini Pony Championship
Champion: Ruby Cameron, Blackjack; Reserve: Grace McAuley, Konnie.
Connemara class:
1) Chloe Connon, Breezy Boost; 2) Harry Campbell, Classiebawn Headlass.
Show Pony / Show Hunter Pony:
1) Kjerstin Chissel, Greendown Rene; 2) Rebecca Coulter, Jackets Enchantment; 3) Caitlin Weatherup, Breezy Boost.
Veteran Pony (15 years and over):
1) Harry Campbell, Classiebawn Headlass; 2) Caitlin Weatherup, Breezy Boost; 3) Rebecca Coulter, Jackets Enhancement.
Ridden Pony Championship
Champion: Kjerstin Chissel, Greendown Rene; Reserve: Chloe Connon, Breezy Boost.
Ridden Horses
Newcomer:
1) Simon Carson, Vinnie.
Ridden Hunter (Light, Middle & Heavy Weights):
1) Kathryn Knox, Springvale O’Grady; 2) Geoffrey Glass, Deano.
Ridden Cob (Light, Middle & Maxi Weights):
1) Cherie McHugh, Mister All Sorts.
Small & Large Riding Horse:
1) Aoife O’Hagan, Chantilly On The Rocks.
Ridden Horse Championship
Champion: Cherie McHugh, Mister All Sorts; Reserve: Kathryn Knox, Springvale O’Grady.