Pre-Dublin Show proves popular for Northern Lights NI Riding Club

Working Hunter and Ridden Showing Show draws a crowd to Dirraw Farm Equestrian

Sunday, August 4 saw the Northern Lights NI Riding Club hold a Pre-Dublin Show at Dirraw Farm Equestrian, Finvoy, by kind permission of the Campbell family. With four rings working simultaneously, it was a very busy day; initially the weather was kind, however, in true NI fashion, this was not to last and the wet, breezy weather moved in for the later part of the show.

It was lovely to see many familiar faces taking full advantage of the opportunity to compete on grass over a technical and challenging working hunter course, designed by Adam Stevenson.

C Holmes and ‘Lady’ competing in the unassisted 50cm class at the Pre-Dublin Show held by Northern Lights NI Riding Club at Dirraw Farm.

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Putting on a show of this caliber has its challenges, though with the fantastic sponsorship of £250 for the Supreme Champion and £100 for the Reserve Supreme Champion, kindly sponsored by Dan’s Bistro, Portglenone and all other Championships being sponsored by The Lodge Hotel Coleraine, the club were delighted to be able to offer such fantastic prizes.

Competitors enjoyed the opportunity to compete on grass over a technical and challenging working hunter course, designed by Adam Stevenson.

Richard Wilson ‘spear-headed’ the whole event from its inception throughout (organisers have actually called it Richard’s Show); Richard worked tirelessly, sourcing sponsors to ‘come on board’, helping to make the show one not to be missed.

A massive thank you is extended to the following for their generosity:

Canine Comforts

Ritchie’s Equestrian and Country Store, Rasharkin

Emily Gallagher

Caroline Gaston – Earthtec Ltd

Naked Beauty by Aine McPeake, Portglenone

Old Stone Veterinary Clinic

McFall’s Butchers, Portglenone

Liam McKee - Drenagh House

Michael Dunlop

Louise Dunlop

Steele’s Farm Supplies, Ballymoney

Doagh Equestrian Store, Ballyclare

Brian Wall, Farrier Services

Montgomery Nurseries and Garden Centre, Maghera

Flower Bee Florist, Coleraine

Millbrae Cottage Nursery, Ballymoney

It was a very busy day, with four rings working simultaneously.

To the judges, Richard Iggulden, Victoria Teuton, Victoria Clarke-Mullen and Sarah Brashaw, organisers are indebted to them all for their professionalism, expertise and encouraging feedback to the competitors – thank you!

As the day drew to a close, the Supreme Championship was won by Jamie Smyth on ‘Highview Automatic’, bred by Shirley Hurst and the Reserve Supreme Champion went to Harry Campbell on ‘Teddy’.

No show is possible without its helpers, they not only ensured the day ran smoothly but they also added to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The very professional team of judges gave encouraging feedback to the competitors at the Pre-Dublin Show.

Photographer for the day was Caitlin Munnis Photography, please contact Caitlin directly for enquiries and orders. Thank you to everyone for their kind feedback and support; the Northern Lights have added this show to their annual calendar of events and plans are already underway for 2025.

They will be donating to Air Ambulance NI and thank those that contributed to this worthy cause.

Dates for your diary:

Sunday, September 1 - End of Summer Show at RDA Coleraine.

Check out the club’s Facebook page @ Northern Lights NI Riding Club or Instagram @ Northernlightsniridingclub1 and keep up-to-date with events.