Show jumpers brush up on skills at Connell Hill

Training Show gives competitors opportunity to jump at all levels

Connell Hill, Randalstown, saw the tracks set for a 10am start for their Training Show on Saturday, March 8, as cross-pole competitors, Isla Hanna and Sorcha Maher, took the opportunity to brush up on their skills in the indoor arena.

Ballyboley rider, Isla Hanna went on to compete again in the 50cm class to secure another lovely double clear. Winning riders in the 60cm class were Mya McKay, Alice Gregg and Lizzie Taylor, all coming out tops with super double clear rounds.

Rosette winners in the 60cm class at Connell Hill’s Training Show on Saturday. PICTURES: courtesy of Lyndon McKee

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Rihanna Wylie took first place in the 70cm class, followed by John McKirgan on ‘Dolly’ in second. Conan Boyle was spot on in the 80cm class on ‘Tullyrow Butternut’, who took first place in a good class of competitive riders.

The 90cm class saw Helen Forgrave on ‘Ziggy’, Ruby Hitchenor on ‘Misty’ and Leah Wylie on ‘Lylia’ capturing joint first place positions. Well done to Katie McLean and Katie Wray for taking the honours in the 1m class, with Katie Wray and ‘Buddy’ moving on up to impress, with another joint first place in the 1.10m class, along with Lisa Talbot Mitchell on ‘Bruce’.

Well done to everyone who took part!

Connell Hill is an excellent venue and a first-class facility to school around on a Saturday morning, with classes to suit all levels. There is always a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a great opportunity for riders, owners and spectators to socialise with a cup of coffee and a snack.

The next training show will take place this Saturday, March 15, starting at 10am, with classes from pony cross-poles (assisted/unassisted) up to 1.20m and everyone is very welcome. Entries are taken on the day.

Details of all events can be found on Gillian Creighton/and Connell Hill Facebook pages, and SJI Registered show dates are available on www.sjilive

Ruby Hitchenor and ‘Misty’ jumped clear in both the 90cm and 1m classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show on Saturday.

Additional Date for your Diary

Connell Hill will be hosting a two-day Working Hunter show, organised over the weekend of April 19 and 20. This show will take in all classes in preparation for the Northern Ireland Festival, and is one not to be missed. Entries online and further details available from Gillian Creighton Facebook pages.

Photography for all Connell Hill Events is available on the Lyndon McKee Photography Facebook page.

RESULTS

Saturday, March 8

Connell Hill Training Show

Pony cross-poles class:

Isla Hanna, Tiny; Sorcha Maher, Angel.

Sorcha Maher and ‘Angel’ jumped clear in the pony cross-poles class at Connell Hill’s Training Show on Saturday.

50cm class:

Isla Hanna, Tiny; Mya McKay, Glitter; Alice Gregg, Patchy; Lizzie Taylor, Chester; Alison Matthews, Darcy.

60cm class:

Alice Gregg, Patchy; Lizzie Taylor, Chester; Mya McKay, Glitter.

Alice Gregg and ‘Patchy’ jumped clear in both the 50cm and 60cm classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show on Saturday.

70cm class:

Rihanna Wylie, Shadow; John McKirgan, Dolly.

80cm class:

Conan Boyle, Tullyrow Butternut; Janene Gamble, Bouncer; Caitlin Foster, Atlas; Heather George, Jenson, Leah McCord, Rosedale Tilly.

90cm class:

Helen Foregrave, Ziggy; Leah Wylie, Lilia; Ruby Hitchenor, Misty; Keith McDonald, Sienna; Caitlin Foster, Atlas; Leah McCord, Rosedale Tilly.

Caitlin Foster and ‘Atlas’ jumped clear in both the 80cm and 90cm classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show on Saturday.

1m class:

Katie McLean, Freddie; Katie Wray, Buddy; Ruby Hitchenor, Misty; Keith McDonald, Sienna.

1.10m class:

Katie Wray, Buddy; Lisa Talbot Mitchell, Bruce.