Area 21 (Northern Ireland) of the Side Saddle Association (UK) held their AGM and annual prize giving recently in Belfast. It was encouraging to see so many members turn out to support their colleagues and their association. Chair of Area 21, Megan Hamill, gave a very full report on the numerous activities provided for the members over the last year. This included three affiliated Area shows, each with a variety of classes on offer, two judges came over from GB to judge and one local qualified judge adjudicated at one show.
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There were two-day clinics held in October, February, April and May, with two clinics in July. At each clinic, a qualified instructor came across from GB.
The SSA thanked Lurgan and Armagh Shows for holding affiliated side saddle classes at their shows, which were open to both members and non-members.
Megan Hamill was re-elected as Chair; Shirley Anderson was re-elected as Hon. Treasurer and Suzanne Glenn was elected as Hon. Secretary. Both Amanda Blackmore and Julie Donaghy-Simpson were re-elected as committee members.
The many trophies were distributed amongst the members, who were all delighted that their commitment to side saddle through the year was rewarded.
Looking forward, there will be a clinic at Danescroft with Penny Clarke in November, other dates to be confirmed.
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For further information on side saddle, please look at the SSA website: www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk or make contact through Facebook: Side saddle Association Area 21.
Unfortunately, they are unable to assist those wishing to try side saddle if they do not have their own horse/pony. They have one saddle that fits most horses/ponies and most riders that can be borrowed for lessons. Lynne Tennis is a qualified side saddle instructor.
AWARDS
Points Champion Cup - for Overall Adult Points:
1) Julie Donaghy-Simpson; 2) Shirley Anderson; 3) Ellie McCann; 4) Suzi McClean; 5) Suzanne Glenn; 6) Megan Hamill.
Area 21 Points Cup - for the member with the most points gained for Area 21 and SSA affiliated events, and who has not won the overall Points Champion award:
1) Shirley Anderson; 2) Julie Donaghy-Simpson; 3) Ellie McCann; 4) Suzi McClean; 5) Suzanne Glenn; 6) Megan Hamill.
The Madrigal Salver - most Unaffiliated Points:
1) Ellie McCann; 2) Julie Donaghy-Simpson; 3) Olivia Connolly; 4) Lisa O’Gorman; 5) Suzi McClean; 6) Shirley Anderson.
Moondust Perpetual Cup, for Overall Junior Points:
Lauren O’Rourke.
Equitation Trophy - SSA Membership Equitation Points Card signed by the judge as per SSA Open Equitation Points rules. 5 points for 1st, 4 points for 2nd, 3 points for 3rd and 3 points for anyone who completes the class (9 points qualifies for the SSA National Show). The winner is the member with most qualifying points on her card for SSA affiliated Open Equitation classes:
Julie Donaghy-Simpson.
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Sylvia Steele Dressage Cup - Dressage points and percentages only for dressage tests ridden in Ireland:
Suzi McClean.
Star Trophy - Most improved adult rider:
Hannah Ogle.
Squirrel of Netherleigh Cup - Most Improved Junior Rider:
Lauren O’Rourke.
National Show Rosettes - Awarded to Area 21 members who took part at the SSA National Show:
Shirley, Julie, Mikey, Megan, Melissa, Kirsten.
The Helen Morgan Cup for the Best Rider - Awarded to the Best Side Saddle Rider as voted for by visiting judges and instructors. The Reserve Best Side Saddle Rider receives a rosette and those nominated for the Best or Reserve Best Rider shall each receive a rosette:
Best Rider: Suzi McClean; Reserve Best Rider: Shirley Anderson.
Nominated: Ellie McCann, Hannah Ogle, Lisa O’Gorman, Lauren O’Rourke, Lisa Smitton.