VIDEO VENTURE: So much more than dressage at Castle Irvine weekend...

Dressage at Home and International ran its second residential camp and Gala Show at Castle Irvine, Necarne at the start of October.

Emma Hobson had organised multiple lessons for participants on Friday and Saturday, alongside talks, demonstrations, a car boot sale (with proceeds going to Air Ambulance NI) and, perhaps among the most special moments, opportunities to hack in the amazing grounds of the picturesque Co Fermanagh estate!

The Equine Parasite talk by Ashley Neely proved popular during the residential camp.

The range of instructors was fantastic and included familiar names, such as Kyle Hayes, Chris Bogues, Craig Hills, international dressage rider Katie Burns, Fiona Gerring and Christine McBride - the feedback from them afterwards was every bit as positive as that from the riders, who ranged in ability and experience from beginners right up to accomplished dressage riders. Those I spoke to all took home lots of positives from the weekend and were unanimous in their praise of Emma, Dressage at Home and, of course, the wonderful setting of Necarne!

Craig Hills with a group of riders during one of the lesson as Castle Irvine.

Sunday saw the Gala Show being held, with a long list of classes on the schedule to appeal to all levels and types of horse, pony and rider. The number of entries reflected the huge support for Emma and for Dressage at Home and International and the show provided a fitting finale to an incredible weekend.

Hopefully, this video will give a little taste of what the weekend meant to those involved… Enjoy!

An equine sports massage demonstration by Samantha from Lough Shore Equine attracted lots of interest.

A sheath hygienist talk and demonstration by Karol Ann was of great interest to gelding owners.

Christine McBride’s Equipe saddle fitting talk drew a great crowd.

A car boot / wheelbarrow sale raised funds for Air Ambulance NI during the camp.