Spring forward... into equestrian action
Bringing you reports, results, photos and news from the local equine world
Hello everyone,
This weekend is the last of March 2025… The first quarter of the year has been and gone, which is hard to believe! This weekend will also see the clocks ‘spring forward’… So don’t forget that we lose an hour’s sleep on Saturday night - be sure to set your alarm if you’re getting up to make someone a Mother’s Day breakfast (which is on Sunday for those who didn’t know)…! Or, indeed, if you’re heading out for a day with your horse or pony.
The eventers got their season off to a great start at Tyrella last Saturday and it was an extremely long day for many of the organisers and faithful volunteers… A long day it may have been, but it also appeared to be a good day, with the rain staying away for most of it and competitors from all over the country delighted to get out for their first proper run. The past week or so has also seen show jumping, dressage and Working Hunter competitions being held locally, so there was lots to choose from! In fact, there was so much choice, that this is just the first instalment of coverage of the activities; a second will follow over the weekend.
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the latest equine news, as well as reports, results and pictures from local competitions and events over the past week or so, including Strule Valley Riding Club’s 28th annual dressage show; Eventing Ireland Northern Region’s Tyrella 1; pony show jumping from Mossvale; pairs show jumping league at Mossvale; a round-up of what’s on at Mossvale in the coming weeks; the penultimate leg of the show jumping league at Ecclesville; coverage of the recent Causeway and Glens Riding Club Working Hunter competition; and a tribute to Paul Johnston, who will be very fondly remembered by his many friends in equestrian circles.
28th Annual Show at Strule Valley Riding Club
Strule Valley Riding Club celebrated 28 years by holding a Dressage Show at the weekend at Ecclesville Centre Indoor, Fintona.
Excitement as eventing season kicks off in fine style at Tyrella
The eventing season in Ireland kicked off on Saturday in very fine style, with a full house at the magnificent Corbett estate of Tyrella.
Pony riders in the prizes at Mossvale
Congratulations to all the competitors who took part in the recent Mossvale Riding Club Friday night league, kindly sponsored by Sprucefield Cars.
Staghounds claim Mossvale league
The final of the Mossvale Riding Club Botanica International Ltd league was held on Thursday, March 13, with The Co Down Staghounds comprising Gary Porter and Lewis Orr taking the top spot.
It's all happening at Mossvale!
Mossvale Riding Club will be hosting a Thursday night pairs league, kindly sponsored by Sprucefield Cars.
Looking forward to an exciting Show jumping League Final at Ecclesville
Week four of Ecclesville’s Show jumping League allowed competitors their last chance to qualify for the prizes at the Final being held this Friday, March 28. With some speedy combinations on top form, the organisers are anticipating a great evening of show jumping, especially in the hotly contested 60cm and 70cm classes!
Challenges and champions at Causeway and Glens Working Hunter
Causeway and Glens Riding Club held another busy working hunter competition at the Causeway Arena in Coleraine on Sunday, March 16. William Brown had designed a challenging track for the competitors. Pony judges, Cherie McHugh and Chloe Connon, started the day with an impressive cross-poles class, where all the riders were deemed as worthy winners.
A tribute to Paul Johnston
Paul Johnston was a familiar face in many different areas of the equestrian world. Whether judging at show jumping, eventing or riding club competitions or helping to organise shows on a grander scale, Paul always had a kind word and a smile for all. He was a dedicated and loyal servant of the horse community for many years.
In case you missed it, the latest podcast interview was with local equestrian entrepreneur, Cheridan Scott:
Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Cheridan Scott
Hello and welcome to the 27th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!
Local interest:
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Titanic Hotel Belfast
This Mother’s Day, treat your mum to lunch or afternoon tea at Titanic Hotel Belfast.
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The Horse&Field calendar lists local equine activities and is updated on a daily basis. We are trying to make the calendar as comprehensive as possible and it currently lists shows and events right up until the spring, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know by emailing: horseandfield@gmail.com!
Horse&Field Calendar
Calling all horse enthusiasts! As the seasons change, so does the equestrian calendar, filled with exciting events and competitions that bring the equestrian community together.
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