Spring is in the air at Connell Hill Training Show

Competitors unlock their potential over coloured poles and fillers in Randalstown

Mar 05, 2025

On the first day of Spring, the windows opened to great opportunities at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown, as Jack Bell, Leah Wylie and Eva O’Melvena saddled up their new mounts, unlocking the potential over a wide range of coloured poles and fillers. Connell Hill is the perfect place to school around on a Saturday morning, whether it be introducing a young horse to new surroundings or coming along to progress and develop some new skills.

Setting off in the pony cross-poles, Mya McKay did a great job on pony ‘Glitter’ to secure a lovely double clear round and went on to jump the 50cm, securing another red rosette, alongside Alice Gregg on ‘Patchy’, Sarah Kirkpatrick on ‘Volvo’ and Glarryford rider, Molly Robinson on pony ‘Cossie’. Molly, Sarah and Alice moved up the classes to compete again in the 60cm, with some super results!

Christopher Smyth and ‘Jess’ were a very close second in the 1.10m class at Connell Hill’s Training Show. PICTURE: courtesy of Lyndon McKee

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Jack Bell came out tops in the 70cm class, riding his new mount ‘Archie’, and Ruby Robinson occupied a very close joint second place, alongside Eve O’Melvena on her young horse ‘Jimmy’.

Moving forward to the 80cm class, Jack Bell reserved another win on ‘Archie’, tying with Winter-Lily McGinley on her pony ‘Derryvane Truffles’. Coming in second was Sarah Wilson on ‘DeDe’, closely followed by Eva O’Melvena on ‘Jimmy’.

Jack Bell and ‘Archie’ jumped clear in the 70cm and 80cm classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show. PICTURE: courtesy of Lyndon McKee

Sporting her new pony in the 90cm class, Leah Wylie on ‘Lilia’ took joint first position with Winter-Lily McGinley on ‘Derryvane Truffles’. Following closely behind were Ben Maybin on young horse ‘Betty’, Sarah Wilson on ‘DeDe’, Rihanna Wylie on ‘Bessie’ and Edward Little on young horse ‘GiGi’.

Winter-Lily McGinley and ‘Derryvane Truffles’ jumped clear in the 80cm and 90cm classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show. PICTURE: courtesy of Lyndon McKee

Edward Little went on to secure first place in the 1m class, closely followed by Zoe Dobbins on ‘Bell’, who took prime position in the 1.10m, with Christopher Smyth a very close second on ‘Jess’.

Well done to everyone who took part!

Connell Hill is an excellent venue and first-class facility to school around on a Saturday morning, with classes to suit all levels. There is always a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The next training show will take place this Saturday, March 8, 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

Eva O'Melvena and ‘Jimmy’ jumped clear in the 70cm and 80cm classes at Connell Hill’s Training Show. PICTURE: courtesy of Lyndon McKee

Additional date for your diary

Connell Hill will be hosting a two-day Working Hunter Show 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 will be taken online and further details are available from Gillian Creighton Facebook pages.

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