Storm disruption, but still lots of equine sport
A sunny Saturday saw lots of activities, with Sunday much quieter for equestrians
Hi folks,
What a changeable weekend that was! After the mild, sunny day on Saturday, Storm Ashley blew in and led to the cancellation or re-scheduling of many equestrian events on Sunday. Those who had chosen Saturday to run their activities must have been very relieved! For those events that are re-scheduled, let’s hope they get some bright autumnal sunshine on their new dates.

With the wind curtailing equine activities, I took another step outside of my comfort zone on Sunday, when posting a video from the recent residential camp and Gala Show at Castle Irvine, Necarne, run by Dressage at Home and International.
My intention with this page is to shine a light on local equestrian talent, whether that be coaches or riders or our four-legged friends… My visit to Necarne and the little chats that I had with various people were so positive and inspiring - I could feel everyone’s enthusiasm! I do hope that comes across in the little video. If you haven’t watched it, please do:
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.
Looking ahead, anyone wishing to attend the Grand Gala Charity Ball being held at La Mon on Friday, November 8 should click below for more details on tickets:
Have you booked your ticket yet?
This is just a reminder to anyone hoping to attend the Grand Gala Charity Ball being organised by Saintfield Charity Horse Show and Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride at La Mon House Hotel on Friday, November 8, that tickets must be booked and paid for by Thursday, October 31.
This Horse&Field newsletter brings you the latest equine news, as well as reports, results and pictures from local competitions over the past week or so, including the four-day Autumn Championships at Portmore; the Ulster Region Autumn Pony Tour at Connell Hill; the third leg of the Working Hunter league at Hagans Croft; the NI Riding Clubs Dressage Championships; the third leg of the Inter-schools’ jumping at The Meadows; and the first leg of the Winter Dressage League at Laurel View.
Fantastic jumping at Portmore Autumn Championships
Portmore Equestrian Centre, Aghalee held their four-day Autumn Championships over the course of last weekend. Thursday and Friday saw classes running from 90cm up to 1.30m, with combinations out to qualify for the championships held on Saturday and Sunday. The highlight of Friday’s jumping was the 1.30m Speed class, which was won by Hannah Patterson on …
Ponies out in force at Autumn Pony Tour at Connell Hill
Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown, showcased the latest leg of the TRI Equestrian Ulster Region SJI Autumn Pony Tour, with a complete range of classes on Saturday, October 19, from 128 50cm right the way up to 1.10m/1.20m Children on Horses. Countless talented combinations took to the track under the watchful eye of National Course Builder Mr William…
A first for many at Hagans Croft Working Hunter
The sun came out on Saturday, October 19, just before Storm Ashley descended upon most counties. This sunshine was much to the delight of all the competitors and spectators heading to Hagans Croft Equestrian for the third week of their five-week Working Hunter league and NIF Qualifiers.
Impressive tests ridden at NIRC Dressage Championships
Northern Ireland Riding Clubs held their Dressage Championships on Sunday, October 13 at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland. The weather was kind and everyone had a great day.
Three out of three for Tim at Meadows Schools' jumping
The third leg of the Inter-schools’ series took place on Saturday, October 12 at the Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan, drawing young equestrians from various schools to compete in a day filled with excitement and sportsmanship.
Laurel View Winter League off to a wonderful start
Sunday, October 6 saw competitors strut down the centre line for the start of the winter dressage league at Laurel View, Templepatrick.
General news:
North of Ireland Veterinary Association hosts key TB meeting
The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) recently hosted a key meeting bringing together several expert speakers to address the topic of ‘Reducing the consequences of endemic diseases of livestock’ with a focus on bovine TB. Over 90 delegates registered for the event, demonstrating the interest in approaching the topic from new directions.
In case you missed it:
The latest podcast interview was with coach Marian Tennyson and the rider she has nominated for the Equine Development Academy training day, Caoimhe Litter - if you haven’t yet listened, just click below!
Straight From the Horse's Mouth: Caoimhe Litter and Marian Tennyson - Equine Development Academy
Hello and welcome to the 17th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!
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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 end of the year, so if you know of any events that aren’t yet listed, please let us know!
Horse&Field Calendar
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