Sun shines for Gransha Showing Show

Horses and ponies get a run out on a calm day following Storm Eowyn

Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor, played host to a horse and pony showing day on Saturday, January 25. It was a beautiful sunny, calm day, which was much needed after Storm Eowyn, which battered Northern Ireland the previous day! Thankfully, Doreen Johnston came armed with her generator as like many parts, Gransha was still without power! A strong coffee and bacon bap got everyone set up for the day.

It was heartwarming to see how many people had gone to so much effort to get ponies and children turned out so professionally. Florence Brown and ‘Idyllic Tyranny’, accompanied by mum Holly, took the honours in class 1, the Family Pony Lead Rein. Class 2 was the Family Pony First Ridden. Enid Danks and ‘Teddy’ came first and Kacie Lennox and ‘Hunter’ were second.

Florence and Holly Brown with ‘Idyllic Tyranny’ won the Family Pony Lead Rein class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day. PICTURES: courtesy of Dara McCracken

The last of the family pony classes, ridden ponies up to 158cm, saw a win for Katie Cochrane and the much-loved ‘Willis’. Second to them were Lizzie French and ‘Naomi’. Third place went to Catrina Murray and ‘Blackie’.

Katie Cochrane on ‘Willis’ won the Family Pony, ridden up to 158cm class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Isla Christie partnered the charming ‘Timber’ to win the First Ridden show hunter pony.

Isla Christie on ‘Timber’ won the First Ridden Show Hunter Pony class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Next up was class 9, M&M Lead Rein. Top honours went to Isla Christie, this time on board ‘Moon’. Second place was Amelia McCartan and ‘Eynhallow Lewis’. It was Florence’s brother Charles, who partnered ‘Idyllic Tyranny’ to third place. The very versatile and good natured Welsh pony ‘Idyllic Tyranny’ then went on to win the M&M First Ridden, with the third jockey in the Brown family, eldest son Freddie. ‘Teddy’ and Enid Danks came second.

Amelia and Natalie McCartan with ‘Eynhallow Lewis’ came second in the M&M Lead Rein class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Class 11, young handler, was hotly contested with the top spot being awarded to Sienna Bell and the lovely piebald gelding ‘Maverick’. Eirin Wardle and ‘Delilah’ took second place.

Sienna Bell with ‘Maverick’ won the Young Handler class and came second in the Coloured Pony class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Eirin also picked up a win in the ridden show starter stakes class. Joint third place was awarded to Amelia McCartan (‘Eynhallow Lewis’) and Isla Christie (‘Moon’).

Eirin Wardle on ‘Delilah’ won the Ridden Show Starter Stakes class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Next was the turn of the coloured pony class. Izzy Stout guided her trusty partner ‘Naomi’ to first place, ahead of Sienna Bell and ‘Maverick’. Lucy Cochrane and ‘Willis’ were the winners of the Veteran class.

Kelsie Dean travelled up from their busy yard, Ballyrusley Stables, to pick up a win with the attractive four-year-old novice M&M large breed ‘Doyles Pixie Shadow’. This pair also won the Over 18s In-hand class. Second place went to Louise Williams riding Sharon McGimpsey’s ‘Derryveeney Nutcracker’. The M&M young rider large breeds class was won by Grace Jackson on ‘Mario’. Taylor Lee Doyle partnered her new ride ‘Lady Valley’ to second place. The result was swapped around and Taylor Lee won the Connemara under 16s class. Grace was second and third place went to Caitlin Ritchie on ‘Doirin Lad’. Caitlin also picked up a second in the 0ver 18s In-hand class.

Grace Jackson on ‘Mario’ won the M&M Young Rider Large Breeds class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

In the sport horse youngstock class, Kathleen Pooley won with ‘Little Miss Indigo’. Ellie Marshall and ‘Glenmullen Gwyn’ took the top spot in the Welsh youngstock class. Last, but by no means least, was the In-hand Veterans class - ‘Moorland Willow’ and Sophia Pooley were the winners.

Thanks, of course, must go not only the competitors for supporting this show, but also to Conor O’Hare, who judged. Conor was assisted by Jenny Bell and Jenny Morris. Dara McCracken took fantastic photos.

Taylor Lee Doyle on ‘Lady Valley’ won the Connemara Under 16s class at Gransha’s horse and pony showing day.

Diary dates

Coming up next at Gransha Equestrian Centre is the Horse and Pony Working Hunter competition on Saturday, February 8. Simon Jackson builds flowing and educational tracks, suitable for first-timers and seasoned pros.

Then it’s the turn of the second Showing and In-hand weekend on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23. All entries are made via the Gransha app.