Sunshine, shades and show jumping...
Reports, results, photos and news from the local equestrian world
Hi folks,
So… I’m thinking I really should have been keeping a tally of the number of sunny days we have had, as it is incredible that they have continued for this long… And the forecast continues to be good!! [Note to the weather gods: a little bit of overnight rain would be greatly appreciated… As someone said to me earlier, ‘why is it that the lawn grows, but the grass in the field doesn’t?’ and even spoke of being on the verge of putting hay out for their horses!]
Balmoral Show certainly felt the benefit of the sunshine, with huge crowds attending across all four days of the show… And the ice cream vans and sunglasses stand were barely able to keep up with the demand! There will be more on Balmoral in due course - once I recover from a laptop crisis (the joys of technology!) and wade through the very long list of results. In the meantime, this newsletter brings you reports, results and photos from the other equine activities that were held over the past week or so.
The Horse&Field calendar has a vast range of activities to choose from in the coming weeks and months. Looking ahead, Six Mile Water Riding Club are hosting a fundraising quiz night on Friday, May 23 - for more details and to find out how to enter a team, just click on the story below:
Six Mile Water club to host fundraising quiz
Six Mile Water Riding Club are hosting a fundraising quiz night, in memory of their former member Miriam Wright, who sadly passed away in February.
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 the Spring show jumping at Danescroft; Connell Hill’s Training Show; week one of Hagans Croft’s show jumping league; Eventing Ireland Northern Region’s first visit to Hazeldene; show jumping at The Meadows; week four of Ecclesville’s show jumping league; the SJI horse league at Connell Hill; coverage of the Northern Ireland Festival; news of a new range of pelleted supplements and a ‘Twilight Market’ in Belfast…
Spring show jumping at Danescroft
Danescroft Equestrian (Lisburn) hosted a fantastic Spring Show jumping event on Sunday, May 11, with a great turnout across all classes from cross-poles to 1.10m. The atmosphere was supportive and competitive, with riders of all ages showcasing their skills.
Donegal sisters shine at Connell Hill Training Show
It was blue skies and bright sunshine at Connell Hill Equestrian, Randalstown on Saturday, May 10, as competitors took advantage of the glorious weather and schooled over tracks that gave confidence to all.
Debut double win for Emma at Hagans Croft
Blue skies, sunshine, colourful show jumps and rosettes were the order of day at Hagans Croft Equestrian, as their six-week Show jumping League got underway on Saturday, May 10. With classes on offer from cross-poles to 1.10m and the course consisting of 12 fences made up of coloured poles, fillers, ladders and planks, there is something on offer for ev…
Badminton comes to Hazeldene
The zeal, tenacity, persistence and determination of Andrew and Laura Napier, to ensure they created a spectacular event at their Hazeldene Farm, was plain for all to see on Saturday.
Farren claims Meadows' 1.30m win
The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan was, once again, a hive of activity on Saturday, May 10, as they held another of their popular Spring/ Summer Horse Shows, hosting SJI classes and unregistered classes were also on offer, starting with cross-poles and running up to 1.30m.
Another exciting final anticipated at Ecclesville
Week four of Ecclesville’s show jumping League allowed competitors their last chance to qualify for the prizes at the final on Friday, May 16.
Moore and O'Brien claim multiple placings at Connell SJI horse show
The SJI Horse Summer League continued at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown on Thursday, May 8, with classes offered from 80cm up to 1.30m.
Northern Ireland Festival showcases local talent
This year’s Northern Ireland Festival was held at Cavan Equestrian Centre over the weekend of May 2 to 4 and saw some wonderful equestrian talent over the three days. With classes to suit all shapes and sizes of horses and ponies, showing and Working Hunter, judges had their work cut out to choose the worthy winners.
In local and equestrian news:
Leading feed brand launches a new pelleted supplement range
Leading equine nutrition brand SPILLERSTM has launched a range of powerful pelleted supplements by harnessing its 65+ years of trusted nutrition and veterinary expertise. The six innovative new products have already received outstanding reviews in extensive trials, conducted by horse owners across a variety of disciplines and levels.
'Spring into Summer' at Twilight Market
The hugely popular Twilight Market returns to St George’s Market this month to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland’s finest food producers and vendors.
In case you missed it:
The latest podcast interview was a really insightful chat with Julie Donaghy Simpson…
Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Julie Donaghy Simpson
Hello and welcome to the 30th 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 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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