Ulster Region Autumn Pony Tour gets underway at Connell Hill
Two thrilling days of pony show jumping sees some standout performances
With the weekend staying mostly dry, Connell Hill (Randalstown) proudly hosted the inaugural TRI Ulster Region Autumn Pony Tour show, marking the exciting onset of the autumn/ winter competitive season. The event unfolded over two thrilling days (October 21 and 22), commencing with the seasoned riders taking to the stage, demonstrating unparalleled expertise across various categories, ranging from 138cm classes to children mounted on horses.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F89805363-cf12-4490-9d3e-19507054bc8b_1111x741.jpeg)
Hello and welcome to Horse&Field. Our aim is to support local, grass roots equestrian enthusiasts and competitors and keep you all informed of what’s happening in the horsey world, as well as covering all things agricultural. If you haven’t already subscribed you can do so below:
A standout performance was delivered by ‘Morepark Alamo’ and rider Sophia Bingham, triumphing in the fiercely competitive 148 1.20m class, after also winning the 148 1.10m class. The grand finale of the first day of action was gracefully concluded by Hannah Thompson astride ‘Neat Regina’, a six-year-old owned by David Thompson, leaving spectators in awe with a flawless double clear round, executed with remarkable speed and precision.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F015d6e60-a971-4def-81d2-bcc0a6218d78_1111x1667.jpeg)
The momentum carried into the second day, where younger equestrian enthusiasts and their diminutive companions took on Will Crean’s challenge. The atmosphere was superb as spectators found themselves captivated by all the classes, with each moment keeping them perched at the edge of their seats.
The highlight of day two came when young rider Charlotte Nelson showcased exceptional skill, clinching not only the top spot in the 128 90cm class, but also in the 128cm 1m class, riding her own seven-year-old, Sugar Dolly.
The success of the event was a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of the course, expertly designed by Will Crean, who never fails to build an inviting yet challenging course for all. The panel of judges, including Rosemary Fisher, Linda Skillen, Pauline McAuley and Gillian Creighton, brought their discerning eyes and expertise to the arena, ensuring fair and accurate judging across both days. Special thanks also go to the dedicated arena party and starters, for their invaluable contributions to the seamless execution of the show.
Connell Hill, abuzz with excitement and healthy competition among all, set the stage for a season filled with promise and passion. This TRI Pony show not only celebrated the remarkable talent of the young, up and coming riders, but also embodied the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53b358cc-d79a-4e60-9de8-0993ad4057f5_1111x741.jpeg)
RESULTS
TRI Ulster Region Autumn Pony Tour
Saturday, October 21
138cm 80cm:
1) Megan Louise Rouke, Crosskeys Beauty; 2) Zac Hanna, Cynbrook Heiress; 3) Callie Cooke, Loughbeg Dunby; 4) Emily Benson, Nefretiti; 5) Eloise Trainor, RB Ginger; 6) Rebecca Coulter, Sam’s Secret.
138cm 90cm:
1) Zac Hanna, Cynbrook Heiress; 2) Elizabeth McCracken, Drumree Willow; 3) Emily Benson, Nefretiti; 4) Rebecca Coulter, Sam’s Secret; 5) Callie Cooke, Loughbeg Dunby; 6) Megan Louise Rouke, Crosskeys Beauty.
138cm 1m:
1) Elizabeth McCracken, Drumree Willow; 2) Zoie Dobbins, Shorty Boy; 3) Ellie Bingham, Little Pretender.
138cm 1.10m:
1) Elizabeth McCracken, Drumcaughey Diamond; 2) Sara Magey, Sparkling Kiowa Moon.
148cm 80cm:
1) Carraig McLarnon, Deerfin Tilly; 2) Lilly Beatty, Newtown Melody; 3) Brianna McGuigan, Butter Cup II; 4) Caitlin Rafferty, Cavernhill Aldo; 5) Megan Louise Rouke, Anita’s Prince.
148cm 90cm:
1) Peter Morton, Blueoak Lux; 2) Peter Morton, Blueoak Shelby; 3) Zara Smyth, Rakish Talisman; 4) Orla Nesbitt, SJ Caledonia; 5) Brianna McGuigan, Butter Cup II; 6) Blaithin Boyle, Drumdoit V-Tec.
148cm 1m:
1) Orla Nesbitt, Ard Oilean Bud; 2) Peter Morton, Blueoak Shelby; 3) Elizabeth McCracken, Charlton Supreme; 4) Gracie Bright, Monroe Star; 5) Hannah Thompson, RMA Silver Dollar; 6) Orla Nesbitt, SJ Caledonia.
148cm 1.10m:
1) Sophia Bingham, Morepark Alamo; 2) Tilley Tumilty, Millbarr Phynix; 3) Emma Burns, Tullymurry Sunshine; 4) Johan Fitzpatrick Burns, Kinamara Dun Boy; 5) Charlotte McCracken, Owandall Chianti; 6) Emma Burns, Candy Baby.
148cm 1.20m:
1) Sophia Bingham, Morepark Alamo; 2) Lily Tunney, Simon Said; 3) Charlotte McCracken, Cwmello Champagne Charlie; 4) Katie Campbell, Cloneyyogan Master; 5) Johan Fitzpatrick Burns, Kinamara Dun Boy; 6) Tilley Tumilty, Millbarr Phynix.
1m COH:
1) Jolie Dalton, Glenaguile View; 2) Hannah Thompson, Neat Regina; 3) Eimear Farrell, OOS Zena; 4) Taylor McKnight, Tassagh Sky Doctor; 5) Darragh Murphy, Top Tikket; 6) Gracie Bright, Boleybawn Revel.
1.10m/ 1.20m COH:
1) Hannah Thompson, Neat Regina; 2) Taylor McKnight, Tassagh Sky Doctor; 3) Alex McMaster, Ludovick; 4) Darragh Murphy, Top Tikket.
Sunday, October 22
128cm 50cm:
1) Mary McBride, Chaple Lane Trigger; 2) Harry Kelly, Dowhills Petite Fille; 3) Ronan Wylie, Dunstone 33; 4) Cara Grant, Lady Pokerface; 5) Perrie Barkley, Penanns Smurf; 6)Jack Bell, Sparkling Irish Whiskey.
128cm 60cm:
1) Rory McBride, Back to Black; 2) Harry Kelly, Dowhills Petite Fille; 3) Ronan Wylie, Dunstone; 4) Poppy Coulter, Julie Go Loer; 5) Cara Grant, Lady Pokerface; 6) Mark Brown, Longwood Grandpas Diamond.
128cm 70cm:
1) Tim Morton, Aghaderg Stepping Delight; 2) Rory McBride, Back to Black; 3) Tim Morton, Blueoak Bonnie; 4) Lily McBride, Chaple Lane Trigger; 5) Harry Kelly, Helas Babe; 6) Poppy Coulter, Julie Go Loer.
128cm 80cm:
1) Tegan Mulgrew, Bluebell; 2) Lacey McLaughlin, C.S. Galileo; 3) Rory McBride, Creevelea Toy Soldier; 4) Mebd Kinney, Grandstown Ninja; 5) Lily McBride, Killannin Grazer; 6) Kara McLaughlin, Leo The Lionheart II.
128cm 85cm:
1) Caitie McEvoy, Tanan Petal; 2) Tim Morton, Tuscan Star; 3) Khloe McLaughlin, Linde Hoeve’s Ricardo; 4) Kara McLaughlin, Leo The Lionheart II; 5) Rory McBride, Creevelea Toy Soldier; 6) Tim Morton, Parkhill’s Jackbequick.
128cm 90cm:
1) Charlotte Nelson, Sugar Dolly; 2) Elsie Tunney, Scarletts Cromwell; 3) James Mellet, Billibob; 4) Tegan Muldrew, Bluebell; 5) Elsie Tunney, Bronheulog Limited Edition; 6) Khloe McLaughlin, Linde Hoeve’s Ricardo.
128cm 1m:
1) Charlotte Nelson, Sugar Dolly; 2) Cliodhna McEvoy, Maesteg Edward; 3) Serena Brown, Gribsvads General Monty Jo; 4) Elsie Tunney, Bronheulog Limited Edition; 5) James Mellet, Billibob; 6) Juliana Nelson, Cumbak Kid.