Windy but dry start at Lusk’s Working Hunter
Great jumping and immaculate turnouts as Lusk competitions get underway
Lusk Equestrian held their first event of 2024 on Sunday - the first of three Working Hunter competitions: January 28, February 25 and March 24.
The course was over nine fences for the 60cm and 70cm classes, 11 for the classes up to 90cm and 12 fences for the 90cm, 1m and 1.10m. The course was full of variation, with a new type of fence introducing a shoot between fences three and four, which created no problems.
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The first class, which included many children and ponies under 13hh, had a great turnout, with ponies and riders turned out immaculately. This was also a qualifier for the under 12.2hh for the Northern Ireland Festival show at Cavan; the win went to Lauren O’Rourke and ‘Max’.
Ben Cousins was busy throughout the day with numerous rides, winning the Smalls on ‘Duke’, while Emma Jackson rode 11 horses on the day and, full credit to her, managed to be on time, with everyone gaining worthy praise from Fran Warden glad to be back at Lusk’s as starter after the Christmas break!
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Emma took wins in the 70cm, 153 ponies and 1m classes to keep herself and the owners happy!
James McEvoy took the honours in the Four and Five-year-old class in front of Emma and Alex O’Hare.
Many thanks to the judges on the day, Vicky Teuton assisted by Sophie and David Kirkpatrick, assisted by Jim McShane, one of those kind people willing to lend a hand when not competing.
Thanks also to Sharlene Scott, who with Fran ensured the smooth running of the event and to Marty O’Neill who took some great photos. Becky Belshaw, who is currently standing in for Jackie Poland, kept all fed in the White Horse Cafe.
Lastly, organisers must thank the sponsors: Doagh Equestrian, who gave vouchers for each class, and Serviced, who will service all trailers and keep everyone legal on the road!
Don’t forget measuring here on Saturday starting at 10.30am - the cafe will be open!
Anyone wanting a school over the Working Hunter course, please contact Jenny on 07831 661428.
RESULTS
Sunday, January 28
Working Hunter series at Lusk Equestrian - Week 1
Class 1 - Novice Working Hunter 60cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Lauren O’Rourke, Romeo; 2) Anthea Steele, Jack; 3) Callie Patterson, Indie; 4) Tara Cousins, Indie; 5) Emma Jackson, Sparkles; 6) Lauren O’Rourke, Max.
Class 2 - Working Hunter 70cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Emma Jackson, Jack; 2) Emma Jackson, Peaches; 3) Lexi Wallace, Molly May.
Class 3 - Young Horse (max. age five-year-old in 2024) Working Hunter 70-80cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) James McEvoy, Jones; 2) Emma Jackson, Tilly; 3) Alex O'Hare, Summer; 4) Ben Cousins, Prince of Mourne.
Class 4 - Traditional Irish Horse Working Hunter 80cm:
1) Ailish McBride, Tek Time Captain Cruise; 2) Catherine Patterson, Castleview Corran.
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Class 5 - 143cm Pony Working Hunter 80cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Asya Dixon, Donaghmore Melody Song; 2) Martha Mcmurray, Woodrow Rosewood; 3) Sophie Lindsay, Nicely Dun; 4) Lexi Wallace, Lucy Locket.
Class 6 - Open Horse Working Hunter 80cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; 2) Pippa Robinson, Arthur; 3) Ben Cousins, Ardnabannon.
Class 7 - Small Horse & Cob Working Hunter 90cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Ben Cousins, Duke; 2) Emma Jackson, Archie; 3) Sophie Cowan, Tempo Quickstep; 4) Karina McVeigh, Cococabana.
Class 8 - Open Horse Working Hunter 90cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Ailish McBride, Tek Time Captain Cruise; 2) Emma Jackson, Tommie; 3) Eva Murphy, Blue; 4) Sophie Cowan, Tempo Quickstep.
Class 9 - 153cm Pony Working Hunter 90cm (with NIF qualifier):
1) Emma Jackson, Champ; 2) Elly-Rose Dixon, Sliabh Ban Rosie; 3) Poppy McMurray, Finding Nemo; 4) Eva Kennedy, Nicely Dun Darcy.
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Class 10 - Open Horse Working Hunter 1m (with NIF qualifier):
1) Emma Jackson, Hero; 2) Alex O’Hare, George; 3) Emma Jackson, Murphy; 4) Emma Jackson, Tommie.
Class 11 - Open Horse Working Hunter 1.10m (with NIF qualifier):
1) Aimee Webb, Nala; 2) Emma Jackson, Murphy.