Working Hunter qualifiers at Strule Valley
A busy few months lie ahead for Strule Valley Riding Club members
Strule Valley Riding Club held their Annual General Meeting in January, when Arlene Watson and Pippa were awarded the Dolly Mixture Perpetual Shield for attending the most Riding Club events in 2024.
Members and friends enjoyed a Bit and Bridle Fitting Talk with Marita O’Loughlin-Doyle (Equi-Bit Ireland) in January and also horse riding simulator sessions at CAFRE.
During the month of February, members were put through their paces with Wayne Hamilton from W H Equestrian for flatwork training.
The Annual Horses only Working Hunter Show to include Northern Ireland Festival Qualifiers is planned for Sunday, March 2 at Ecclesville Centre indoor, Fintona, commencing at 11am. Classes are 70cm, Four-year-olds, 80cm, Small Working Hunter, 90cm, 1 metre and 1.10m. First and second from each class will go forward to the championship, where Champion and Reserve will be decided and The Rosie O’Grady Perpetual Cup will be awarded to the highest placed Strule Valley Riding Club member.
Moving into spring, members look forward to dressage training with Mary Devine from Devine Equine, helping them prepare for the Annual Dressage Show on Sunday, March 23 at the RDA, Omagh, which is open to everyone. More details later. The RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup will be awarded to the highest placed Strule Valley Riding Club member.
In April, Penny Sangster will visit the club to take members for polework and gridwork training. Chris Bogues and Kyle Hayes will also visit the club in April, for further polework and gridwork training. The club’s Annual Easter Charity Pleasure Ride is scheduled for Easter Monday, April 21 at 11am, at the beautiful Baronscourt Estate, by kind permission of Lord Hamilton. The charity again this year is Care for Cancer. This is open to Riding Club, Pony Club and BHS members, is a gentle walk around Lake Catherine and is £10 each.
Mandi King will have members to her yard during May for show jumping training and another pleasure ride is planned at the end of May at Baronscourt Estate, by kind permission of Lord Hamilton.