Jennifer Larkin with her horse Tullybawn rides along with Hannah Mackey 9yrs on her pony Brynoffa Jonquil pictured at the RDS during the launch of this years Dublin Horse Show, which takes place on Wednesday, July 20th to Sunday, July 24th. Now in its 143rd year, is one of the most prestigious and enduring events in the Irish equestrian calendar attracting crowds of over 100,000 across the 5 day event. For more information Visit www.dublinhorseshow.com. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD officially launched the Dublin Horse Show today June 15th at the RDS, Dublin.

The participation of many Rio-bound gold medal hopefuls at this year’s Dublin Horse Show means a change from the traditional August dates to July 20-24 for this summer institution. Despite the earlier date, the same great combinations will be on offer: International show jumping and the stylish Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day, family entertainment and the best in Irish craft, as well as good food, great shopping and a social occasion like no other.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD officially launched the Show:

“After 143 years the Dublin Horse Show continues to be Ireland’s leading equestrian event drawing up to 100,000 horse enthusiasts and visitors from home and overseas. The show provides a full event programme which is being extended every year, ensuring there is something new for everyone and 2016 is no exception. This year is an Olympic year and carries with it the added excitement of witnessing up close Irish and international riders who will be bidding for gold in Rio.  I wish everyone taking part in the event every success and hope that those attending, whether from near or from far, enjoy the five days of sport, entertainment and Irish hospitality.”

From July 20 -24 the RDS showgrounds will host Olympic hopefuls who participate in the 14 international competitions. Last year Ireland won the coveted Aga Khan Trophy as part of the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup™ series; Antrim-based Egyptian rider Sameh el Dahan cleared 2.20m to win the Land Rover Puissance; while American Kent Farrington went one better to win the valuable Longines Grand Prix. As always, the international riders will be warming up around the showgrounds next to competitors, young and old, who compete in the many national competitions for whom the Dublin Horse Show is the annual pinnacle.

Michael Duffy, RDS Chief Executive commented: “The last time we moved to July for the Show was in 1992 for the Barcelona Olympics. That year Ireland won the Aga Khan trophy so we hope that it’s a good omen. The Horse Show was originally founded to encourage and promote the Irish sport horse industry, as one part of the RDS philanthropic aims, and this continues to be the primary purpose, providing Irish breeders and producers with an international platform to showcase the very best of Irish sport horses. Equestrianism is just one of the areas that we specialise in, and we work in science, the arts, industry and agriculture throughout the year.”

One of the premier style events of the summer, the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day takes place on Thursday July 21 and this year has a brilliant prize of a €10,000 shopping voucher for the Centre. Thursday has been known as Ladies’ Day for well over 100 years at the RDS and this is the second year of sponsorship by Dundrum Town Centre. Gents won’t be left out with ‘Best Dressed Man’ competition sponsored by Louis Copeland.Other prize categories include the ‘Great Lengths Most Creative Hat’ and ‘Longines: Elegance is an Attitude’.

Speaking about the Horse Show, Head of Dublin for Fáilte Ireland, Keelin Fagan explained:

“The Dublin Horse Show is an important feature in the Dublin festival calendar demonstrating Ireland’s capacity for hosting international events. Sporting events and our ability to stage such spectacles, are a very important part of what Ireland has to offer as a destination. The Dublin Horse Show also adds to the strong event calendar which Fáilte Ireland has built up for Dublin – a calendar which allows us to pitch Dublin as a place where there is always something compelling and different to see and do.”

The Pony Club, the British Horse Society and British Showjumping announce new initiative!

The Pony Club is delighted to announce that a number of their Tests will now be recognised as suitable for direct entry to British Horse Society (BHS) and British Showjumping (BS) examinations, and those holding specified BHS and BS qualifications will be able to take Pony Club Tests at the level relevant to their experience.

The collaboration between the organisations means that eligible riders can use their existing qualifications to advance within another organisation’s training structure without having to start at the first level of the BHS Stage One, BS Five Star Performance Awards or The Pony Club D Test  and repeating subject matter already covered, saving both time and money.

Jenny Cowen, Training Officer for The Pony Club, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the BHS and BS to recognise Members’ previous knowledge and experience to enable better transferability between our training and exam systems.” Jenny continued “With ever increasing demands being placed on young peoples’ time, any support we can offer to make maximising their development easier is a really positive step.”

Gemma Portman, Development Programme Leader for the BHS, said the BHS recognises the value of Pony Club Tests.  Gemma commented: “The new direct entry scheme provides the opportunity for those who have achieved Pony Club Tests to access BHS/EQL qualifications.  We hope that those who start as Members of The Pony Club take the opportunity for career progression through the BHS examination system.”

Justine Naylor, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, is thrilled that the awards members have gained within The Pony Club and British Showjumping are now recognised within each of the organisations. Justine said: “It will now be easier for riders to progress through each of the award structures and develop their learning and understanding whilst avoiding duplication.” Justine went on to thank The Pony Club for their help in getting to this point.

If you would like more information, or if you would like to apply for direct entry to an exam, please visit The Pony Club’s website www.pcuk.org/tests_and_achievements/efficiency_tests to check eligibility.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB

Thanks to Raymond Caldwell for building his usual flowing course, Chris Bogle judging, Jane Huey entries, Emma & Trevor King for the BBQ – money from this each week will go to Grovehill Animal Trust, Alison Donnell & Heather Beattie call up, Pearl Donnell & anyone else who helped thankyou.

Beth Thompson & Mint continued their good form jumping double clear in both the 60cm & 70cm classes.  Connor Harris & his lovely schoolmaster Willow jumped double clear in both the 70cm & 80cm classes.  Jenny Torrens had a successful show jumping 3 double clears.  Lucinda Blakiston-Houston & the very nicely schooled Gigi jumped double clear in the 80cm & 90cm classes.  Cousins Katie Clarke & Rachel Magee had a successful night jumping faultless rounds in the 90cm class & Rachel & Dougie went on to win the metre open class with Katie & Jolene close behind in 2^nd place & Zoe & Gemma Elkin jumping very nicely to take 3^rd place. 

Results

60cm double clears

Mint & Beth Thompson, Harvey & Heather Black

70cm double clears

Harvey & Heather Black, Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade, Willow & Connor Harris, Silver & Hayden McFarland, Mint & Beth Thompson, Frosty & Ellie Trowbridge, Diamond Milly & Heather Beattie

80cm double clears

Willow & Connor Harris, Blue & Jodie Somerville, Tourka & Jenny Torrens , Rosie & Mandy McQuade, Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston, Kallie & Noel Regan, Tiffy & Jenny Torrens

90cm double clears

Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston, Botera Lad & Natasha Gilchrist, Bonnie & Eimear White, Jolene & Katie Clarke, Dougie & Rachel Magee, Harry & Alison Parkes, Sweeney & Jenny Torrens, Ben & Naomi Elkin, Blue & Katie Clarke

1 metre open

1^st – Dougie & Rachel Magee

2^nd – Jolene & Katie Clarke

3^rd – Zoe & Gemma Elkin

4^th – Bonnie & Eimear White

5^th – Ben & Naomi Elkin

The league continues on Wednesdays 8th & 15th July with the final scheduled for Wednesday 22nd July. Combinations must compete 2 out of 3 weeks to be eligible for prizes on the final night. Beautiful perpetual cups will be awarded to the league winners. The AJS Promotions Perpetual Cup, The Strule Valley Riding Club Perpetual Cup, The LW Surplis & Son Perpetual Trophy, The Good Gracious Perpetual Cup, The Omagh Equestrian & Countrywear Perpetual Cup & The Fordie Cathers Perpetual Cup. Full show wear to be worn on the final night.

Young Beth Thompson & Mint went very well jumping 2 double clears & taking home 2 red rosettes. Rachel Magee & Dougie jumped fautless rounds in the metre open class to take 1st place with Sarah Jane Johnston in 2nd place with Rocky.

Results

60cm double clears

Mint & Beth Thompson

70cm double clears

Silver Arrow & Chloe McGuigan, Frosty & Elle Trowbridge, Mint & Beth Thompson, Ballygreenan & Sandra Somerville, Glen & Kate Campbell

80cm double clears

Kallie & Noel Regan

90cm double clears

Dougie & Rachel Magee, Watson & Chloe Nugent, Jolene & Katie Clarke

1 metre open

1st – Dougie & Rachel Magee

2nd – Rocky & Sarah Jane Johnston

3rd – Jolene & Katie Clarke

4th – Gazelle & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston

5th – Bonnie & Eimear White

6th – Watson & Chloe Nugent

Members will avail of the lovely grounds at Tyrone Farming Society for showjumping training with Mandi King, joined by members of Erne Lakeland Riding Club & Clogher Valley Riding Club.

A cross country night is to take place at Drumragh House by kind permission of Mr & Mrs David Campbell. Further showjumping training is planned with Mandi King at her yard in August & a dressage to music demo by Phillipa McKee & flatwork lessons at Heather Beattie’s yard in August as well.
Check out Strule Valley Riding Club facebook page for up to date information on events.

Horses

Class 1 – 60cm

Class 2 – 70cm

Class 3 – 80cm

Class 4 – 90cm

Class 5 – 1 metre

Horse Championship – 1^st & 2^nd from each horse class go forward for Champion & Reserve

Ponies approximately 12.30

Class 6 – 50cm

Class 7 – 60cm

Class 8 – 70cm

Class 9 – 80cm

Class 10 – 90cm

Pony Championship – 1^st & 2^nd from each pony class go forward for Champion & Reserve

The ‘Rosie O’Grady Perpetual Cup’ will be awarded to the highest placed SVRC member

Championship Rosettes very kindly sponsored by Mr & Mrs Noel Regan

More details from Lucinda Blakiston-Houston, Chairperson on 816 48207 or Alison Donnell, Secretary on 82 246652

***Everyone is very welcome***

LEG 1 TRI STAR RESULTS:

DRESSAGE RESULTS:

CLASS 1 MINIMUS
1st- Louise Irvine – Inca Spurs – 68.91%
2nd- Libby Beggs – Penn Island Rebel – 65.5%
3rd- Laura McKay – Spartacus – 64.7%
4th- Christine Newton – Jimmy – 61.5%

CLASS 2 MIMIMUS PLUS
1st- Louise Spence – Maverick – 73.4%
2nd- Joan Gibson – Megan – 64.4%
3rd- Victoria Laverty – Millennium Indi – 64.2%
4th- Louise Beggs – Alfie – 61.3%

CLASS 3 NOVICE
1st- Nadine McCleland – Luca – 74.5%
2nd- Janene Gamble – Lenamore Master Maguire – 73.1%
3rd- Lisa Dundee – Freestyle – 70.8%
4th- Gillian Orr – Matilida – 70.8%
5th- Claire Robinson – Magic – 69.5%

6th – Sarah Sproule – Maya – 68.1%

Sarah Sproule & Maya competing in Class 3 – Novice Dressage (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography)

CLASS 4 OPEN
1st – Bianca McElnea – Rosso Tramato – 71.5%
2nd- Lisa Dundee – Brownie Go – 71.3%
3rd- Ian McCluggage- Beckham – 68.0%
4th- Nadine McCleland – Lucy – 67.8%
5th- Nuala McNally – Sonni – 62.5%
6th – Janet Craig- Glenfee Lad – 62.3%

Kerry Taylor & DG Converted compete in Class 4 – Open Dressage (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

LEG 1 – TRI STAR RESULTS
SHOW JUMPING

CLASS 1- MINIMUS
1st- Laura McKay – Spartacus
2nd- Louise Irvine – Inca Spurs
3rd- Libby Beggs – Penn Island Rebel.

CLASS 2 – MINIMUS PLUS
1st – Helen Faulkner – Danny
2nd- Victoria Laverty – Millennium Indi
3rd- Joan Gibson – Megan
4th- Louise Spence – Maverick

Laura McKay & Spartacus – 1^st and Louise Irvine & Inca Spurs – 2^nd in Class 1 60cm show jumping TRI STAR competition. (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

CLASS 3 – NOVICE
1st- Miriam Wright – The Castletown Lad
2nd- Nadine McCleland – Luca
3rd- Katie McKay – Legend
4th- Janene Gamble- Lenamore Master Maguire
5th- Sarah Sproule – Darcy
6th- Helen Faulkner- Danny

Katie McKay & Legend claiming 3^rd place in 80cm show jumping TRI STAR competition (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

CLASS 4 – OPEN
=1st Bianca McElnea – Rosso Tramonto
=1st Janet Craig – Glenfee Lad
3rd- Samuel Douglas-Brown – Elton’s Delight
4th- Nadine McCleland – Lucy
5th- Nuala McNally – Sonni
6th- Lisa Dundee – Brownie Go.

Janet Craig & Glenfee Lad securing equal 1^st place in the 90cm show jumping TRI STAR competition  ( photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The 2nd Leg of the TRI STAR is on Sunday 12th April at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre. Entries will be taken on the day and it’s an excellent opportunity for anyone heading to the Northern Ireland Horse Festival in Cavan to prepare for the Working Hunter competitions or anyone wishing to jump over a lovely natural rustic course in the spacious outdoor arena to come along and have some fun. The final placings of the TRI STAR LEAGUE will also be decided with some fab prices for all down to 6th place.

Everyone is very welcome to come along, members & non-members & £5 is asked from each pony/horse.

Money raised from the Easter Ride will go towards Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary.

Jane Huey & Sasha after competing in Class 4

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB, Omagh, Co Tyrone held their 18^th Annual Combined Training Show at the RDA at the weekend.

The Club would like to thank Myra Greaves, judge, Alison Donnell scribe, Raymond Caldwell course builder, Pearl Donnell refreshments & Emma King, Jane Huey, Alison Parkes & all others who helped in any way.

Kamryn McQuade with Midnight Rebel from Fermanagh Harriers PC

Thanks also to Omagh Equestrian & Countrywear for sponsoring the prizes & to Heather Clements for coming along to present the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup to the highest placed SVRC member.

Results

Class 1 – Intro B 2009 dressage only

1^st – Molly & Emma King (59%)

Eimear White & Bonnie winners of Class 6

Class 2 – Prelim 13 2006 dressage only

1^st – Kallie & Ann Regan (63.3%)

Class 3 – Novice 26 2006 dressage only

1^st – Kallie & Ann Regan (62.2%)

Heather Clements presenting the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup to Ann Regan

Class 4 – Prelim 13 2006 with 1 round jumping

1^st – Barnstormer & Ann Regan (178)

2^nd – Rosie & Mandy McQuade (141)

3^rd – Sasha & Jane Huey (139)

Class 5 – Novice 26 2006 with 1 round jumping

1^st – Barnstormer & Ann Regan (195)

Emma King & Molly relax after competing @ SVRC 18th Annual Combined Training show

Class 6 – The Pony Club D Level 1 Test with 1 round jumping

1^st – Bonnie & Eimear White (85)

2^nd – Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade (74)

Winner of the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup – Ann Regan.

Next on the club’s agenda is the Annual Easter Charity Ride at Baronscourt on Easter Monday, 6^th April starting at 11am from the Old Garden Centre.  Everyone is very welcome to come along, members & non-members & £5 is asked from each pony/horse.

A working hunter competition is planned for Saturday 9^th May at Ecclesville commencing at 10am, with all the usual classes for ponies & horses.  Again everyone is very welcome, both members & non-members.

Members continue their lessons with Mandi King during April with some gridwork training at Ecclesville.  Working hunter & showjumping training is planned in May with Nessa Toher then cross country & BBQ is planned at the end of May at the home of Mrs Elsie McVeigh.  So a little bit of everything!

New members are welcome to join, but must be 18 years & over & horses must be 4 years & over. More information from Lucinda Blakiston-Houston Chairperson on 816 48207 or Alison Donnell, Secretary on 82 246652.

Rosette presentation for the 1st Leg of SMWRC Dressage League – Elementary Class (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry).

The bitter cold weather on Sunday 15th March did nothing to hamper the spirits of the competitors for the 1st leg of the 2015 Dressage League. With great entries across the classes, marking was tight for the judges. SMWRC would like to thank all the committee and members for helping on the day! Its takes a lot of people to keep the day running smoothly! Thanks also to our judges and to Laurelview for their excellent facilities! Not forgetting our fabulous sponsors: Grove Auto Services, Rolltack, Millies Jumps, Forever Living and Botanica.

A full listing of all results is available at https://sites.google.com/site/sixmilewaterridingclub/. The date of the next leg is Sunday 26th April 2015 with tests – Intro B (2009) Prelim 18 (2002) Novice 30 (2006) Elem 44 (2002).

David Patterson judged the Intro Class- sponsored by Grove Auto Services – and awarded the red rosette to Sarah Sproule and Paris. Sarah then made it a one, two by claiming 2nd on Crusiey while Gillian Montgomery claimed the 3rd spot with Maya.

Sarah Sproule enjoying a 1st and 2nd place in the 1st Leg of SMWRC Dressage League Intro Class (picture courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography)

Geraldine Lowry braved the cold of the outdoor arena to judge the Prelim class – sponsored by Rolltack. This class attracted the biggest entry of the day with Linda McIlwaine and Beechmount Baxter claiming the top spot. They were was hotly pursued by Daryl McKinney and Ballylin Ben in 2nd and Katie King and Roc Tredudon in 3rd with less than 2% between the top 3!.

Daryl Mckinney & Ballylin Ben riding Prelim 18 for 2nd place in the 1st leg of SMWRC Dressage League (photo Courtsey of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The Novice class –sponsored by Millies Jumps- was judged by Ivor Harper who awarded Martina McKinley and Oliver Hardy the red ribbon. Second place went to the other King sister – this time Laura with Isaac De La Bouverie while Penny Murphy and her pretty coloured mare Tick It claimed 3rd place.

Winners of the 1st League SMWRC Dressage Novice class – Martina McKinley & Oliver Hardy (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The final class of the day, the elementary – sponsored by Forever Living, was also judged by Ivor Harper. This time Elaine Morrow and Ardenza Gem secured 1st place. Erin Faloona rode Margie Mac into 2nd place while Laura King followed her Novice placing with a 3rd on Isaac De La Bouverie.
SAVE THE DATE: TRI STAR COMPETITION

Venue: Knockaghview Equestrian Centre

Dates: Sunday 5th April – Dressage & Showjumping

Sunday 12th April – Working Hunter

Time: 11am start for all disciplines
Cost: £10 per discipline (members) £12 per discipline (non-members)
Contact: Dressage entries to Rhonda 07843 575 600 by 7pm Thursday 2nd April 2015

NO FACEBOOK ENTRIES PLEASE
Please check website https://sites.google.com/site/sixmilewaterridingclub/ for Dressage times or call Rhonda on Friday 3rd April between 7pm and 8pm.

When:      18 – 24 May 2015

Where:     Online at www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS

What:       A short, anonymous snapshot survey about your horse’s health

Why:           To help safeguard the future health and welfare of our horses and ponies

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is an important annual survey run by leading charity Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. It’s a unique opportunity for horse owners to give feedback about the health of their horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems be identified, prioritised and addressed.

NEHS is supported by the UK’s leading equestrian organisations and charities and sponsored by SPILLERS and Zoetis. It has now been running for five years and is already helping our knowledge of horse heath. Participation increased threefold last year, with data collected from over 12,301 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK, demonstrating the equestrian nation’s enthusiasm to do their bit. The results help to establish benchmarks for equine health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. Equine and veterinary colleges and universities also use the data as primary source material.

Last year we discovered more about the rise of Atypical Myopathy in the UK. Further awareness of this highly fatal disease is now being raised, incidences are being recorded and monitored by UK vets, and further research is continuing. For the second year lameness was identified as the most common syndrome and there was an apparent increase in laminitis compared with previous years. The 2014 survey also highlighted that 20% of owners are unaware of the risk of encysted small redworm and showed that the reported number of overweight horses and ponies had more than doubled since the previous year.

Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross said: “Over the past five years NEHS has become a crucial information resource for the equestrian industry. It is helping us to steer awareness, education and research with the sole purpose of safeguarding the future healthcare of our horses. By giving five minutes of your time to complete the survey you can help to make a lifetime of difference.”

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register for NEHS.

In 2014, the Equestrian Centre gained further recognition as a trainer for the Louth Meath Education and Training Board, and a fully funded 49 weeks full time training programme commenced at the world class facility, on 8 December 2014, for 20 trainees.  Their target is to achieve all the British Horse Society examinations towards the Assistant Instructor Award by the end date of 13 November 2015, as well as to obtain their International Licence as recognised trainers.  This will provide the opportunity to access a breadth of experience of employment at equestrian facilities abroad.  The course is the first of its kind in the North West area.

The Trainees have a daily programme of stable management, riding, lunging, horse husbandry, equine science and nutrition, all delivered by highly qualified instructors and utilising outstanding facilities.  Their immediate target is the BHS Stage I Examination and the Riding and Road Safety Test, both of which take place in the coming weeks.  The Trainees are fortunate to have a variety of BHS approved horses to ride and on which to gain a wealth of experience.  Their training programme is further enhanced by visiting trainers such as Lucy Adams, Mandi King, William Anderson, Jo Balcome, Shelagh Laird and Ray Buchanan, to name a few.  The Trainees will have further opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, on a 6 weeks’ full time placement programme, to take place during July and August.

Trainees on the course are coming from all over Ireland including Cork, Limerick, Longford, Louth and Donegal.  Some reside locally and those who wish to remain in the area at weekends have the opportunity to gain additional experience of the Leisure and Tourism Industry, by working at the Equestrian Centre, or participating in events that may be scheduled at weekends.

For any information related to this training programme, please contact the Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre Manager, Jenny Richardson, on 047 88535/jrichardson@castleleslie.com  or the Louth Meath Education and Training Board, Dundalk Regional Skills and Training Centre, on 042 9355717.