Add your horse to the website for just £10 per year and create an online record of your horses’ results

What is Equestrian Results.co.uk?

It’s an online results database for equestrian competitions.  It receives results from equestrian centres, clubs and associations and displays those results by horse.

How to I add my horse’s details to the website?

You click the ‘sign up’ link on the home page and create a user account for you as a rider/owner.  You then log in, scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘add horse’.  Insert your animals details and you can even enjoy 30 days free before paying the nominal fee of £10 per year.

How do I get my horses results included on the website?

Once you have added your horse, simply compete at a show listed in the ‘upcoming shows’ section on the website and your results will be added for you.

This is a screenshot of the ‘upcoming shows’ page, where competitors can clearly see which shows will be storing their results on the website.

What equestrian centres are offering this service to their competitors?

Portmore Equestrian Centre, Georges Island Road, Aghalee, Co Armagh, BT67 0DW

Gransha Equestrian Centre, 10a Kerrs Road, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 7QD

Limepark Equestrian Centre, 5 Lime Kiln Rd, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0JD

Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, 48 Drumsough Road, Randalstown, Co. Antrim, BT41 2NW

What about clubs and league dates?

The Inter-venue Tour beginning in February, and Show Jumper of the Year organised by the hard working team at Mossvale also plan to add their league dates to the website.

If you search by venue, you can see the shows your favourite equestrian centre has coming up displayed in date order

Winter riding club Inter-club dates are also being entered, the Portmore round on 19th January will be included in our results.

We look forward to including results from more equestrian centres over the coming months.  If you run an equestrian centre and would like information on how to add your dates, please email admin@equestrianresults.co.uk

Do you store Dressage results?

Yes! We cover dressage, combined training, all jumping disciplines and even showing.  On your horse summary page, any scores you’ve achieved greater than 60% will be displayed for each level.

How are results displayed in showing?

Your placed outings are shown by class, so if you compete in small hunters, the number of times you have been placed from 1st to 6th will be shown, and if you click ‘full results’ on your horses summary page, you can see those results in further detail.  (Working hunter results are also included.)

Typical summary page for a horse shown above, with identity details shown on the left and a summary of clear rounds at each height and other achievements shown on right.

What is an online summary page?

An online summary page is a place where your horses details are included on the left hand side of your page, while a summary of your achievements is displayed on the right organised by discipline.  These include the number of double clear rounds you’ve jumped at each height, over 60% dressage scores, and placed outings in showing.

Are training Shows included?

Yes, we encourage competitors to build an online profile of results for their horses and ponies in classes from cross pole classes upwards.  Our aim is to increase the number of competitors out each week and weekend at local equestrian centres, to include children and adults regardless of their level of ability.  Training shows, unregistered local shows, riding club events and those held by associations are also welcome.

Where do I go to add my horse to Equestrian Results.co.uk?

Click here to visit the website, or copy and paste this link into your web browser:  www.equestrianresults.co.uk Once you are on the website, click the ‘sign up’ link on the left hand side and fill in your details.

Here’s some information on this year’s new look winter series… (or visit the NIWHA website)

The new look Winter Series will have eight dates, mostly Sunday events, started in September, with one show per month, and finishing in April with a two day show. Each month will be run with two phases, a jumping arena and a show/second phase arena; all our venues have been carefully chosen to accommodate this format.
We are delighted to introduce three new venues to the Winter Series. Gransha Equestrian Centre, in North Down will host our January 2013 show, we know many of our County Down competitors will enjoy the short journey to this great venue, and Adrienne and Kirsty Stewart will provide a challenging course for all our competitors.

After a long absence we are excited to be able to bring Working Hunter back to Danescroft Equestrian Centre in Lisburn, we will be airing our own fences with some new obstacles to test competitors. The Meadows Equestrian Centre, off the M1, is our third new venue, and it will be hosting our two day event at the end of the Winter Series in April. This will incorporate showing classes alongside the working hunter classes, and anyone who attended National Balmoral will know of the fantastic courses which Aaron McCusker produced away from home, so imagine what we will get on his home ground.

We will of course be revisiting our grassroots venues, Laurel View Equestrian Centre at Templepatrick, who have supported N.I.W.H.A. for many years and Laurel Faloona and her team will kick off our Winter Series in style. We will also be returning to Knockagh View Equestrian Centre at Greenisland, where Ruth Wilson always sets a real challenge with her courses.

All our venues will be providing catering on the day for the competitors and their helpers and we will have a photographer on hand to capture the action. You can contact Equi-tog on tom@eui-tog.com or 07770 843545

WINTER SERIES 2012-2013 DATES FOR DIARY:
Sunday 9th September 2012 – Laurel View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Sunday 21st October 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Saturday 10th November 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
CHANGE OF DATE AND VENUE DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND DANESCROFT AND THE COMMITTEE’S CONTROL
Sunday 9th December 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Sunday 13th January 2013 – Gransha Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Sunday 10th February 2013 – Danescroft Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Sunday 10th March 2013 – Laurel View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th April 2013 – Meadows Equestrian Centre

All shows will start at 9.00am sharp with the horse and pony classes alternating month about.
The committee have worked hard to provide the highest standards of judges from throughout Ireland for our new Winter Series.

All shows will be run strictly to N.I.W.H.A. rules, which can be downloaded from the website andFacebook page.
New memberships will be accepted from 1st September 2012 and membership renewals from 1st November 2012.

Everyone is welcome to compete at N.I.W.H.A. shows but only members receive discounted class entries throughout the Winter Series.
NB-*PASSPORTS AND HEIGHT CERTS. WILL BE CHECKED AND MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL SHOWS
ENTRY FEES: MEMBERS £10 – NON MEMBERS £15

Membership of N.I.W.H.A. provides access to many new advantages introduced by the committee this year for the first time. Family membership is available at no additional cost. Apart from the usual reduced entry fees of £10 at the Winter Series, there will be reductions at our two major shows next April and July, plus classes specific to the members at these shows. We have introduced a new ‘ photo shot’ feature where our photographer sends each member a pic of their day out after each event, this has already been very well received. Members are kept updated on events and news by emails and texts as well as our new website and facebook.

SCHEDULE FOR WINTER SERIES

PONIES
CLASS 1 – Lead Rein assisted – cross poles – Fences 1 – 6
Riders aged 3 years and above

CLASS 2 – Working Hunter Pony – 50cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age, and may be assisted.

CLASS 3 – Four year old Working Hunter Pony – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders must be appropriate age for pony height.

CLASS 4 – M&M WHP up to and including 122cms – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER
CLASS 5 – Working Hunter Pony – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 122cm,riders under 11yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 6 – M & M WHP exceeding 122cms up to 138cms – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 7 – Working Hunter Pony – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12

Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 133cm, riders under 12.yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 8 – Working Hunter Pony – 80cms Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 133cms, riders under 14yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 9 – M&M WHP exceeding 138cms – 80/90cms – Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 10 – Working Hunter Pony – 90cms Fences – 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 143cms, riders under 17yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 11 – Working Hunter Pony – 1 metre Fences – 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 153cms, riders under 20yrs 1/1/13

HORSES MUST EXCEED 148cms IN ALL CLASSES. RIDERS MUST BE 14yrs AND OVER.

HORSES
CLASS 12 – Four year old Working Hunter Horse – 70cms – Fences 1 – 10
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 13 – Working Hunter Horse – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12

CLASS 14 – Working Hunter COB – 80cms Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 15 – Working Hunter Horse – 80cms – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 16 – Working Hunter SMALL HORSE – 80/90cms- Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 17 – Working Hunter Horse – 90cms – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 18 – Working Hunter Horse – 1metre – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 19 – Working Hunter Horse – 1.10metres – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER
* Please note that N.I.W.H.A. reserve the right to cancel or amalgamate classes as necessary on the day
Click here to visit the N.I.W.H.A. website
Click here to view the membership application form for N.I.W.H.A.
Click here to view a printable version of the 2012/2013 winter series

With the growth in demand for working hunter and showing classes, N.I.W.H.A. want to create an event fit for everyone, from the newcomer, trying it out for the first time to the seasoned and professional rider. To help and to encourage the newcomers we have put together some advice on how to dress, and tips for the turn out of the horse and pony for competition which may help impress the judge.
The secret to good presentation of rider and horse/pony is to arrive early and allow plenty of time to get ready.
Dressing for Working Hunter
The velvet riding hat with flesh coloured harness and a fixed peak is traditional, but skull cap with a velvet or plain black, brown or navy silk cover is acceptable. Hats should be correctly secured and meet current safety standards.
A well fitted tweed jacket is standard for day classes, and navy for evening classes.
A stock may be worn or a shirt and tie. If choosing a stock, it should be a self-tie stock and not a ready tied stock as it is felt that ready tied stocks look less professional. Stocks must be secured with a stock pin, attached horizontally.
Gloves must always be worn in competition. They should be leather or leather look and brown or tan in colour.
Jodhpurs should be canary or beige in colour, and should not be white.
Boots should be leather and polished, adults and intermediates wear full length black leather boots or leather short boots with leather half chaps or gaiters.
Children should wear brown leather jodhpur boots secured with matching jodhpur clips.
Hair should be neatly secured in a hairnet and tied back with a scrunchie or ribbon.
Spurs can be worn in horse classes, if horse does not need spurs, dummy spurs can be worn.
Spurs may not be worn in the pony classes.
Whips may be carried, but not schooling whips.
Make-up for adults looks well as long as it is neutral and discreet.
Body protectors are recommended for the jumping phase and may be removed for the ridden/second phase of working hunter.

Tack
Tack should be supple and spotlessly clean.
Tack should be plain and dark havana or black in colour.
There are no restrictions on bits, martingales or nosebands, but bitless bridles are not allowed at NIWHA events.
Bridles should be plain with no bling or any coloured browbands or white piping. Rolled or padded browbands and nosebands are acceptable as long as they are one colour.
It is important to remember that no changes are allowed to tack between the jumping and ridden/second phase, ie. if using a martingale for jumping it must remain for the whole of the class.
Saddles should, most importantly, fit the horse and the rider. Ideally a saddle to show off your horses shoulder.
The only exception to the changing of tack rule is protective boots. Dark coloured brushing boots are allowed for the jumping phase and MUST be removed for the ridden/second phase. Hind boots are not permitted in senior classes.
If using a numnah it should be match the tack and kept close to the saddle. Saddlecloths are not acceptable.
Girths should be dark in colour, to match the tack, preferably leather. Stud girths are permitted be cannot be changed for ridden/second phase.

Whips in a dark colour may be used but should not exceed 75cms, no schooling whips are allowed and cannot be changed between phases.

Bits
Check shows regulations/rules. NIWHA allows all suitable bits except hackamores. The judge may take the type of bit you are using into consideration during marking. The simpler the bit the more impressed the judge will be, ie. A loose ring or egg butt snaffle would be preferred and especially on a young horse/pony.

REMEMBER: NO CHANGE OF TACK IS PERMITTED BETWEEN PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2

The Horse
The horse/pony should be turned out as if it was in a ridden show hunter class.
Mane and forelock should be plaited. The number of plaits should complement the horse’s neck and overall shape. Plait on right side of neck.
Tails may be pulled at the dock not plaited. Length of tail should be approximately two inches below the hocks. It should also be well combed…mane and tail or coat shine can help the look.
Feathers on fetlocks should be trimmed and the horse/pony may be clipped neatly. The inside of ears, jaw line and whiskers should be trimmed.
It should be noted that M&M breeds, in their breed classes, are presented in their nature state, with unplaited mane, untrimmed legs and flowing tail.
Cobs should be hogged.
Horses must be clean with no stable marks. Use hoods and bandages to keep clean in stable and while travelling. Oil hoofs before entering ring. Add quarter markers….simple yet effective. A little baby oil around eyes and muzzle may highlight facial features.

The overall picture should be neat, tidy and clean as it is the first thing the judge will see as you enter the ring.

The show
Always check the time of your class and allow approx. half an hour per class.
Listen to announcements on classes and ask stewards who are always available at NIWHA.
Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and get prepared. Don’t leave yourself rushing as it only stresses you and your horse.
Get the horse ready first, then yourself. Stay clean!
Always wait for the course to be declared open before walking it.
Know your course and walk it.
Watch how it is jumping.
Preparation at home is the key to success. Lots of flatwork! Jumps are only obstacles in the way of your flatwork!
Never keep the judge waiting. Be at the gate ready to enter as the combination before you are beginning their round
Trot to your judge on entering the arena. DO NOT WALK IN
No need to salute before you jump. Salute after you jump.
Horse should stand square when you salute. Halt on the track after jumping and salute…no need to come to your judge!
Smile and be pleasant, this can earn you brownie points!
DO NOT do 10 laps of the arena before attempting Fence 1.
After Phase 1 remove the horse’s boots immediately and be ready to enter for Phase 2.
At NIWHA shows with more than one ring in operation you will go straight to Phase 2 in the next arena.
At the end of phase two, when called into your place trot to your space.

All the points above are for guidance and will apply at County and Championship Shows, at our training shows over the Winter Series our judges will usually allow discretion on details, but it is good to treat every show as a major event and get into the habit of good preparation and turn out, so it becomes second nature and is therefore not a hassle then the big show comes along.

Marking System

Phase 1
A maximum of 70marks are available for this section – 50 for jumping and 20 for style, manners and way of going while jumping.
Every fence down is minus 10pts. First refusal is minus 15pts. Second refusal is minus 20pts. The third is elimination and you must leave the arena.
A fall of horse/pony and/or rider is elimination and the rider is not allowed to remount in the arena. The horse should be led out of the ring.
These minus marks will be deducted from the 50 marks available.
The score for style/way of going will then be added onto the jump score.

Phase 2
A maximum of 50 marks are available in this phase. 20 marks for conformation, type and freedom of action. 20 marks for the ride and manners. 10 marks for turn out.
The score from phase one and two are then added together to give a total/final score to allow the places to be decided.
A score in the 90′s is considered a high standard.
Competitors on the same score, the competitor with the highest jumping mark will be given the higher placing.
Competitors may view their marks beside the entry desk after each competition.

The priority of the NIWHA Winter Series is to allow the training of the young horse/pony and for newcomers and new partnerships to gain vital experience, so we encourage our judges to allow competitors to complete the course even if they have been disqualified and the competitors are encouraged to go forward to the phase two to again get the experience.

Winter Series
NIWHA classes are set by height in centimetres starting with 50cms for ponies and 70cms for horses.
A specific class is provided by NIWHA for Lead Rein competitors
Ponies may be ridden by any age, child or adult, except where the competitor is using the class as a qualifier for Northern Ireland Festival. In this case the specific NIF class regulations must be adhered to by the competitor wishing to gain a qualification card.
Hors Concours
These entries are with the permission of NIWHA officials on the day of the show and are accepted for riders of horses/ponies ineligible for the class of entry, providing the class does not precede a class in which the rider or animal is entered by right.

Please feel free to visit the NIWHA website to find out more about the organisation and enjoy their new and exciting format for 2012/2013.

Nicholl Horsejumps started life by accident. David and Sylvia were involved with Ballycorr riding club. The riding clubs jumps were in bad need of repair and tidying up. As a joiner by trade, David asked me to take a look and carry out the repairs. We also made some new wings and fillers for the riding club. Other riding clubs got to hear about us and we started getting regular work.
We became involved with National Balmoral, David and Sylvia were course builders and we hired jumps to them for one of the arenas. We were asked to design and manufacture a jump that would be symbolic to Belfast. We thought about various landmarks and decided on the Harland and Wolff cranes. We started making them on the Thursday afternoon and had them completed and in the arena at Balmoral on the Saturday afternoon. These have been used every year since.
For the 25th Anniversary of National Balmoral in 2011, we designed and manufactured an anniversary jump for the occasion. We decided to include the SJAI crest in the wings and the showjumping Ireland logo on the filler. Sylvia did us proud with her painting skills. Even the poles had 25 on them.

In 2010, Paul Mackenzie from Mackenzies Equestrian Centre in Randalstown contacted us . Paul was looking a complete set of jumps. We sat down with him and played with a few ideas.
We were soon very busy starting to produce the jumps. When designing the jumps for Mackenzies we wanted the jumps to be unique, so this was time consuming. We completed the order and delivered them in August. Paul uses these jumps regularly for his shows.

Our relationship with Mackenzies had continued, he has recently ordered cavaletti’s and working hunter fillers. We design, build and supply the arena party for Mackenzies registered shows.
Nicholl Horsejumps are truely a family concern, David and Sylvia can be found most weekends at shows with my son James and more recently Josh has become involved. David and Sylvia are the course builders and James and Josh are the arena party. We would be involved as course builders for shows such as National Balmoral, Banbridge show, Limavady Show, Portrush and Antrim Show. For some of these shows, Nicholl Horsejumps provide the complete package, Course design and build, hire of jumps and arena party.
We take the design of our jumps into consideration regarding safety. I try to make all wings so as they have no exposed sharp edges. This is for both rider and horse safety. We use kiln dried softwood to manufacture our jumps, it has a better finish, lighter to move and accepts paint better.
To prolong the life of the jumps and provide quality products all our jumps get treated with a clear preservative, two coats of undercoat and two coats of gloss paint. We manufacture our jumps so that we can easily remove any damaged part and replace. This saves the customer money by not having to replace complete wings.

We can design and make simple jumps or for businesses, we can make jumps incorporating your logo. At Nicholl Horsejumps we carry out all joinery work, fitting kitchens, laying wooden floors, hanging doors or putting up a garden fence. With our fully equipped workshop, we can make stable doors or internal stabling.
Recently, both David and Myself have become directors of Antrim Agricultural Society. We were given the job of making a judges box for the show, this was unveiled at the shows press launch on Monday 11th july 2012.

Contact us via Nicholl Horsejumps or
Telephone 07850143060.

Show Jumping League, two phases and jump cross competitions…

We have a two phase planned for the 7th July which will be pre-entry by the 2nd July and classes will include mini, midi and maxi classes.
Our first show jumping league to keep the new arena busy will start on 15th July with further dates on 22nd, (no jumping on 29th July) the league will continue on 5th August, 12th August, 19th August and our final will be held on 26th Aug. Competitors will be encouraged to attend four out of the six competitions to be eligible for the great prizes on the final night including rugs etc. We are hosting an exciting team jumping league starting on the 1st of August running every Wednesday for 4 weeks and starting at 6.30pm. 2 riders in each team will jump 65cm and 2 riders jumping 85cm. Teams will consist of 4 Riders max, with the final on the 22nd of August. There will be Champion Sashes and Rosettes at the end of the league and entry is just £10 per rider. There will also be a Derby League starting on Saturday the 4th of August at 11am, continuing on the 15th of September and 22nd of September with the final on the 6th of October. Entries are £15 and we have some lovely Ardnacashel Rugs up for grabs along with rosettes. A Dressage League For All will start on Sunday the 2nd of September continuing on the 16th of September, 30th of September and finishing on the 14th of October

Ardncashel Luxury Livery…

At present we are providing 5* livery for all including show horses, showjumpers, leisure horses and some retired equines.
We offer excellent facilities including, a heated tackroom, Monarch 6 horse walker with rubber tiled floor and Monarch lunge pen. A wash bay is available for preparation for shows. A 60 x 40 rubber/sand arena and International sand/fibre competition arena, Derby field/cross country play pen are also available on site. We have quiet country roads ideal for hacking. We have very competitive prices for professionally run facilities as shown below: Part livery: £168 to include feeding x 3 times a day, turn out daily am weather permitting, stable, haylage, use of walker, lunge pen
and arena. There is also a discount for liveries on entry fees to all Ardnacashel shows. Full livery: £308 per month including all of above plus mucking out, shavings, grooming, bringing in, putting on/off walker, organising vet farrier etc. Schooling is available at an extra cost and hard feed can also be arranged. These are our two main options, however if you need something bespoke, then our livery packages can be arranged to suit your needs! Private hire of arena is £20 per hour or £10 per horse.
For further details www.ardnacashelequestrian.co.uk also facebook ardnacashel equestrian comber or contact Janice 07921760441 Alternatively you could come and visit the yard for a coffee and a chat to see if you think it’s the place for you and your horse! We are located at: 51 Tullynagee Road Comber BT23 5SE Northern Ireland

What is it?

StudShu is a protective cover for a studded horseshoe, allowing the hoof to stand level and balanced on hard surfaces – Horsebox – substantially reducing abnormal stress on the pedal bone, coffin joint and navicular area.

Uses

For the first time you can now fit studs before travelling, safely cover them with StudShu and travel to the Show. On arrival, simply remove the covers and you’re ready to go. Also between rounds/competitions, you can refit StudShu and return the horse to the box.

StudShu Creation

StudShu was invented and developed by a horse owner from Co Down, Northern Ireland, who has over thirty years experience as a breeder and producer of young horses for Show Jumping and Eventing. Attending shows on grass arenas, he identified a problem with the fitting of studs to horseshoes. He wasn’t trying to change this well tried and tested method of providing grip, but to make the process easier and safer for both horse and rider.

Problem

It can be difficult to fit studs to the shoes of a young or excitable horse at a Show. The horse may not stand quietly while you go through the whole process involved with the fitting of eight studs.
Potentially dangerous process
Dirty
Time consuming
Between rounds/competitions, horses are returned to the box and left to stand for long periods with studs in, with the associated risk of injury to themselves and others, as well as possible damage to the vehicle.

Solution
Fit the studs before travelling, when the horse is in its own stable and is calm and relaxed.
Cover with StudShu
Easily fitted and removed
Hoof is level and balanced. No stress to joints and tendons
StudShu offers protection from pointed studs
Care Of Product
Wipe clean and remove any debris before re-fitting.
After use, wash in cold water.
Note: Do not leave in direct sunlight

Where can you get them?

You can buy directly from www.studshu.com by clicking here

Or contact us during working hours to find out where our stockists are located on 028 406 22658

A few testimonials from Competition Riders…

“I have been using StudShu for a few weeks now. The horses travel well wearing them and I love the fact that they are standing level and studs protected while waiting for the different phases of the Event. Great idea.”
Suzanne Jordan 3* Event Rider (Pictured right)

“I work mostly with young Event horses preparing them for their competitive careers and anything that makes life easier at Shows with these youngsters has to be a bonus. StudShu does just that. Why had no-one thought of doing this before!” Jonny Hagan Event Rider
I have a horse which is really difficult to fit with studs at Shows, so much so, that on occasions I have resorted to travelling him with studs fitted, legs bandaged and standing on a bed of shavings in the lorry. When I heard about StudShu I couldn’t wait to try them. Our first Show on grass was a three hour journey away. The horse travelled well, StudShu were great and we won the 1m.10 Working Hunter Championship. Have been using them ever since and think they are brilliant
Caroline Gibson Co. Down. Show Jumping Rider. Level 4 yo up to 1m.30 also compete in Working Hunter.

To keep up to date with our news and for further information on the product, please join our new facebook page and stay in touch by clicking here.

Sourced from Lough Neagh the sand is double washed to remove silt and then classified to achieve a clean fine grade and uniform particle size. Emerson Equestrian Sandprovides a firm, compact, yet supportive surface to meet the demands of the busiest horse ménage.

Given the changeable Irish climate Emerson Equestrian Sand remains free draining and relatively dust free in rain and sun.

We have provided equestrian sands to many premier arenas across the country including Dermott Lennon, Portmore Equestrian Centre and the highly acclaimed Meadows Equestrian Centre. Our reputation has ensured thatEmerson Equestrian Sand has been requested as the surface medium of choice across the island of Ireland.

We can deliver all your requirements via our dedicated delivery service.

The Company will be pleased to discuss and advise on the technical merits of the Emerson Equestrian Sand specification.

For price quotations please contact Kenny Crooks :-

Tel +44 (0) 28 3834 0222
Email: kenny@normanemerson.com

NORMAN EMERSON GROUP
118 Ardmore Road,
Derryadd,Lurgan
Co Armagh
BT66 6QP

Head Office Tel: +44 (0) 28 3834 0222
Fax: +44 (0) 28 3834 0011
Email: info@normanemerson.com
Website: www.normanemerson.com

Show horses’ waistlines are often a bone of contention but what is “show ring condition” and how can we best achieve it whilst maintaining the health and fitness of the horse.

What is Condition?
Horses carry different proportions of muscle and body fat according to their type and level of fitness or training. It is our aim, as horse owners, to ensure that these proportions are appropriate to the work we are expecting of the horse and adjust his diet and work load accordingly. Body condition scoring, using a numerical scale where 0 is “poor” and 5 is “obese”, can be a useful way of objectively assessing condition by looking at the horse’s neck, ribs and rump. Ideally you should be able to feel but not see the ribs and the horse should carry “top line” in the form of muscle not pads of fat, so correct work is imperative to encourage muscle development in the right places.

Whatever method of condition assessment you use, it should be both visual and “hands-on” – you need to feel through a thick coat in the winter, which can cover the true picture, and take a good step back from time to time to look at the whole horse. It is also useful to monitor your horse or pony’s bodyweight by using a weightape or, better still, a weighbridge. This will not only help you in your calculation of how much to feed but is particularly useful in assessing progress, especially when you are hoping to make considerable changes to your horse’s condition.

The Right Condition

Having established your horse’s current condition, the next step is to decide whether that is how you would like him to stay or whether you need to make changes in order to help change his condition. For this you will also need to consider the work the horse is expected to undertake and the level of fitness he needs to attain. A show horse, for example, needs stamina and muscle tone for physical effort but may carry more “condition” than a three day eventer who has to gallop and jump.

Show producers are continuously accused of presenting horses and ponies which are carrying too much body fat, in an attempt to ensure they have a “well rounded” appearance. It can be difficult balancing fitness and muscle tone with levels of body fat but it must be done; an overweight horse risks damage to joints and laminitis, as well as other health issues, and will often simply not exhibit the enthusiasm for work that a slimmer horse can. Those who seem to live on fresh air can be a nightmare to keep weight off but it is possible to maintain a balanced diet and control calorie intake, whilst those who struggle to keep the weight on must be fed with consideration to the limitations of the equine digestive system.

Putting it On
A common approach to promoting weight gain, is to feed more of the existing feed, or to add straights, such as barley or maize, and gradually the costs mount up but the condition we’re looking for may not. Not only is it unbalancing the ration by adding straight cereals to an already balanced compound feed, but we are also likely to be feeding ever increasing volumes which the horse’s stomach, with its limited capacity, simply cannot take.

What we risk when feeding large volumes in each feed is that some will pass on out of the stomach and small intestine before it has been fully digested. This presents a couple of problems – firstly the risk of digestive or metabolic upsets, such as colic or even laminitis, as a result of undigested starch reaching parts of the hind gut that it shouldn’t. Secondly, the feed will not be fully utilised so some of its nutrients will be lost, resulting in a simple waste of money! It’s therefore much more efficient, more cost effective, and safer, to feed for the job in hand by selecting a compound feed formulated for weight gain and condition.

Feeding frequent smaller amounts of a high calorie concentrated feed allows for less starch to be fed in order to promote the desired weight gain. Most reputable feed manufacturers also use cooking techniques, like micronising, which significantly increase the digestibility of the starch granules, ensuring that they are broken down in the foregut, where they should be, rather than reaching the hindgut.

Oil is another useful concentrated source of calories which is non-heating and helps to increase the energy density of the ration without significantly increasing volume. Specially developed high oil supplements are now available, which are more palatable and less messy than straight oil, and contain the necessary additional antioxidants which are required by the body to help it utilise the oil more efficiently.

The art with promoting weight gain, particularly for the show ring, is knowing when to stop! Continue to monitor your horse’s progress and consider the changing contribution that forage makes as the s
pring grass comes through – be prepared to alter the diet again to one with a lower energy content once your horse is looking how you want him and finding it easier to maintain his condition during the spring and summer months.

Getting it Off
If your horse or pony is at the other end of the scale and you are always struggling to keep that tummy trim, then a different approach will be required. Feeding less than the recommended quantity of a low energy mix or cube will deprive your horse of essential nutrients needed for health and well-being whilst still providing some calories that he doesn’t need. The fact that your overweight horse is dull and lack lustre may not be so much to do with lack of energy in his diet but with a lack of vitamins and minerals. An ideal solution here is to choose a feed balancer.

These provide a very concentrated source of nutrients without extra calories and enable you to feed a balanced diet to ensure your horse is receiving all the nutrients for overall health and body maintenance. With correct work you should be able to encourage weight loss, whilst the protein content of the balancer will help promote muscle tone. So on a fully balanced diet, and losing some weight, your previously dull good doer should develop a brighter outlook on life!

Again, be prepared to change what you are feeding throughout the year to suit the changing weather conditions, routine and work load. For the exceptionally good doer, a balancer may be an excellent year round solution whilst for others, once the weight is lost, you may find that as work load increases and the nutrient content of the grass drops off in late summer, you need to reintroduce some calories by choosing a low or medium energy mix or cube. Remember that keeping things balanced is the key to optimising performance – feed your concentrate at the recommended rate and if it provides too many or too few calories, switch to something that gives you the energy levels you want when fed at the recommended rate.

The Role of Forage
We all know how important fibre is to maintain gut function and satisfy the horse’s natural requirement to chew, so forage, including hay, haylage and grass, will be the basis of a healthy diet but will also make a nutritional contribution which should not be forgotten. For example, feeding forage with a very low nutritional value may mean that, even when using the recommended quantities of a compound feed, the over all diet may not be balanced. Feeding a good quality hay or haylage that is soft and leafy, will ensure that your horse receives plenty of nutrients as well as essential fibre – this is especially important when feeding poor doers.

However, your fat pony or cob, for example, still has the same requirements for fibre and should be fed a clean, dust free forage that is stalkier and lower in nutrients to ensure that fibre intake is not restricted. Creativity is essential when feeding good-doers to ensure that even a limited amount of forage takes them plenty of time to eat; small-holed haynets and one net inside another will keep them occupied, whilst low calorie chaffs offer an alternative source of fibre which also takes up chewing time.

Keeping it Right
Having achieved the level of condition that suits your horse and the work you require of him, careful monitoring will help you make the adjustments necessary to keep him that way. Try to avoid the massive condition fluctuations which may result from any “down time”, whatever the time of the year, as it will take you longer to achieve your “ideal” again. Keep a watchful eye, or use a weightape, and above all, be prepared to alter your regime accordingly to ensure your horse remains on a balanced diet and is fit and healthy to perform.

For more information or advice contact Baileys Horse Feeds on + 44(0)1371 850247, +44 (0)7885 065531 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

Toni Donnelly and Majestic Gold
at the Balmoral Show last year.

Through her enthusiastic approach and appearing in the headlines on a weekly basis this year, Toni has just been named as a brand ambassador for Spillers Horse Feeds.

We learnt a lot from Toni’s Q & A and we hope you do to as it not looks at such a wide variety of classes it is sure to encourage you onto the showing circuit should you not have already planned to compete!

Click here for a list of showing dates (including Toni’s showing clinics) for the months ahead.

The decision of which class to enter your horse into can be a daunting one, as it can make the difference between the top and bottom of the line up. This is why Toni Donnelly’s experienced eye has helped to introduce lots of new competitors to the world of showing and given them the confidence and knowledge to brave it onto their local grass arena for their showing debut.

Showing classes are divided into different weight sections: lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight and horse types including small hunter, riding horse and cob classes.

What would you describe as a perfect lightweight hunter? 
Seven-eighths or full thoroughbred, to carry 12st 7Ib with a height of 16hh – 16.2hh, 8.5 inches of bone (cannon bone) Lots of presence and well-schooled

What would you be looking for in a Middleweight Hunter? 
16.3hh and carry up to 14 stone, with about 8 3/4 to 9 inches of bone, elegant and mannerly

Would a heavyweight hunter be ideally larger in height aswell as overall stature? 
Yes, ideally, 17hh, carry over 14stone, should have 9 – 10 inches of bone. Handsome looks and good paces.

What is the height restriction for a small hunter and what condition should they ideally be? 
Measured 15.2hh, a mini middleweight with quality and manners. They must be measured by SJAI and stamped on passport.

What about coloured classes? Is there a specific height and build? 
They can be any size and usually have to be registered with CHAPS

Should ponies be plaited for native classes? 
NO! Please DO NOT PLAIT NATIVES. They should be registered with their breed society and Connemara’s classes can be ridden by adult and be over 14.2cm for some classes.

What is the difference between a riding horse and ridden hunter? 
A riding horse will have less bone and be very elegant, the small class is for horses exceeding 14.2hh but not exceeding 15.2hh and the large which is for animals exceeding 15.2hh and with no upper height limit. Horses should wear a coloured brow band.

Is there a height for the lightweight cob class?
The lightweight cob should not exceed 15.1hh and have at least 8″ of bone below the knee, while a heavyweight is classified to carry 14 stone or over at 15.1hh.

Should there be any difference in tack for these two classes? 
You would use a wider leather in the bridle, i.e. a large flat noseband. They must also be measured by SJAI and have their height stamped on their passport.
Toni Donnelly and Majestic Gold in the HOYS Working Hunter FinalWhat is the definition of a show working hunter?
The definition of a show working hunter is a good-looking horse that jumps smoothly and quietly. He should be well schooled with correct conformation, athletic movement and a good, level temperament.
At county level shows classes are divided into small hunter, novice / young horse classes 90cm and open 1m upwards. Height will always be stated on schedules. Indoor shows different have classes according to height of fences.
Small hunters and Cobs will jump a course of rustic style fences with jump height between 80cm -90cm

What height do four year old horses jump?
Four year old horses would jump up to 80cm

What is the correct rider attire for hunter classes?

Rider dress for all hunter classes is tweed jackets, tan cloured gloves and riding hats, cream, canary or beigebreeches, a cream shirt with a tie (and tie pin) tall black riding boots. Show canes are generally carried. Use elastic string for numbers and a nice tip is to cut the corners off your numbers. Should wear spurs or dummy spurs.

For evening championships, lady riders should wear a black or navy jacket (men pink jacket) with a white or cream stock, fastened with a pin, plus a top hat,

What should competitors NOT wear?
No STOCKS, or Chaps or flowers on jackets.

So down to the horse, what tack should be used and how should the horse be turned out?
All tack should be brown or black and matching, for showing classes tack should be plain and flat, but for working hunter classes it can be raised. Dark fitted numnahs and girths.

Showing saddles are straight cut. Working hunter saddles can be general purpose, however a handy hint is tomake sure the stirrups are big enough for a man’s foot and that you have enough holes in your saddle’s leathers for a short legged judge!

Double bridles are only used for showing classes over 4 years of age, snaffles for 4 yr olds if required. Always have a plaited rein on the bridoon or thinner rein on Weymouth / curb bit. No gag bits are allowed in working hunter, use understated simple bridles. Martingales are ok for working hunter. Double bridles can be used in Open classes, and boots for jumping phase only.

Now to turnout of the horse…
The horse must be well groomed, with heels, ears and muzzle trimmed, tail plaited or pulled, mane plaited with same colour bands or thread as the colour of the hair. Plaits are larger and fewer than for show jumping or dressage. Hoof oil on feet, with quarter marks for showing classes. Tails cut about 1.5 inches below chestnut.

Pony Showing Classes

The Lead Rein Pony, is there a particular age for the child and what tack should be worn?
Ponies suitable for a child of three to seven years of age are ideal. The ponies must be shown in snaffle bridles with the lead rein attached to the noseband. Judges will be looking for a pony with correct conformation, good movement, a good front and with perfect manners.

What will the judge be looking for in a ridden pony?

The First Ridden Pony 
The pony should be four years old and over and must not exceed 122cms. They are to be ridden by children up to ten years of age and again must be shown in snaffle bridles. These ponies are required to walk and trot when all together. They are asked to canter during their individual show, and the judge will be looking for a well-mannered pony which goes quietly and freely forward with the child in charge of the situation.

The 128cms (12.2hh) Ridden Show Pony
This class is for ponies four years old and over which does not exceed 128cms and ridden by a child up to thirteen years of age. In the class the judges will expect a quality, well-mannered pony which, in their opinion, is suitable for a youngster to show. The top 12.2hh pony should be more refined than the first-ridden and should include a change of rein at the canter and a few strides of gallop during the individual show

The 138cms (13.2hh) Ridden Show Pony
This class is for ponies exceeding 128cms but not exceeding 138cms and ridden by children up to fifteen years of age. It is one of the strongest classes to win with some of the most correct and beautifully bred ponies in it. At this height the judges will be looking for ponies that really cover the ground and which are polished and fluent in their individual shows.

The 148cms Class
This show pony class is for ponies exceeding 138cms and not exceeding 148cms ridden by children up to seventeen years of age.   It should be forward-going, bold in its outlook and able to gallop really well and give individual shows that are completely in control and a pleasure to watch.

The Intermediate Show Riding Types are typically divided into two classes: exc. 146cms but not exc. 153cms and exc. 153cms but not exc. 158cms. Both these classes are for riders up to 25 years of age. The above bridles would have coloured brow bands and refined leather to show off the pony’s head properly and the child should be wearing navy (g) or black (b) jackets with a flower for girls.

The Show Hunter Pony classes have become very popular. The ideal pony for this class will have the correct conformation and be a miniature of the show hunter. So more stocky / chunky ponies ideally Connemara x’s. The same type for the W.H classes.  Bridles are plain brown and thicker leather in double bridles for showing classes.

There are four height groups:
Not to exceed 122cms for riders up to the age of eleven
Exceeding 122cms but not exceeding 133cms
For riders up to the age of fourteen, exceeding 133cms but not exceeding 143cms.
For riders up to the age of seventeen and exceeding 143cms but not exceeding 153cms for riders up to the age of twenty.

As with the Show Pony classes several new classes have been added over the years: Novice, Restricted, Mixed Height and Intermediates. The Intermediate Show Hunter Type classes are for ponies/horses exceeding 148cms but not exceeding 158cms and are for riders up to the age of twenty five, and these too have proved very popular with many top class Small Hunters competing with younger riders

Left to right: Evanne McKenna riding Bella, Sharon McKeever and Cosmic Rolo, Paul Clancy and Blueberry, Sara McAree – Rosie, Michelle Clancy – Le Hoss, Shona Greg – Peppe

Toni and her students at a recent working hunter clinic in Lusks Equestrian Centre.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Toni Donnelly for explaining each class with such great detail, we have learnt a lot and can clearly see why her clinics are proving so popular as new dates grace our diary dates pages frequently from all over Ireland.

If you would like to know more including information on the working hunter pony and classes at the working hunter festival and qualifiers for this type of pony or native breeds, please contact Toni to arrange a clinic or lesson or to even find out when her clinics are near you so you can attend and learn more about your own horse or pony and how to show it to its full potential.

Toni Donnelly BSc. HND Eq, BHSAI, I.S.A & I.W.H.A Judge

antonia.donnelly@btinternet.com or Tel: 07764 786 500

1) Does it make its way into that drawer in the lorry where it will remain until the annual clear out before Tattersalls?
2) Will you disagree profusely with all but positive comments maybe even slipping it into the chip van bin with disregard?
3) Or will you ponder over this new training aid and take constructive comments from your judges’ viewpoint on board aiming to improve your next score?

We spoke to National Irish Dressage Champion, Laragh Hamilton and compiled an A to Z list of dressage judges comments to help you get the most from your dressage score sheet for a more competitive season.

Acceptance: Lack of evasion, resistance or protest – used to describe the horse’s willingness to allow a steady contact or the application of aids.

Balance: Relative distribution of the weight of horse and rider on the fore and hind legs and left and right legs giving longitudinal and lateral balance. / Behind the bit

Contact: The elacticity of the connection between the horse and rider through the reins.

Disunited: Referring to a horse who canters on one lead in front with the other lead behind

Engagement: The push from the hind leg that generates impulsion and lightness

Freedom: The reach, scope and ease of movement of the fore and hind limbs

Holding: When the horse holds a fixed shape in its neck and jaw blocking the riders aids and holding the bit.

Impulsion: the release of energy stored by engagement described by the FEI as the desire to carry itself forward.

Jump: The moment of suspension in the canter

Looseness: The freedom with which the horse travels in a relaxed manner free from tension

Movement: How the horse moves over the ground, judged in part by the rhythm and looseness described above

Nodding: A rhythmic up and down or back and forward motion of the horses head that is not a normal phase of the gait.

Obedience: Willingness demonstrated by the horse to perform the actions requested by the rider.

Pivoting: Avoidance of picking up a foot in the proper rhythm, during walk pirouette movement

Quality: The quality of a gait refers to it’s elasticity, fluency, freedom etc

Relative Straightness: A horse is going straight when the inside leg follows the track of the inside foreleg / Rhythm

Submission: Compliance to the riders aids, and thoroughness. How the horse yields to the riders request within each gait demonstrating confidence and harmony between horse and rider.

Thoroughness: The unblocked flow of energy through the horse allowing the riders aids to reach all parts of the horse.

Uphill: Refers to the horse taking more weight into his hind legs therefore enabling a higher and lighter forehand.

Wide behind: Where the horse travels with hind feed wider apart than the forefeet, most common when evading engagement in lengthening of stride and halt.

X: The Centre point in the arena, generally used for point to halt, accuracy is the key to get higher marks.

Watch this video demonstration of the Hit-Air Pro Vest with Mike Ryan while competing at Ballindenisk.

Hit-air provide leading-edge shock buffering protection to the neck, spine, lower back, chest and vital organs when inflated. The inflation is automatically triggered in the event of a fall, when the horse and rider become parted. They are renowned for safety and reliability in the rest of Europe and the US and were only recently introduced to the UK and Ireland to great acclaim. The Hit-air Pro vest was recently awarded 5* in Eventing Magazine.

Riders who use the Hit-Air vest include the Olympic Event Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton “I am really excited about the new technology of the Hit-Air vest. I have researched other protection on the market and believe that Hit-Air is the best. I feel confident that I will be more protected when I fall and believe that this is the way of the future.”

Sam Watson, 4* event rider recently stated, ‘Until I saw the Hit Air I had no desire to ride in an air jacket. However, the Hit Air is so light and unobtrusive that I literally don’t realise that I’m wearing it. ……. I was shocked by the extra protecion from the Hit-air and how much it cushioned my fall. I never want to fall without my Hit Air again…there’s too much at stake!’

The unique features of the Hit-Air vest include:

- Enhanced neck protection. The patented popper design helps to prevent hyper extension, whiplash and other associated neck injuries.

- The Hit-Air vest has integral ribcage airbags which provide unique shock buffering protection to the ribcage, helping to protect vital organs in the event of a fall.

- Supporting, shock buffering protection to the spine, from neck to lower back.

- The only outwardly inflating air vest, enabling hit-air to be worn neatly over the body or body protector. The outward inflation is crucial as it removes the possibility of winding during the inflation process, making it safe for riders with pre-existing chest conditions.

- Unique internal adjustments mean that the same air vest can be worn over a t-shirt in the summer or over fleeces and jackets in the winter.

Protection for all equestrian disciplines

At last, body protection that people can wear every time they ride without even feeling it!
Hit-air have also been instrumental in opening up the market to equestrians of all disciplines from hunters, people breaking youngsters, schooling at home or simply hacking out.

Children and adult sizes are available so visit www.hitairuk.co.uk to find your nearest stockist.

So what kind of saddle should you buy? For lower level events, a GP saddle will be suitable to get you through all three phases.  However as you move up the grades, you may want to invest in a more forward cut “jumping” saddle to provide more rider security in the jumping phases.  A dressage saddle can also prove to be a great investment, as they feature a deeper seat and are specially designed to promote a closer contact and allow for riding with longer stirrups.

Old Mill stock many well known brands inlcuding Albion, Prestige, Ideal, Kent & Masters, Wintec and more, in various price ranges. Old Mill’s own Equipro saddles are provin
g to be a bit hit with buyers on a more limited budget. Well designed, well made and of good quality leather the Equipro saddles are comfortable, look great and are exceptional value for money. Currently these saddles are available in both General Purpose and Jump styles, in black or brown in both pony and horse sizes.

Old Mill also offer a great embroidery service where you can personalise your eventing wardrobe including saddle pads, jackets, baseball caps and more! The most popular personalised items however are the Procush Event whip. This patented product designed by Old Mill Saddlery is used by many famous faces including eventing favourite Oliver Townend.
They feature cushioned foam ends which are shock absorbing and kind to the horse.  You can choose any colour or personalisation options you would like on your whip, including stem colours, names and flags. A great addition to your eventing kit or a wonderful thank you to that dedicated “groom” or trainer who kindly videos your rounds!

As any event rider knows the list of tack and accessories required for eventing is rather endless, and some events may have also have rules and regulations as to what you can and can’t use in the different phases.
 If you are unsure, the experienced staff at Old Mill Saddlery have many years of horsey experience under their belts and are always on hand to help and advise whether by phone, email or instore.

The 10,000 sq foot superstore, located between Carrickfergus and Larne has everything you need under one roof, from bits to boots, bridles to breastplates, saddle pads to stud girths. You might also find spy a gorgeous “must have” for the rider, with great competition wear from Ariat, Mountain Horse, Pikeur & more! Old Mill Saddlery wish you all the best with the new season!

Over the years, we have built our online business to become one of Europe’s leading suppliers of equestrian equipment. While our staff are always on hand to help when customers visit our store, you can check our stock and prices online at any time of day or night anywhere in the World with delivery options and prices kept as keen as possible to make sure you get the best deal. We also have a facebook page where you can join us online and hear about our most up to date offers and deals. Click here to view our Facebook Page

Here are our contact details so you know where to go should you need anything in advance of your 2012 spring eventing season.

Our website is www.saddlery.biz Our telephone number is 02893 353268

Our superstore is located on 110 Larne Road, Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 9JN