Downshire Do it Again!

Two weeks ago a convoy of intrepid travellers comprising 3 Lorries and lots of riders and supporters from Downshire Riding Club left Danescroft Equestrian Centre for the long journey to the BHS NAF National Championships 6-7 September 2014, held at the lovely Lincolnshire Showground.

Several thousand riders from all over the UK compete to qualify for this prestigious event and it was great that 12 riders made up three teams so Northern Ireland was well represented.

Open Team competitors Sarah McLean (Diamond Obelix) and Amy Munroe (Forthill Sharamai) both fresh from success at Dublin Horse Show, Nicola Cullen (Colonel Gun) and Sarah Adamson (Seapatrick Corland Superjet) competed on a very misty Saturday. Following a nail biting jump off the team finished in the ribbons as a very respectable 5^th place.

Also competing on Saturday the Intermediate Senior team of Suzanne Davis (Haydens Star), Nicola Cullen (Danske Coevers Lass), Sarah McLean (Graf Keerogue) and Victoria Titterington (Thornbrook Eye of the Storm). This was great experience for the team and a lot of fun was had by all.

On a very sunny Sunday it was the juniors turn. The Junior Novice team of Jade Herron (riding Olivia Pele’s Buckaroo), Ben Rowlatt-McCormick( Newline Golden Secret), Victoria Fox (Lislaird Joni) and Olivia Hughes (Forest Lodge Rambler) all got through to the jump off ably coached by Chef D’Equipe Sarah McLean and Amy Munroe. Jade and Victoria also qualified for the Individual competition having jumped clear all the way.

After a tense calculation the team realised that there were only 2 teams in the jump off, and due to some fast times and careful technical jumping Downshire Juniors emerged the winners.

In addition, Jade Herron (who has only been riding for 2 years) jumped the round of her life and was thrilled to gain the Individual Championship. Victoria also jumped a blinder to come individual 4^th with her lovely Connemara pony Joni .

The past 4 months at Downshire have been a whirlwind of fundraising and organising and the club as a whole is extremely grateful for the support given by the many individuals and NI companies who have sponsored and helped in any way.

On Sunday evening it was time to return. It’s safe to say that the juniors slept soundly for most of the journey (some not even realising that a tyre was blown!). Many thanks must go to all our drivers who stayed awake during the small hours of the night to bring everyone safely home. Big thanks should go to George and Breda at Danescroft Equestrian for the loan of their super lorry.

Downshire Riding Club always welcomes new members to share in their success, so if you are interested in joining click on http://www.downshireridingclub.com/ for more information.