L to R Lindsay McMullan (Lady) Cheryl Corrie (Tommy) Karen Jeffrey (Junior)

The glorious weather over the past week meant the winter showjumping league took place in the all-weather derby arena.  Kicking off proceedings on Saturday 3^rd  October was the Holmestead  Saddlery Horse show jumping day.  Gail Smyth piloted her lovely coloured horse ‘Bruno’ to a double clear in the 60-70cm class while Lindsay McMullan (Lady) and Cheryl Corrie (Tommy) jumped two faultless rounds at 70cm.  Karen Jeffrey took victory in the 70-80cm class with Junior.  Mine View Major Tom ridden by Diane McCully won the 80-90cm class ahead of Michelle McConnell (Bob) who took 2^nd and Heather McMillan (Herbie) who claimed 3^rd.  Hannah Ewart steered her lovely thoroughbred horse ‘Chill Out’ to victory in the 1m-1m10cm class ahead of Cheryl Smyth and Casanova who took 2^nd.  This result was repeated in the 1m10-1m20 class.  Well done to all those competitors.  The next horse show jumping day will take place on Sunday 15^th November.

L to R Caitlin McClelland (Echos Image) Katie Parkinson (Brookvale Charlie) Shannon McIlroy (Flurry)

The sunny weather continued on the Sunday and this time it was the turn of the pony riders.  We are delighted to have local saddlery ‘Horseworld NI’ sponsoring this league.  Class 1 was the cross poles and Joseph Griffin (Di Vinci), Callum Griffin (Sammy) and Cailtlin McClelland (My Boy Benny) all jumped double clear.  Slotting into 2^nd place was Darcy Frew also riding ‘My Boy Benny.’  Alana Smith and her pony Kate jumped a double clear to win the 50-60cm class while Lily Boyd and ‘Ashley Brook’ took 2^nd.

L to R Regan McKee (willow) Cerys Howell (Alfie)

Joint 1^st in the 60-70cm class was Lily Boyd(Ashley Brook) and Alex Lloyd (Cassie).  Winning the 70-80cm class was ‘Echo’s Image’ ridden by Caitlin  McClelland.  Katie Parkinson took 2^nd riding ‘Brookvale Charlie’.  Shannon McIlroy and ‘Flurry’ finished 3^rd and Kirsty McVeigh was 4^th with ‘Sunny.’  Following this class was the 80cm speed class.  ‘Fat Boy’ piloted by Caitlin McKechnie jumped to victory while Caitlin McClelland and ‘Echos Image’ took 2^nd.  Our winner in the 80-90cm class was Regan McKee riding her lovely palomino pony ‘Cleo.’  Cerys Howell had two ponies in the 90cm-1m class.  She took the top spot with ‘Suzie’ and claimed 2^nd with ‘Roxy.’  3^rd place went to Niamh Martin riding ‘Pick N Mix.’  Cerys had a busy day going on to win the 1m class, this time on ‘Alfie’ and taking 2^nd with ‘Suzie.’  Regan McKee piloted her dun pony ‘Willow’ to 3^rd position.

L to R Caitlin McClelland (My Boy Benny) Darcy Frew, Adrienne Stuart, Callum Griffin (Sammy) Joseph Griffin (Da Vinci)

The next Pony show jumping day takes place on Saturday 14^th November starting at 10am.  Check the website for a full list of competitions.

Helen Pearson Murray Molly

Sunday 7^th June saw the first in a series of 4 Derby days at Gransha Equestrian Centre.  A beautiful sunny morning added to the relaxed atmosphere and it was great to see so many of the Gransha liveries taking part in the competition.  Held in the all-weather arena, riders had to navigate their way over 8 show jumps followed by 12 cross country type obstacles, incorporating the water complex and sunken lane.  The first winning combination of the day was Paulene Foster riding Maddy.  They sailed to victory in the senior 70cm class after a faultless first round and a speedy timed round.  Happy to settle for 2^nd place was Rachel Crawford and Oscar.  A new partnership in the form of Kate Robinson and Harry took 3^rd.  Gransha liveries continued to dominate the placings with Lindsey McMullan and Lady coming 4^th and Terri Howard and Hudson clinching 5^th place.  Sharon Lappin with Tori were 6^th.  The only junior in this class was Lucy Kayes and her gorgeous chestnut pony ‘Winston’.

Hannah Ewart Brandy

Their confidence grew as they progressed around the course and it was obvious that this combination will be one to watch for the future.

Helen-Pearson Murray and her lovely bay mare ‘Molly’ took the honours in the 80cm class while Hannah Ewart and ‘Brandy’ won the 90cm class. (Shown right)

The fun continues for the next 3 Sundays and the course stays up all week for anyone wishing to school around it.  Log onto www.granshaequestrian.co.uk for a full list of events.

Class 6 – Elementary – Emily Morris – Florida Bud

Sunny weather ensured a great turnout for the fifth round of Gransha Equestrian Centre’s Dressage League sponsored by photographer Chris Semple. Taking place on Sunday 18^th January, the event was held across two arenas, the outdoor Derby and the indoor Antwerp Arena.

Class 2B – Prelim – Jenny Smylie – Rory

The day began in the Antwerp arena with the Pick Your Own class. Judge Joanne Jarden awarded first and second prize to Ashleigh Rea, who rode her horse Armani in the BD Medium 75 and FEI Junior Individual. Caroline Herron came third on Clantara Midnight Classic also riding the Medium 75.

First prize in the BD Elementary 45 (2010) class went to Elaine Morrow on Ardenza Gem with a score of 71.3%. She was followed by Vicky Dobbin on Villa Imp and Emily Morris riding Florida Bud.

Class 1B – Intro – Jackie Flynn – Red Chester

The Senior Prelim was next, and made up the largest class of the day with 20 competitors fighting for a place. Raven Craig and Burrenbridge II took home the red rosette with a score of 70.4%, followed closely by Emma Wallace on Milly and Valerie McKie riding Crossowen Penny.

Meanwhile, in the Derby Arena, Lynsey Craig was judging the Dengie Novice. Claire Ireland placed twice. She took first place riding Pyper and third on Going for Gold. Second place went to Zara Wood on Ballymac Girl. The Dengie Open class went to Sophie Williams and Ollie with a stand out score of 73%.

Class 3B – Prelim – Heather McMillan – Herbie

Jazmin Vollands won the Senior BD Novice 28 (2012) class on Mo Chara Nua. Second place went to Emma Wallace on Milly, and Raven Craig came third on Burrenbridge 11. The Junior Intro A class went to Zara Wood on Ballymac Girl, with judging provided by Jacky Reid.

This was followed by another popular class, the Senior Intro A, which was won by Louise Sullivan and Rolo. Jackie Flynn took second place on Red Chester, and Claire Martin came third riding George.

Back in the Antwerp Arena, Courtney Stuart took over as judge for the remaining classes. In the DIP8 class Claire Hunter stormed into first place with a 74.6%. Second placed went to Heather McMillan riding Herbie, and Sharon McGimpsey and Chilly came third. Stella Black won the Junior BD Prelim 4 (2002) class with 75.2% on her pony Creaghacross Dusty Moon.

Class 2B – Prelim – Claire Young – Franklyn

The Young horse class went to Valerie McKie who piloted Crossowen Penny round a 75% test. This was followed by a win for Suzi McClean and Scooby in the Senior Sidesaddle BD Prelim 4 (2002) with 78.6% and a win at 78.4% for Stella Black and Creagnacross Dusty Moon as a junior. Second and third places went to seniors Sharon McGimpsey riding Chilli and Amanda Blackmore on Harry.

The penultimate round of the Chris Semple Dressage League will take place on Sunday 22^nd February. Entries need to be in to Kirsty Jackson by Wednesday 18^th February.  Check out www.granshaequestrian.co.uk for more details.

Class 2B – Senior Prelim 14 – Raven Craig – Woody Photo: Caroline Grimshaw

Gransha Equestrian Centre hosted the third round of the Chris Semple Photography Dressage league on Sunday 23^rd November.  The chat heard among competitors is that Gransha is a very relaxed atmosphere to compete at with horses enjoying the good surfaces.

It was very exciting to watch Lucy Adams riding Get-Set at Inter 1 level in the Antwerp Arena in the morning then finish the day with ladies riding sidesaddle.

Taking on the role of judge Lucy Adams then awarded Elaine Morrow on Ardenza Gem first place in the  Medium class followed closely by Clantara Midnight Classic, ridden by Caroline Herron into second.

Class 2B – Senior Prelim 14 – Wendy Monteith – Luna, Photo Caroline Grimshaw

Newly partnered Andrew Robinson and Flight of the Phoenix proved to be a good match, winning both the Junior Prelim 14 and Prelim 18. Their very competitive scores were amongst the highest of the day.

October’s star of the league, Stella Black, came second to Andrew in the Junior Prelim 14 on Dusty Moon. Holly Boal and Ronny placed third. In the Senior Prelim 18, Shawlene Leebody came second on Casanova, Heather McMillen took third place, and Louise McFarland and Izzy came fourth.

Class 3A – Jumior Prelim 18 – Andrew Robinson – Flight of the Phoenix Photo Caroline Grimshaw

Fran Warden judged the largest class of the day in the Derby Arena with scribe Gemma McIlwaine. Raven Craig took a clear lead in the Senior Prelim 14 on Woody, followed by Karen Jeffrey and Junior in second place. Third went to Ciara Gilroy on Killaan Blu, fourth to Janine Thompson and Lily and fifth to Knockarama Gypsy, ridden by Sharon McGimpsey

Also placed first in the Derby arena were Zara Wood and Ballymac Girl with a stand out score of 75% in the Junior Introductory A class. Lachlan Henry continued his success from last month by taking second place on Rusty, and Louise Murray came third riding Poppy.

Class 2B – Sharon McGimpsey – Knockaraha Gypsy Photo: Caroline Grimshaw

First place in the senior Introductory A class, held in the Antwerp Arena, went to Louise Sullivan on Rolo, both excelling in the class. Kennedy McCormick and Zally came second, Carol Regan took third on Clover, and fourth place went to Claire Martin and George.  Audrey Smyth judged the class, helped by scribe and husband Michael Smyth.

Judge Lucy Adams and scribe Cheryl Lawther awarded first place in the Senior Novice 38 class to Vicky Teuton on Shannaghmore.  This very versatile partnership are winning ribbons not only in the dressage world but also in the working hunter sphere too.  Sarah Brashaw came second on Arabian Knight, with Anita Johnson coming in third on Blackberrie.

The Elementary 53 class was won by Elaine Morrow on Ardenza Gem, followed closely by Rosie Paterson on Homegrown Rolex.  Jazmin Vollands and Mo Chara Nua won the Senior Novice 34 class with 77.5%, the highest score of the day. Lorna Glendinning and Clancey took second place.

The final classes of the day were the Young Horse and Sidesaddle Prelim 14. Megan Dunn won the Young Horse on Chilly Night. Louise McFarland took home another rosette on Izzy. Kate Spiers came third on Ruby, and Gail McKie took fourth place on Dave the Cob.

First prize in the Sidesaddle Junior class went to Stella Black and Dusty Moon, with Caitlin McKechnie and Knockarama Gypsy second. The Senior class went to Suzi McClean on Scooby. Shirley Anderson came second on State of Play, and third place went to Sharon McGimpsey, who ended the day well on Knockarama Gypsy.

Wrap up warm and come and join us for complimentary mulled wine and mince pies on December 21^st.  There will be all the usual classes plus a fancy dress class consisting of dressage to music either individually or in pairs.  This is a chance to let your imagination runwild, the  more original the better! More info can be found on the Gransha website along with a full list of results.

Julia Healy, Claire Young, Kathryn Lawther, Kelly McMillen. absent from photo are Amy Robinson & Jordan Rosborough

Successful candidates who passed the Level 1 British Horse Society’s Horse Owners Certificate at Gransha Equestrian Centre are pictured right.

Level 2 has now started and a B.H.S. Riding & Road Safety test with commence at the beginning of March.

For further details contact Anne Rodgers on 07871186550.

Class 1. Max height 50cm
Class 2. Max Height 60cm
Class 3. Max height 70cm
Class 4. Max height 80cm

Sunday is Derby Day at Gransha , starting at 11am with Horses and ponies, seniors and juniors welcome.
The course will consist of 20-24 show jumping, working hunter and cross country fences.

Class 1. 80cm
Class 2. 90cm
Class 3. 1m
Class 4. 1.10m
Entries are also taken on the day ad cost £20

For more information visit the Gransha Equestrian website www.granshaequestrian.co.uk
or call: 07855462614

The weather in Northern Ireland has a lot to answer for, prior to Sunday we thought the show would not run because of ice but come the day it was rain that had the last laugh! It poured all morning and competitors and organisers alike were soaked though and frozen in the wind, who was it that coined the phase “Sunny Bangor”!

Because it was so wet and cold we started at 9.30 to allow everyone time to arrive and get their horses ‘warmed up’. Entries in the horse classes were very big and despite the adverse conditions and the arena turning into a very large bowl of sandy soup the course was very much enjoyed and provided some great technical challenges.

Thank you to Kirsty Stewart of Gransha Equestrian Centre for building such a good course despite the conditions. Also a big thank you to our course attendant, Simon, who worked in the most appalling conditions to ensure the jumps were correct for every rider and every class.

Because the horse classes were so big it was 2.30pm before we could begin the ponies with six lead rein riders leading off. The pony classes were also very well supported so it was a great shock when and 3.30pm the committee was informed that the flood lights in the arena were not working. By amalgamating classes and the cooperation of our members and competitors we managed to get everyone an opportunity to jump around the course up to 80cms.

The N.I.W.H.A. would like to apologise to all the pony competitors for the inconvenience but as our members will know, we run a very efficient show every month and despite the situation being out of our control we attempted to accommodate everyone within the limitations of both light and Health & Safety.

Our judges at Gransha for the horses were Toni Donnelly and Nicky Nesbitt who despite the wet didn’t stop all morning, gaving every competitor their very best attention throughout all the large classes and dreadful conditions. Thank you to our scribes, Sarah and Jackie who ‘paddled’ their way back and forth to the secretary’s office! In the afternoon our judges were Fran Warden and Violet Jackson, a huge thank you from the NIWHA to these two judges for their skills, their attention to detail and their determination to get as many riders through as possible despite the pressures, we thank them for all their support.

We were delighted to have Horse World N.I. and their mobile stand with us again, they managed to find a dry spot in the indoor arena area and members got the chance to escape the rain to do some well earned retail therapy.

Also thank you to our photographers Equi-Tog, who stood in the arena all day to ensure our members will receive their complimentary sample pic despite the weather conditions.

10^th February – Danescroft Equestrian Centre

10^th March – Laurel View Equestrian Centre

13^th/14^th April – Meadows Equestrian Centre

The next competition:

SUNDAY 10^th FEBRUARY at DANESCROFT EQUESTRIAN CENTRE;

Ponies at 9.00am sharp in the morning, Horses from 1.30pm in the afternoon.

RESULTS

Sunday 13^th January 2013

Ponies

Class 1:

1)Hannah Bayfield,St Clairs Robyn; 2)Luke Wheeler,Beltoy Remis; 3)Alex McMaster,Maxwell Town Miles; 4)Max McDonnell,Colne Flora; 5)Cameron Weatherup,Heniarth Timpani.

Class2:

1) Beth McCartney,Waltzing Mathilda; 2)Ellie McDonnell,Sugartime; 3)Phoebe Beaumont,Henfynyw Gaucho.

Class 3:

1)Sarah Brittain,Harvey; 2)Sarah Bradshaw,Rockrimmon Stardust; 3)Victoria Clarke,Rockrimmon Atlantic Storm; 4)Phoebe Beaumont,Henfynyw Gaucho.

Class 4:

1)Abbey Cumisky,Glenrrauchh Purr; 2)Cerys Howell,Georgie Boy.

Class5:

1)Vikki Fox,Tootsie; 2) Abbey Cumisky,Glenrrauchh Purr; 3) Ellie McDonnell,Sugartime; 4) Cerys Howell,Georgie Boy: 5)Jodie Creighton,St Johnston Jack Frost.

Class6:

1)Laura Campbell,Brilyn Spirit; 2) Sarah Bradshaw,Rockrimmon Stardust; 3) Sarah Brittain,Sparky Two; 4)Jodie Creighton,St Johnston Jack Frost.

Class7:

1)Vikki Fox,Tootsie; 2)Emma Connolly,Princess Panda; 3)Cerys Howell,Georgie Boy; 4)Jodie Creighton,Litton Hi Society.

Class 8:

1)Hannah Finlay,Noble Kilbeg Boy; 2)Holly McClenaghan,Bit of a Pickle; 3)Cerys Howell,Run Away Dolly; 4)Holly McClenaghan,Paddy the Harbour Master; 5)Becky Williams,Captain Flash.

Class9:

1)Tara Murphy,Barney; 2)Victoria Beattie,Ballylar Brandy; 3)Yasmin Graham,Chase; 4)Casey Thompson,Fflur Garnan.

Horses

Class 12:

1)Rachel Kinnaird,O’Shaughnessey; 2)David Kirkpatrick,Redwood Clover; 3)Gwen Scott,Mealough Mist.

Class 13:

1)Rosie Patterson,Homegrown Rolex; 2)David Kirkpatrick,Redwood Clover; 3)Claire Adair,Cisco; 4)Euan McCracken,WTS Cyrano Storm; 5)Gwen Scott,Mealough Mist; 6)Hannah Young,Homegrown Index.

Class14:

1) Sarah Bradshaw,Sir Barney; 2)Charlotte McFarland,Foxy; 3)Anya Nixon,Badger.

Class15:

1) Emma Jackson,Monty; 2)Jessica Knowles,Pinecroft Bellisimo; 3)Jenny Ferris,Killaughey Lass; 4)Lisa Cooper,Eugene; 5)Diane McCully,Mineview Major Tom; 6)Charlotte McFarland,Foxy.

Class16:

1)Gwen Scott,Mixed Emotions; 2)Vicky Teuton,Gleneven Starina; 3)Emily McGowen,Paintball; 4)Laura McArthur,Colour Contrast; 5)Kara Swanston,Come What May; 6)Kate Spears,Wee Rosco.

Class17:

1)Emma Jackson,Creevagh Connection; 2)Emma Jackson,Creevagh Cashmere; 3)Robyn Catterall,Arctic Eclipse; 4)Lois Knox,Coevers Tiny Tempa; 5)Brian Smyth,Blue; 6)Brian Smyth,Quarry Lad.

Class 18:

1)Simon Jackson,Rosconnell Attraction; 2)Janice Reddy,Ardnacashel April Showers; 3) Gwen Scott,Sullivan; 4)Zara Fletcher,Springwell Boy; 5)Emma Wright,Links of Lorino; 6)Jackie Walker,Wisful Willow.

Class 19:

1)Sarah McLean,Diamond Obelix; 2)Laura McArthur,Colour Contrast; 3)Gillian Neill,Rafa; 4)Gwen Scott,Tullyhubbert Duke.

L to R Alison Simpson (Figaro), Claire Dobbin (Louie), Stella Black (Prince), Jamie Lee Reid (Logans Leap) Clear rounds in the Pegus 70cm class

Despite the poor weather conditions a good number of riders took part in the Pegus Indoor Eventing league held at Gransha EC, near Bangor on Tuesday 22^nd January.  Mark Robinson designed and built an inviting yet challenging track of 18 fences comprising of show jumps, working hunter type fences and portable cross country jumps.

Natasha Moore with Kirsty Stuart clear in the HorseWorld NI 1m class

This competition is an ideal way for eventers to kickstart their season, especially for young or inexperienced horses as they can get a feel for all sorts of fences from coloured fillers, brush fences and skinnies.

Competitors are reminded that due to the bad weather it is only necessary to compete in 5 out of the 8 qualifying weeks to be in the running for the fabulous prizes kindly sponsored by Pegus Horse Feeds and HorseWorld NI.

L to R Vicky Teuton (PJ), Regan McKee (Misty), Rachel Thompson (Footsie) clear rounds in the HorseWorld NI 90cm class

Competitors jumping clear in the Pegus 70cm class were:

Claire Dobbin (Louie), Alison Simpson (Figaro), Jamie Lee Reid (Logans Leap), Stella Black (Prince)

Clear rounds in the Pegus 80cm class were Albert Lowry on Oh Dear.

Double clears in the HorseWorld NI 90cm class were:

Gemma McIlwaine (Woody), Vicky Teuton (PJ), Regan McKee (Misty), Rachel Thompson (Footsie)

Albert Lowry (Oh Dear) clear round in Pegus 80cm class with Kirsty Stuart

Nicole Barr (DJ) and Natasha Moore both jumped faultless rounds in the HorseWorld NI 1m class.

Pegus Horse Feeds and HorseWorld NI have very generously supplied vouchers to one lucky winner in each of the classes who jump a clear round.  This week our winners were Stella Black, Albert Lowry, Vicky Teuton and Natasha Moore.

Week 4 commences at 7pm with the 70cm class.  Also, the indoor arena can be hired on Wednesdays up until 2pm for schooling. For more details please contact Kirsty on 07956500660.