The attendees, instructors and judges of this year’s adult camp at Lessans Riding Stables

A fantastic annual ‘Adult Camp’ was held last weekend at Lessans Riding Stables, Saintfield, with craic, cameraderie and, of course, a bit of hard work too. Comprising three days of instruction and competition, the camp attracted many new faces as well as yard regulars and some very welcome blasts from the past; allowing those who are slightly longer in the tooth to improve their riding without the young whippersnappers showing them up! Participants were blessed with super weather and top-class instruction from Margo Tiffany, Malachy Casement and proprietor Philippa Auret.
Friday evening kicked off with a choice of flatwork or showjumping lesson, followed by a lovely side saddle demonstration by Shirley Anderson and Alix Wilson. On Saturday, riders were split into groups according to ability and again could choose between two flatwork lessons with Margo, or a flatwork lesson with Margo and a jumping lesson with Malachy. As usual, Margo’s lessons were of the highest calibre and tailored very much to the needs of each individual horse and rider; while Malachy’s sessions were not only extremely productive but also a lot of fun too. On the schedule in between rides were a number of very interesting, concise and informative lecture demonstrations from Philippa, on topics including lungeing, long-reining and conformation. Philippa also proved a gracious host on Saturday evening, inviting the entire gaggle of campers into her home for a delicious dinner and drinks – needless to say, there was plenty of catching-up going on between old friends and great chat among new ones.
Sunday was Combined Training competition day, with riders completing a dressage test and a round of show jumps at either Novice or Intermediate level. In the dressage arena there was some lovely work on display with partnerships putting Margo’s instruction into practice; while in the jumping field, Malachy’s reassuring presence meant that everyone got round in one piece!

(L-R) – Novice winner Kirsten Kelly, dressage judge Angela Morrow, instructor Margo Tiffany, Intermediate winner Kate Latimer and showjumping judge/instructor Malachy Casement

Congratulation go to all ‘campers’ for taking part, while huge thanks are due to Philippa, Margo and Malachy, as well as dressage judge Angela Morrow, whose constructive comments and fair marks were encouraging to all. And not forgetting Ann and Tom in The Nosebag Cafe at Lessans, for providing hungry mouths with additional sustenance.
Next Saturday 6 September sees the Lessans Riding Stables summer show taking place from 12 noon, with three arenas in action for showing, show jumping and working hunter classes for both horses and ponies. For more information, contact Philippa on 028 9751 0141.

Combined Training Results:

Novice
1) Kirsten Kelly, Skye; 2) Pamela Wheeler, Midge

Intermediate
1) Kate Latimer, Foxy; 2) Jennifer Griffin, Bow; 3) Freya Rodgers, Teddy; 4) Lorraine Irwin, Olga; 5) Lyn Palmer, Seve; 6) Lynne Lines, Harvey

Class 1 winners Molly Smith and Doodle Dandy

Unveiling a brand new set of portable cross-country fences, a fantastic two-phase event took place at Lessans Riding Stables, Saintfield, last Sunday 29 June. Crowds gathered early to check out the new course, which crossed three rolling fields, and were blessed with brilliant weather for their efforts. Competitors completed a round of 13 show-jumps before taking on a further 14 cross-country fences, many of which were adorned with super-scary images of the local wildlife, including pheasants, pigs and, er… dachshunds…!

To View All Photos from the Event Click Here

Class 2 winners Victoria Wray and Uncle Ben

A large field for the intermediate Class 2 also saw its fair share of issues, as well as a near photo-finish between winner Victoria Wray and Uncle Ben, and runner-up Amber Walsh with Bob. Also in close contention was third place combination Malachy Casement and Balloo – just one of three rides Malachy saw success with on the day.

Class 3 winners Hannah Younger and Romeo

Lucy Kayes and her pony Ruby show off their First Ridden class first prize to a young friend at the Lessans Kids Gymkhana

It was the turn of the tiny tots to show off at Lessans Riding Stables, Saintfield, last Sunday 4 August as the much-anticipated Kids Gymkhana got underway. Show ring classes included Lead Rein, First Ridden and Handy Pony, while in a second arena, clear-round jumping from crosspoles to 90cm, was available for all the intrepid daredevils! Rounding off the day was a mini dog show, where plenty of attention was given to the four-legged friends of the other variety. With the sun shining, a great day was had by all; spectators were particularly impressed by the high standard of turnout shown by all the young competitors, some of whom would put their adult counterparts to shame…!

Proprietor Philippa Auret would like to thank sponsor Ian Kerr, as well as judges Vickie Greenwood and Sorcha Fitzpatrick, and not forgetting entry-taker Lynne Lines and barbecue chef Alicia Shields.
And that’s not all – there are plenty of upcoming events still left on the Lessans summer schedule. Popular visiting instructor Margo Tiffany is returning to the yard from 24 – 27 August; limited individual private lessons with Margo are available but she will primarily be teaching an Adult/Teen Clinic along with Philippa Auret which will take place over three days beginning on 24 August. This will comprise two lessons (flatwork/jumping) and one lecture per day and will also include lunch each day. Participants will also have the chance to take part in a two-phase competition on the final day. This package is priced at just £150 and is outstanding value for such a high level of instruction – it will provide a great opportunity for participants to move their riding abilities on in leaps and bounds.

The annual Lessans Summer Show will then take place on Sunday 1st September; four arenas will be in action and show classes will include Lead Rein, First Ridden, Handy Pony, Coloured Horse, Cobs, and Ridden Horse. The Working Hunter field will feature Starter Stakes, Novice Pony, Novice Horse and Open Pony and Horse; while the lovely grass show jumping arena will run classes from 40-50cm right through to 1 metre. There’s sure to be plenty of action on the day, so don’t forget to mark it in your diary right now!

The grass arena will then be in action once again for a three-week outdoor show jumping league (weather permitting) taking place on 15, 22 and 29 September, starting at 12.30pm. Riders must attend at least two weeks to qualify for the final on 29 September, and classes will run up to 1m or higher on demand.

Finally, plans are also underway for a fantastic Derby featuring a testing mix of showjumps and rustic fences, making good use of the wonderful Lessans Working Hunter field; a children’s one-day event including dressage, showjumping and cross-country; and a children’s triathlon – all dates to be confirmed, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information!
To book a place on the Margo Tiffany Clinic or to enquire about any of the other events or Lessans livery services, T: 028 9751 0141. You can also visit www.lessansridingstables.com for further event updates.

Kids Gymkhana Results:

Lead Rein
1 Jenna Houston, Dandy; 2 Casey McCatch, Tarquin; 3 Zara Parker, Star; 4 Katie Parker, Inchy; 5 Oliver Kinnear, Magic

First Ridden
1 Lucy Kayes, Ruby; 2 Jay Kinnear, Charlie; 3 Chloe Gill, Spirit; 4 Zara Parker, Star

Handy Pony – Tiny Tots
1 Poppy Moore, Chico; 2 Jenna Houston, Bambam; 3 Casey McCatch, Tarquin

Handy Pony – Young Riders
1 Eve McDowell, Tableau; 2 Aaron McDowell; Dury; 3 Rachel Irvine, Gizmo

Best Riding School Pony
1 Alex Rose, Mr Bear

Dog classes:
Best Walker – Danielle Connolly, Izzy
Waggiest Tail – Connor Houston, Eva
Cutest Dog – Ben & TJ Gibson, Rosie