Emma Jackson on Suzie Photo: Equitog

February show was held at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre and we enjoyed a wonderful course built by Gillian Creighton, many thanks to Gillian and her team for all their hard work.

Thanks to our judges for the ponies, Angela McFarland and Jennie Dornan and horse classes, Sammy Workman and Gary Clugston.

Thanks to Equi-Tog for popping in and for providing photographs for this report.

Gaby Morgan on Connell Hill’s Dino

The next show is SUNDAY 23rd March at Gransha Equestrian Centre.

Horses in morning, Ponies after 1.00pm.

RESULTS
Sunday 16th February at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre

Ponies

Eileen Carlin on Frank Sinatra

Class 1:
1)Sarah Johnston,Dapple; 2)Maeve Carlin,Cinderella.
Class 2:
1)Ellie McDonnell,Golden Grove Sunrise; 2)Maeve Carlin,Cinderella; 3)Erin Matheson,Party Boy; 4)Ellie Johnston,Dapple; 5)Alison Stewart,Rickamore Jody.

Class 3:

1)Jodie Creighton,Kenilwood Monarch.
Class 4:

Emma Fleming on Phillip

1)Lisa Wheeler,Creeveagh Kaliph; 2)Jodie Creighton,Kenilwood Monarch.
Class 5:
1)Ellie McDonnell,Golden Grove Sunrise; 2)Ellie Johnston,Dapple; 3)Erin Matheson,Party Boy; =4)Chloe Cannon,More Like Jagger; =4)Maeve Carlin,Cinderella; 6)Alison Stewart,Rickamore Jody.
Class 6:
1)Charlotte Smiley,Teach Mor Night; 2)Victoria Nelson,Willow.
Class 7:

1)Chloe Cannon,More Like Jagger; 2)Bethany Smith,Kentucky Blue; 3)Bethany Smith,Charlie’s Dream; 4)VictoriaGreenaway,Kentucky Blue.

Emer White on Rickamore Boy

Class 8:
1)Jodie Creighton,Mainard Sir Ganty; 2)Regan McKee,Roscor Silver Lady .
Class 10:
1)Jodie Creighton,Maninard Sir Ganty.
Horses
Class12:
1)Emma Jackson,Suzie; 2)Colin Haliday,Redwood Silver Slipper; 3)Colin Halliday,Silken Braid.
Class13:

Colin Halliday on Redwood Sliver Slipper

1)Emma Jackson,Phillip; 2)Eileen Carlin,Frank Sinatra.
Class14:
1)Gillian Montgomery,Emerald Mr G.
Class15:
1)Emma Jackson,Silken Braid; 2)Helen Faulkner,Derryrane Danny; 3)Julie McLernon,Don Ron De La Beauvier; 4)Emer White,Rickamore Boy; 5)Cahall Hurrell,Matty; 6)Kathy Quigg,Roundhorn Amerillo.

Class 16:

1)Emma Jackson,Homegrown Lexi; 2)Lynne Spence,Ballyhaze Beaujolais; 3)Lynsey Robb,Glenvine Creg-ny-baa; 4)Claire Ireland,Goin For Gold; 5)Zoe Bell,Done It; 6)Alana Dunlop,Gemma SC.

Class17:

Julie McLernon on Don Ron de la Beauvais

1)Ashleigh Rea,VSH Amadeus; 2)Sarah Sproule,Rosses Ladybird; 3)Donna Barron,The Diamond Duchess; 4)Emma Jackson,Tummery Sunrise; 5)Claire Ireland,Goin For Gold; 6)Cahill Hurrell,Matty.

Class18:

1)Emma Jackson,Creevagh For Sure; 2)Emma Jackson,Creevagh Connection; 3)Shane O’Grady,BLS Never More; 4)Sarah Sproule,Rosses Ladybird.

PHOTOGRAPHS by EQUI-TOG

90cms-Winner-Emma Jackson on Tummery Sunrise photo Equi-Tog

So January arrived, Christmas and New Year long gone and weather still determined to spoil the fun of every horse owner in the country. Undeterred, the Northern Ireland Working Hunter Association soldier on taking their first 2014 Winter Series Event to Knockagh View Equestrian Centre.

The horses kicked off the day with everyone keen to get their horses out, good entry numbers in all classes and the judges enjoyed a very high standard. Thank you to Noël McKee who judged Phase One and took time with each competitor to give advice and encouragement, many of those competing came forward to the committee to say how delighted they were at the care and attention they received. Thank you also to Ryan Hopper who had the arduous job of Phase Two outside, but who did a superb job and didn’t get too wet or cold!

1.10mtr-Winner- Robyn Catterall on Arctic Eclipse Photo Equi-Tog 

The highlight of the day was Robyn Catterall and her wonder mount, Arctic Eclipse who gave riders and spectators alike a display of side saddle riding and jumping, the climax being the 1.10metre class, breathtaking!

A little late starting, due to the volume of horses, the ponies had a busy afternoon with again good entries. Our judges Marian Rea and Roberta Brown worked very hard and kept the classes moving along without any delays. Many thanks to Marian and Roberta for their support to the riders and the NIWHA.

We thank Equi-Tog for popping in to cover some of our classes and provide photographs for this report.

Lead Rein-Winner-Sarah Johnston on Dapple  Photo Equi-Tog

Thank you to Knockagh View Equestrian Centre for another lovely course, to our arena team who worked extremely hard and our secretary’s assistants who support our committee members at every opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support NIWHA and we look forward to a busy show on:

SUNDAY 16th FEBRUARY at CONNELL HILL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE.

Cradle Stakes-Winner-Sophie McCormick on Good Luck Charlie Photo Equi-Tog

Qualifiers for:

Northern Ireland Festival 2014

AND

Equifestival 2014 including Championships for Ponies and Horses

Ponies in the morning, Horses after 1.00pm.

SEE  YOU  ALL THERE.

RESULTS
Sunday 19th January 2014, Knockagh View.

1mtr-Winner-Emma Jackson on Creevagh Connection Photo Equi-Tog

Photo Equi-Tog

Ponies

Class 1:
1)Sarah Johnston,Dapple.
Class 2:
1)Charlotte Smiley,Teach Mor Knight; 2)Ellie Johnston,Dapple; 3)Jenna Reid,Toby; 4)Caitlin Hunter,Elsie.
Class4:
1)Lisa Wheeler,Creeveagh Kaliph.
Class5:
1)Sophie McCormick,Good Luck Charlie; 2)Victoria Greenaway,Kentucky Blue; 3)Bethany Smith,Kentucky Blue; 4)Ellie Johnston,Dapple; 5)Emma Ewing,Coolaney Breeze; 6)Lisa Wheeler,Creevaegh Kaliph.
Class6:

Starter Stakes-Winner-Victoria Greenaway on Kentucky Blue Photo Equi-Tog

1)Hannah Thompson,Llanarth Promises.
Class 7:
1)Victoria Greenaway,Kentucky Blue; 2)Sophie McCormick,Good Luck Charlie; 3)Bethany Smith,Charlie’s Dream.
Class 8:
1)Tara Murphy,Annaghmore Clover Boom; 2)Sophie Donnell,Ballygolden Girl; 3)Alexandra Ryan,Tuckmill Star; 4)Lucy Cunningham,Bobby Champagne.
Class 9:
1)Hannah Thompson,Ballynacoy Sandy Savanagh; =2)Alexandra Ryan,Tuckmill Star; =2)Joanna Lindsay,Minstral Pathfinder; 4)Janet Craig,Glenfee Lad; 5)Lucy Cunningham,Bobby Champagne.
Class 10:
1)Nadine McKenna,Creevor Tommy; 2)Charlotte Harding,Killaney Prince; 3)Tara Murphy,Annaghmore Clover Boom; 4)Sophie Donnell,Ballygolden Girl:
Class11:
1)Justine Harding,My Gypsy Rose; 2)Justine Harding,Winterfold Ivy; 3)Katie Crozier,Soda Baker; 4)Sophie Donnell,Ballygolden Girl.

Horses
Class12
1)Gwen Scott,Fireblade; 2)Victoria Teuton,Miss Ballyrolly; 3)David Kirkpatrick,Slipper; 4)Brian Smyth,Amigo.
Class13:
1)Gareth McLean,Paddy; 2)Mag Ross,Rockrimmon Rob Roy; 3)Lauren Ferguson,Sherbet Dip; 4) Michelle McConnell,Sunday Morning; 5)Sharon Lappin,Santorini; 6)Susie McClean,Scoobie.
Class14:
1)Gillian Montgomery,Emerald Mr G; 2)Susie McClean,Scoobie; 3)Janice Reddy,Ardnacashel Seamus Oge.
Class15:
1)Sharon Getty,Social Grace; 2)Joanne Wilkinson,Casper;  3)Janice Reddy,Ardnacashel Seamus Oge; 4) Judith Jackson,Sams Silver Kingdom; 5)Helen Faulkner,Derry Vain; 6)Mag Ross,Rockrimmon Rob Roy.

Class 16:
1)Lynne Spence,Ballyhaze Beaujolais; 2)Sarah Brittain,Tigger; 3)Chloe Rooney,Molly May; 4)Cara Swanston,Come What May; 5)Emma Jackson, Kaliko Lass; 6)Vicky Teuton,Gleneven Starina.
Class17:
1)Emma Jackson,Tummery Sunrise; 2)Katie Parker,Ginger Spirit; 3)Emma Brown,Cousin Jack; 4)Nessa Tober,Honestly Dun; 5)Robyn Caterall,Arctic Eclipse; 6)Zoe Bell,Done It.
Class18:
1)Emma Jackson,Creevagh Connection; 2)Emma Jackson,Creevagh For Sure; 3)Brian Smyth,Blue; 4)Robyn Catterall,Arctic Eclipse; 5)Vicky Teuton,Gleneven Starina; =6)Katie Parker,Ginger Spirit; =6)Brian Smyth,Limericks Quarry Gold.
Class 19:
1)Robyn Caterall,Arctic Eclipse.

This year’s annual event will be held at Meadows Equestrian Centre, just off the M1, which will provide easy access to the show and superb facilities. Grass arenas and all weather surfaces, parking beside rings, caterers, trade stands and on the day photography provided by Equi-Tog. Something for everyone whether competitor or spectator and covering all eventualities for our Northern Ireland weather!

N.I.W.H.A. is delighted to have as our main sponsor Phoenix Nursing and Home Care Agency. John and Barbara Rafferty have been most generous in their encouragement and financial support as the Association goes forward. All the beautiful sashes for the Championships and the Supreme Championship sashes have been provided by Phoenix Nursing and Home Care Agency. The Northern Ireland Working Hunter Association would like to sincerely thank John and Barbara for their support.

There are 75 classes, 15 Championships, 4 Supreme Championships and 4 Derbies over the three days of competition. Many classes will be qualifiers for Equifest 2013 on 14^th /18^th August in Peterborough, England. Full details of qualifiers will be available on NIWHA web site shortly.

As with all N.I.W.H.A. shows we have endeavoured to bring the top judges from around the UK to this show and with the combination of Aaron McCusker as Course Builder for the Working Hunter classes we can guarantee high quality judging and challenging courses over the three days.

Download the N.I.W.H.A. Summer Championship Show 2013 Schedule from:

www.niwha.co.uk

The jumping was indoors and the ponies were lucky enough to get to do their phase two indoors as well. Unfortunately the horses and their judges in the afternoon were not so lucky and were outside in the rain for their ride out.

NIWHA would like to thank our pony judges Hilary Gibson and Jennie Dornan and to our horse judges Malachy Casement and Sarah Whiteside for their dedication and continuing their work despite the conditions. We all tend to take for granted the effort judges make to attend our events when it would be so easy to sit at home in front of the fire! Their support is most gratefully appreciated by the N.I.W.H.A.

Ponies were in the morning and again the lead rein class was very well attended, a great credit to the parents and handlers for such well presented turn outs on such a miserable day. All our other pony classes were well supported proving the weather in no barrier to our younger competitors.

In the afternoon the horses showed the same determination to beat the weather, from the four year old class to 1.10 everyone gritted their teeth and got on with it. The 80cms class was as usual very popular with competition very strong to get qualifications for Northern Ireland Festival in April.

We are pleased that show on show our memberships continue to rise but we are particularily delighted that our members are turning out in force to take advantage of the courses and venues which we are providing for their training. Many non members are attending also and we are glad to have their support and would encourage anyone who fancies trying working hunter to come along and we will assist you any way we can.

Thank you to Danescroft Equestrian centre for their arenas, thank you to our course builder, Alastair and the team who transported, and helped build, our fences on Saturday and attended all day Sunday.

NIHWA welcomes anyone to our events, whether you would like to come along and try Working Hunter for the first time or you are a seasoned competitor, our classes provide something for everyone.

Pictures supplied by Equi-Tog.

 The next competition:

 SUNDAY 10^th MARCH at LAUREL VIEW EQUESTRIAN CENTRE;

Horses at 9.00 sharp in the morning, Ponies after1.30 in the afternoon.

RESULTS

Sunday 10^th February 2013

Ponies

 Class 1:

1)Sarah McPolan,Netherfield Mr.Rochester; 2)Robbie McCartney,Barleysugar; 3)Cameron Weatherup,Peniarth Timpani; 4)Hannah Bayfield,St.Clair’s Robin; 5)Jessica Mulgrew,Netherfield Troll; 6)Luke Wheeler,Beltoy Remus.

Class2:

1)Amy Tubman,Kenilwood April.

Class 3:

1)Rachel Moore,Bella; 2)Ella Boyle,The Heath Hero.

Class 4:

1)Abby Cummiskey,Glenrech Purr.

Class 5:

1) Amy Tubman,Kenilwood April; 2) Abby Cummiskey,Glenrech Purr; 3)Sophie Curry,Bayard King; 4)Megan Dumigan,Amesbury Busy Bee.

Class 6:

1) Hannah Dumigan,Thistledown Americano; 2)Emily Jayne McPolan,Timahoe Princess Bluebell.

Class7:

1) Emily Jayne McPolin,Bellevue Royal Jester; 2) Sophie Curry,Bayard King; 3) Ella Boyle,The Heath Hero.

Class8:

1)Holly McClenaghan,Miranda; 2)Zara Gabbey,Forview Honeybear; 3)Danielle Graham,J for Joy 4)Sophie Price,Sweet William.

Class9:

1)Danielle Graham,Gormon Oak; 2)Tara Murphy,Gorthahork Barney.

Class10

1)Hannah Finlay,Noble Kilbeg Boy; 2)Holly McClenaghan,Bit of a Pickle; 3)Kara Mills,Deacon Blue; 4)Madison Boyd,Killaney Prince; 5)Tara Murphy,Gorhahork Barney.

Class11:

1)Rachel Moore,Fortview Toy Boy; 2)Holly McClenaghan,Miranda; 3)Hannah Finlay,Noble Kilbeg Boy 4) Kara Mills,Deacon Blue.

Horses

Class 12:

1)Gwen Scott,Dollars; 2)Jonny Steel;R Junior; 3)Jonny Steel;Juliette; 4)Jonny Steel;Galdanagh 5)Gwen Scott;Derryboye.

Class 13:

1)Ewan McCracken,WTS Cryano Storm; 2)Chloe Lister Tinster,Dougie.

Class14:

1)Susanne Cochrane,Mr.George.

Class15:

1)Gwen Scott,Mr.T; 2)Laura Wilson,Braeville Celtic Colours; 3)Julia Brennan,Longford Mist; 4)Lisa Cooper,Eugene; 5)Jessica Knowles,Pinecroft Bellisimo; 6)Naomi Shields,P Jay.

Class16:

1)Jamie Smyth,Lord Nacally, 2) Ewan McCracken,Heath of Cashel; 3)Sarah Russell,Mullaghdrin Lass; 4)Naomi Shields;P Jay; 5)Julia Brennan,Longford Mist; 6)Jonny Steel,Clignafred Fiasco.

Class17:

1)Sarah Russell,Mullaghdrin Lass; 2)Robbie McNeill;Mr Clover; 3)Jonny Steel;Mon Ami Alme; 4)Jessica Knowles,Pinecroft Bellisamo; 5)Liz Cherry,Jessica Who; 6)Nicola Stewart,Clonkeen Cheeky Charmer.

Class 18:

1)Nicola Stewart,Clonkeen Cheeky Charmer; 2)Emma Stone,Drumsill Step to Harmony; 3) Liz Cherry,Jessica Who; 4)Andrew Gunning,Auslolas Chocolat; 5)Andrew Leathem,Drumsill Classic.

Class 19:

1)Nicky Cullen,Tango Lad; 2)Nicky Cullen,Coolio; 3) Nicola Stewart,Clonkeen Cheeky Charmer

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.