The league continues on Wednesdays 8th & 15th July with the final scheduled for Wednesday 22nd July. Combinations must compete 2 out of 3 weeks to be eligible for prizes on the final night. Beautiful perpetual cups will be awarded to the league winners. The AJS Promotions Perpetual Cup, The Strule Valley Riding Club Perpetual Cup, The LW Surplis & Son Perpetual Trophy, The Good Gracious Perpetual Cup, The Omagh Equestrian & Countrywear Perpetual Cup & The Fordie Cathers Perpetual Cup. Full show wear to be worn on the final night.

Young Beth Thompson & Mint went very well jumping 2 double clears & taking home 2 red rosettes. Rachel Magee & Dougie jumped fautless rounds in the metre open class to take 1st place with Sarah Jane Johnston in 2nd place with Rocky.

Results

60cm double clears

Mint & Beth Thompson

70cm double clears

Silver Arrow & Chloe McGuigan, Frosty & Elle Trowbridge, Mint & Beth Thompson, Ballygreenan & Sandra Somerville, Glen & Kate Campbell

80cm double clears

Kallie & Noel Regan

90cm double clears

Dougie & Rachel Magee, Watson & Chloe Nugent, Jolene & Katie Clarke

1 metre open

1st – Dougie & Rachel Magee

2nd – Rocky & Sarah Jane Johnston

3rd – Jolene & Katie Clarke

4th – Gazelle & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston

5th – Bonnie & Eimear White

6th – Watson & Chloe Nugent

Members will avail of the lovely grounds at Tyrone Farming Society for showjumping training with Mandi King, joined by members of Erne Lakeland Riding Club & Clogher Valley Riding Club.

A cross country night is to take place at Drumragh House by kind permission of Mr & Mrs David Campbell. Further showjumping training is planned with Mandi King at her yard in August & a dressage to music demo by Phillipa McKee & flatwork lessons at Heather Beattie’s yard in August as well.
Check out Strule Valley Riding Club facebook page for up to date information on events.

Heather Beattie & Diamond Millie

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB, Omagh, Co Tyrone held a working hunter competition recently at Ecclesville, Fintona on a rather wet day; however the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors!  Well done to all.

Thanks to Lynn Boggs & husband Tom for judging both the horse & pony classes, Andrew Bogle for building a fair but challenging course, Jane Huey for taking entries, Alison Donnell call up, Lucinda Blakiston-Houston, AJS Event Catering & to Ann & Noel Regan for sponsoring the beautiful champion & reserve champion rosettes.

Clogher Valley Riding Club member Jenna Coote & Riley had a very successful day winning both the 60cm & 70cm horse classes, Heather Smith & Bon Amie were in their usual consistent form winning the 80cm class & Strule Valley Riding Club Chairperson Lucinda Blakiston-Houston & her lovely young talented horse Gigi won both the 90cm & 1 metre classes.

Lynn Boggs had a difficult job then judging the horse championship but chose her champion in Bon Amie & Heather Smith with Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston reserve.

Lucinda Blakiston-Houston with the Rosie O’Grady Perpetual Cup

On to the pony classes, and young Sophia Williams & her lovely bay pony Rossfire Runaway won the 50cm pony class with brother Patrick & Coolmore Princess in 2^ndplace; not to be outdone by mum Heather who took 4^th place in the 80cm horse class!.  Fermanagh Harriers Pony Club member Kamryn McQuade & Midnight Rebel had a very good show winning both the 60cm & 70cm pony classes.

Lynn then chose her pony champion in Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade & reserve Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens reserve.

Results

Class 1 – 60cm horses

1^st – Riley & Jenna Coote

2^nd – Roma Diamond Boy & Sarah Killeen

3^rd – Botera Lad & Natasha Gilchrist

4^th – Harvey & Heather Black

Class 2 – 70cm horses

Judge Lynn Boggs with left Ciara Owens & Finchogue Aztec reserve pony & Kamryn McQuade & Midnight Rebel champion pony

1^st – Riley & Jenna Coote

2^nd – Toy Boy & Sandra Somerville

3^rd – Botera Lad & Natasha Gilchrist

4^th – Rosie & Mandy McQuade

5^th – Roma Diamond Boy & Sarah Killeen

6^th – Diamond Millie & Heather Beattie

Class 3 – 80cm horses

1^st – Bon Amie & Heather Smith

2^nd – Rosie & Mandy McQuade

3^rd – Lollie & Janet Furlong

4^th – Rosford Ruby & Heather Williams

5^th – Sky & Caroline Chambers

6^th – Toy Boy & Sandra Somerville

Class 4 – 90cm horses

1^st – Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston

2^nd – Kileaton Addition & Fergal McKinney

3^rd – Chilled Magners & Sandra Somerville

4^th – Jolene & Katie Clarke

5^th – Seaford Rebel & Rachel Magee

6^th- Lollie & Janet Furlong

Class 5 – 1 metre horses

1^st – Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston

2^nd – Kileaton Addition & Fergal McKinney

3^rd – Seaford Rebel & Rachel Magee

4^th – Aughentaine Cavalier & Emma Boyd

5^th -  Sky & Peter Flanagan

Champion Horse – Bon Amie & Heather Smith

Reserve – Gigi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston

Class 6 – 50cm ponies

1^st – Rossfire Runaway & Sophia Williams

2^nd – Coolmore Princess & Patrick Williams

=3^rd – Chyolo Sprinkles & Mercedes Maye

Chyolo Sprinkles & Willow Maye

Class 7 – 60cm ponies

1^st – Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade

2^nd – Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens

Class 8 – 70cm ponies

1^st – Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade

2^nd – Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens

3^rd – Springhill Luigi & Morgan Maye

Class 9 – 80cm ponies – No entry

Class 10 – 90cm ponies – No entry

Champion pony Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade

Reserve Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens

Winner of the Rosie O’Grady Perpetual Cup for the highest placed SVRC member – Lucinda Blakiston-Houston & Gigi

Further dates for your diary Wednesdays 1^st, 8^th, 15^th & 22^nd July – the annual summer showjumping league at Ecclesville, Fintona – open to members & non-members, ponies & horses.  Classes for everyone – 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm & 1 metre.

LEG 1 TRI STAR RESULTS:

DRESSAGE RESULTS:

CLASS 1 MINIMUS
1st- Louise Irvine – Inca Spurs – 68.91%
2nd- Libby Beggs – Penn Island Rebel – 65.5%
3rd- Laura McKay – Spartacus – 64.7%
4th- Christine Newton – Jimmy – 61.5%

CLASS 2 MIMIMUS PLUS
1st- Louise Spence – Maverick – 73.4%
2nd- Joan Gibson – Megan – 64.4%
3rd- Victoria Laverty – Millennium Indi – 64.2%
4th- Louise Beggs – Alfie – 61.3%

CLASS 3 NOVICE
1st- Nadine McCleland – Luca – 74.5%
2nd- Janene Gamble – Lenamore Master Maguire – 73.1%
3rd- Lisa Dundee – Freestyle – 70.8%
4th- Gillian Orr – Matilida – 70.8%
5th- Claire Robinson – Magic – 69.5%

6th – Sarah Sproule – Maya – 68.1%

Sarah Sproule & Maya competing in Class 3 – Novice Dressage (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography)

CLASS 4 OPEN
1st – Bianca McElnea – Rosso Tramato – 71.5%
2nd- Lisa Dundee – Brownie Go – 71.3%
3rd- Ian McCluggage- Beckham – 68.0%
4th- Nadine McCleland – Lucy – 67.8%
5th- Nuala McNally – Sonni – 62.5%
6th – Janet Craig- Glenfee Lad – 62.3%

Kerry Taylor & DG Converted compete in Class 4 – Open Dressage (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

LEG 1 – TRI STAR RESULTS
SHOW JUMPING

CLASS 1- MINIMUS
1st- Laura McKay – Spartacus
2nd- Louise Irvine – Inca Spurs
3rd- Libby Beggs – Penn Island Rebel.

CLASS 2 – MINIMUS PLUS
1st – Helen Faulkner – Danny
2nd- Victoria Laverty – Millennium Indi
3rd- Joan Gibson – Megan
4th- Louise Spence – Maverick

Laura McKay & Spartacus – 1^st and Louise Irvine & Inca Spurs – 2^nd in Class 1 60cm show jumping TRI STAR competition. (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

CLASS 3 – NOVICE
1st- Miriam Wright – The Castletown Lad
2nd- Nadine McCleland – Luca
3rd- Katie McKay – Legend
4th- Janene Gamble- Lenamore Master Maguire
5th- Sarah Sproule – Darcy
6th- Helen Faulkner- Danny

Katie McKay & Legend claiming 3^rd place in 80cm show jumping TRI STAR competition (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

CLASS 4 – OPEN
=1st Bianca McElnea – Rosso Tramonto
=1st Janet Craig – Glenfee Lad
3rd- Samuel Douglas-Brown – Elton’s Delight
4th- Nadine McCleland – Lucy
5th- Nuala McNally – Sonni
6th- Lisa Dundee – Brownie Go.

Janet Craig & Glenfee Lad securing equal 1^st place in the 90cm show jumping TRI STAR competition  ( photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The 2nd Leg of the TRI STAR is on Sunday 12th April at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre. Entries will be taken on the day and it’s an excellent opportunity for anyone heading to the Northern Ireland Horse Festival in Cavan to prepare for the Working Hunter competitions or anyone wishing to jump over a lovely natural rustic course in the spacious outdoor arena to come along and have some fun. The final placings of the TRI STAR LEAGUE will also be decided with some fab prices for all down to 6th place.

Jane Huey & Sasha after competing in Class 4

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB, Omagh, Co Tyrone held their 18^th Annual Combined Training Show at the RDA at the weekend.

The Club would like to thank Myra Greaves, judge, Alison Donnell scribe, Raymond Caldwell course builder, Pearl Donnell refreshments & Emma King, Jane Huey, Alison Parkes & all others who helped in any way.

Kamryn McQuade with Midnight Rebel from Fermanagh Harriers PC

Thanks also to Omagh Equestrian & Countrywear for sponsoring the prizes & to Heather Clements for coming along to present the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup to the highest placed SVRC member.

Results

Class 1 – Intro B 2009 dressage only

1^st – Molly & Emma King (59%)

Eimear White & Bonnie winners of Class 6

Class 2 – Prelim 13 2006 dressage only

1^st – Kallie & Ann Regan (63.3%)

Class 3 – Novice 26 2006 dressage only

1^st – Kallie & Ann Regan (62.2%)

Heather Clements presenting the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup to Ann Regan

Class 4 – Prelim 13 2006 with 1 round jumping

1^st – Barnstormer & Ann Regan (178)

2^nd – Rosie & Mandy McQuade (141)

3^rd – Sasha & Jane Huey (139)

Class 5 – Novice 26 2006 with 1 round jumping

1^st – Barnstormer & Ann Regan (195)

Emma King & Molly relax after competing @ SVRC 18th Annual Combined Training show

Class 6 – The Pony Club D Level 1 Test with 1 round jumping

1^st – Bonnie & Eimear White (85)

2^nd – Midnight Rebel & Kamryn McQuade (74)

Winner of the RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup – Ann Regan.

Next on the club’s agenda is the Annual Easter Charity Ride at Baronscourt on Easter Monday, 6^th April starting at 11am from the Old Garden Centre.  Everyone is very welcome to come along, members & non-members & £5 is asked from each pony/horse.

A working hunter competition is planned for Saturday 9^th May at Ecclesville commencing at 10am, with all the usual classes for ponies & horses.  Again everyone is very welcome, both members & non-members.

Members continue their lessons with Mandi King during April with some gridwork training at Ecclesville.  Working hunter & showjumping training is planned in May with Nessa Toher then cross country & BBQ is planned at the end of May at the home of Mrs Elsie McVeigh.  So a little bit of everything!

New members are welcome to join, but must be 18 years & over & horses must be 4 years & over. More information from Lucinda Blakiston-Houston Chairperson on 816 48207 or Alison Donnell, Secretary on 82 246652.

Rosette presentation for the 1st Leg of SMWRC Dressage League – Elementary Class (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry).

The bitter cold weather on Sunday 15th March did nothing to hamper the spirits of the competitors for the 1st leg of the 2015 Dressage League. With great entries across the classes, marking was tight for the judges. SMWRC would like to thank all the committee and members for helping on the day! Its takes a lot of people to keep the day running smoothly! Thanks also to our judges and to Laurelview for their excellent facilities! Not forgetting our fabulous sponsors: Grove Auto Services, Rolltack, Millies Jumps, Forever Living and Botanica.

A full listing of all results is available at https://sites.google.com/site/sixmilewaterridingclub/. The date of the next leg is Sunday 26th April 2015 with tests – Intro B (2009) Prelim 18 (2002) Novice 30 (2006) Elem 44 (2002).

David Patterson judged the Intro Class- sponsored by Grove Auto Services – and awarded the red rosette to Sarah Sproule and Paris. Sarah then made it a one, two by claiming 2nd on Crusiey while Gillian Montgomery claimed the 3rd spot with Maya.

Sarah Sproule enjoying a 1st and 2nd place in the 1st Leg of SMWRC Dressage League Intro Class (picture courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography)

Geraldine Lowry braved the cold of the outdoor arena to judge the Prelim class – sponsored by Rolltack. This class attracted the biggest entry of the day with Linda McIlwaine and Beechmount Baxter claiming the top spot. They were was hotly pursued by Daryl McKinney and Ballylin Ben in 2nd and Katie King and Roc Tredudon in 3rd with less than 2% between the top 3!.

Daryl Mckinney & Ballylin Ben riding Prelim 18 for 2nd place in the 1st leg of SMWRC Dressage League (photo Courtsey of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The Novice class –sponsored by Millies Jumps- was judged by Ivor Harper who awarded Martina McKinley and Oliver Hardy the red ribbon. Second place went to the other King sister – this time Laura with Isaac De La Bouverie while Penny Murphy and her pretty coloured mare Tick It claimed 3rd place.

Winners of the 1st League SMWRC Dressage Novice class – Martina McKinley & Oliver Hardy (photo courtesy of Adrian Cherry Photography).

The final class of the day, the elementary – sponsored by Forever Living, was also judged by Ivor Harper. This time Elaine Morrow and Ardenza Gem secured 1st place. Erin Faloona rode Margie Mac into 2nd place while Laura King followed her Novice placing with a 3rd on Isaac De La Bouverie.
SAVE THE DATE: TRI STAR COMPETITION

Venue: Knockaghview Equestrian Centre

Dates: Sunday 5th April – Dressage & Showjumping

Sunday 12th April – Working Hunter

Time: 11am start for all disciplines
Cost: £10 per discipline (members) £12 per discipline (non-members)
Contact: Dressage entries to Rhonda 07843 575 600 by 7pm Thursday 2nd April 2015

NO FACEBOOK ENTRIES PLEASE
Please check website https://sites.google.com/site/sixmilewaterridingclub/ for Dressage times or call Rhonda on Friday 3rd April between 7pm and 8pm.

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB

There are 6 classes on the day.  Class 1 - Intro B 2009 Dressage Only, Class 2 – Preliminary 13 2006 Dressage Only, Class 3 – Novice 26 2006 Dressage Only, Class 4 – Preliminary 13 2006 with 1 round jumping, Class 5 – Novice 26 2006 with 1 round jumping & Class 6 – The Pony Club D Level 1 Test with 1 round jumping.

Height of jumps 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm – choose your height for classes 4, 5 & 6.

The RJ Monteith Perpetual Cup will be awarded to the highest placed SVRC member out of Classes 4 & 5.

Entries to Alison on 82 246652 by Monday 16^th March & times available Wednesday 18^th March. 

Diane Jones (SMWRC) and Clare Medland (Rolltack) with the yellow Rolltack prize for this year’s dressage league. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean)

SMWRC geared up for the start of their ever popular dressage league by hosting a sponsor’s evening on Tuesday 27^th January 2015.  It was a great opportunity for the club to say a big thank you to the generous sponsors and also see some of the fantastic prizes up for grabs. The Club would like to thank Millies Jumps and Rolltack for their continued support and also thank new sponsors for 2015 – Grove Auto Services Forever Well from Within and Botanica.

Grove Auto Services will sponsor the Intro class. They are a local Car Valeting business offering personalised premium car valeting, restorations and modifications to suit the needs of both you and your vehicle. There are different packages available ranging from £20 to £90.

Rolltack return this year to sponsor the Prelim class.  Based near Dromara and in production since November 2013 this clever portable saddle trolley doubles as a car saddle rack, has a built-in mounting-block, and a wet/dry compartment which can even be used as a seat! Available in 9 striking colours there’s one to suit everyone.  Riders can now say goodbye to the days of struggling with their heavy awkward equipment and the countless trips back and forward to the tack room or car with the help of the ‘Rolltack’.

James Millar (Millies Jumps), Miriam Wright (SMWRC), Diane Jones (SMWRC) and Ivan Millar (Millies Jumps) with some of their brightly coloured fun fillers. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean)

Diane Jones (SMWRC) and Clare Medland (Rolltack) with the yellow Rolltack prize for this year’s dressage league. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean)

Millies Jumps a family based company from Dromara County Down return to sponsor the Novice class.  Suppliers of pressure treated timber poles, fillers, uprights and wings. In addition they also supply portable cross country and working hunter fences with businesses such as Laurelview Equestrian and Ardnacashel Equestrian being among their clients.  They offer tailor made packages for beginners to equestrian based businesses at affordable prices.

James Millar (Millies Jumps), Miriam Wright (SMWRC), Diane Jones (SMWRC) and Ivan Millar (Millies Jumps) with some of their brightly coloured fun fillers. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean)

Forever Well from Within will sponsor the Elementary class .This is an exciting new local company who provide Forever Living products for both Equines and Humans. Products include Gelly and Propolis Crème which are both excellent for mud fever and also make a fab hand cream for us humans. Vet sprays, MSM Gel for joints, heat lotions for sweet itch and joints for humans and some treats for the rider like lip balms, hand and face soaps.

James Millar (Millies Jumps), Diane Jones (SMWRC), Clare Medland (Rolltack), Miriam Wright (SMWRC), Ivan Millar (Millies Jumps) – some of the sponsors of SMWRC Dressage League- 2015. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean).

James Millar (Millies Jumps), Diane Jones (SMWRC), Clare Medland (Rolltack), Miriam Wright (SMWRC), Ivan Millar (Millies Jumps) – some of the sponsors of SMWRC Dressage League- 2015. (Photo courtesy of Scott McLean).

The Final of the league will include Dressage to Music –Preliminary Freestyle (2012) test in a 20×40 arena run under BD Dressage to music rules.  Botancia International Ltd has come on board to sponsor this class.  Established to cater for the growing awareness in natural products and to utilize the wonders of Nature’s Healing Energy. A natural herbal range developed to treat common skin conditions, the Herbal range contains a combination of natural ingredients, all of which have proven beneficial properties.  Botanica’s Herbal system works to promote healthy cell growth and complete recovery without scarring.

The League will cater for all levels and will be run over 3 legs. Classes will include Intro, Prelim, Novice, Elementary and a Dressage to Music class for the Final.  Tests for Sunday 15^th March and Sunday 26^th April are: Intro B (2009), Prelim 18 (2002), Novice 30 (2006), Elem 44 (2002).  Tests for the Final on Sunday 10^th May include: Intro A (2008), Prelim 14, (2006), Nov 27 (2007), Elem 42 2008.

Laurelview Equestrian Centre is the venue and competitors must attend 1 week + the final in order to qualify for league placing’s and prizes!  Contact Diane Jones 07866629894/02894432303 for entries. NO FACEBOOK ENTRIES PLEASE

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB

Thanks to all those competitors who came along to take on the challenge of Andrew Bogle’s Arena Eventing course.  Thanks go to Chris Bogle for judging, Andrew Bogle course building, Natasha Gilchrist entries, Alison Donnell call up & AJS Event Catering for providing refreshments.

The very nicely turned out Ciara Owens & her pony Finchogue Aztec enjoyed a successful days jumping, jumping faultless rounds in both the 60cm and 70cm classes.

Moorlough Riding Club members also had a very good days jumping with Brendan Caldwell & Jet Two jumping clear all the way in both the 80cm & 90cm classes; Darren Preston was in his usual consistent form jumping double clear with Fyfin Charlie in the 70cm class and double clear with Fyfin Ginger and Diamond Hill Ginger in the 90cm class as did Lynn Russell & Penny jumping double clear in both the 90cm and 1 metre classes.

Clogher Valley Riding Club member Katie Clarke nee Leonard had very nice clear rounds with her own horse Jolene & also with sister Hannah’s Blue.

Not forgetting our own SV members; Chairperson Lucinda Blakiston-Houston rode 2 very nice clear rounds in the 80cm class with her eye catching young horse Gi Gi, & Stephanie Roulston with her lovely grey Growhowdy Cailin Deas jumped 2 super clear rounds in the 90cm class!

Results

60cm double clears

Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens, Kizzy & Rebecca Coyle

70cm double clears

Seajay Star & Andrena Harron, Howdy Howard & Stephanie Johnston, Finchogue Aztec & Ciara Owens, Fyfin Charlie & Darren Preston

80cm double clears

Gi Gi & Lucinda Blakiston-Houston, Faith & Diane Atcheson, Bantem & Mark McGlinchey, Jet Two & Brendan Caldwell, Jazzy & Emma Boyd

90cm double clears

Jolene & Katie Clarke, Fyfin Ginger & Darren Preston, Penny & Lynn Russell, Growhowdy Cailan Deas & Stephanie Roulston, Blue & Katie Clarke, Jet Two & Brendan Caldwell, Pilgrim’s Promise & Louise Early, Diamond Hill Ginger & Darren Preston, Sharamai & Amy Munroe,

1 metre double clears

Penny & Lynn Russell, Dude & Miranda Doherty

Other dates for your diary – 18^th Annual Combined Training Competition Saturday 21^stMarch at the RDA, Omagh; Working Hunter Show Saturday 9^th May at Ecclesville & the Annual Summer Showjumping League Wednesdays 1^st, 8^th, 15^th & 22^nd July at Ecclesville.

STRULE VALLEY RIDING CLUB

Everyone is very welcome to come along, both members & non-members. 

More information from Alison Donnell, Secretary on 82 246652 or by having a look at Strule Valley Riding Club facebook page!

The Club have advised that you bring your own flask/refreshments as there will be no catering on site!

‘In riding a horse we borrow freedom…’ Helen Thompson

This intimate observational documentary series follows the day-to-day and season-by-season rhythm of life inside a remote community of horse-riding enthusiasts.

The Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club is based in the north-west region of Cloich Ceann Fhaola in Co. Donegal.  Against the backdrop of the Derryveagh Mountains, the consuming passion for the members of this club is their love for their animals and their sport, spending all their spare time and money indulging in their hobby.

Theirs is a unique club, given its geographical isolation and the level of commitment needed for the long journeys down the country to perform and qualify for competition at national level.  Local estate agent and auctioneer Manus Kelly laughs as he explains that sleeping in the back of the horse truck in a field at weekends wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea but for him it’s what living is all about.  He’s partial to the hunt aspect of the sport but watching his seventeen year old daughter Áilbhe improve over the years has been rewarding too.  She sits her final exams at the local Pobalscoil this year and is busy juggling her studies with intense training, in the hope of qualifying for the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in August.

Retired teacher Lawrence Smyth had never even sat on a horse until he was well into his senior years.  He took early retirement and found himself with time on his hands so his wife bought him a horse for his 67^th birthday and he hasn’t looked back. He certainly doesn’t have much spare time these days, being an active show-jumper and running his stable yard high above Gortahork, where his horses have a fine view across to Tory Island.

The club’s chairman Packie Ferry looks forward to the social side of the club as much as to the training and competing; for him it functions at a very important level within the community. He and his wife Carmel are both keen riders and his two sons Sean and Paul will soon be joining the pony club.   Mickey Mac Aodh says his wife thought he was crazy when he bought a horse over 20 years ago.  Mickey who teaches at Youth Reach, a programme for young people who leave school early, stresses how it’s not just about the winning ribbons but more about appreciating the sense of belonging, embracing the challenges and taking pride in small achievements.

Life inside Cumann Marcaíochta Dún na nGall is certainly a colourful one. Elitism doesn’t come into it in this particular club, it’s for young and old alike, the novice and the more accomplished.  In Ar Mhuin na Muice agus na gCapall, the drama of the competition both within the county and further afield punctuates the rhythm of life as it is lived in this Gaeltacht parish.  We witness the tears, tantrums, trials and tribulations inside this equestrian world across the year and gain insights into life in the broader community too. For the many members of this particular riding club, it’s a life better lived in the company of the horse.

In the first programme, it’s horses not reindeer that Santa Claus is preparing for the task of pulling his sleigh on his visit to Falcarragh, we hear how the oldest member of the club took up the sport at the ripe old age of 67, builder Eamonn McGee attempts his first jump and has his first fall and we find out how the North West League is progressing for the Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club.

Episode two sees the members of the Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club put the finishing touches to their St. Patrick’s Day parade, it’s not good news for Patricia Warren’s best pony Colorado who has a growth in a most unfortunate place and Manus Kelly and Micky McHugh set off in the lorry to compete at the National Hunter Trials in Tipperary.

Episode three and it’s all to play for as members of the club head for the RDS show-jumping qualifiers in Sligo with hope in their hearts.  Áilbhe Kelly is struggling to balance studying for exams with her passion for riding while her father,estate agent Manus Kelly, faces his own challenge of trying to sell a house on an offshore island.  It’s also the club’s biggest event of the year, organising their popular beach show which attracts visitors from all over the country.

The final programme sees Manus Kelly and Micky McHugh attempt a local triathlon, the girls from the North West Pony Club anxiously travel to Wexford to compete at their biggest event to date; the Irish Pony Club Festival, while the grown-ups have to manage their own nerves in Stradbally Co. Laois where they have one last chance at qualifying for the RDS.  It’s exam results time for Áilbhe Kelly and the equestrian year is drawing to a close in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

Ar Mhuin na Muice agus na gCapall is an Imagine Media Production for TG4, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

Broadcasting weekly from 11/1/15 @ 21:30 on TG4, with a repeat weekly from the 12/1/15 @ 19:30

Kathy Delargy & Skylark Express with sponsor Wesley Sloan victorious in both the Rudolph Open & Santa’s Open Top Score

Christmas Show Results as follows:

Christmas Cracker Starter Stakes (60cm)

1st   Alana Magill – Siaradus

2nd  Joanne McSeveny – Brad

3rd  Katy Clarke – Guinness

4th  Tasha Lowry – Tally

5th  Orla Carmichael – Kenzie

6th  Chloe Thompson – Moss Bank

Mince Pie Warm Up (70cm)

1st  Chloe Thompson – Beechburn Lass

2nd  Cora McNulty – Chief

3rd  Susan Sloan – Tamney Blue

4th  Paula McIlwrath  -  Foxi

5th  Tasha Lowry – Tally

6th  Chloe Thompson – Moss Bank

Amber Hopkins & Sparky – winners of the Fancy Dress

Fancy dress

1st  Amber Hopkins – Sparky

2nd  Katy Clarke – Guinness

3rd  Cora McNulty – Chief

Santa’s Novice Top Score (50cm – 70cm)

1st  Susan Sloan – Tamney Blue

2nd  Alana Magill – Siaradus

3rd  Katy Clarke – Guinness

4th  Lauren Bell – Lexi

5th  Alison Larkham – Lilly

6th  Cora McNulty – Chief

Susan Sloan & Tamney Blue – winner of Santa’s Novice Top Score receiving her prize from sponsor Wesley Sloan

Susan Sloan & Tamney Blue – winner of Santa’s Novice Top Score receiving her prize from sponsor Wesley Sloan

Jingle Bells Novice (80cm)

1st  Emma Brown – Dolly

2nd  Iris Bailey – Punch

3rd  Lauren Bell – Lexi

4th  Katie McDonnell – Silly Sally

5th  Amy Willis – Lisbane Duno

6th  Alison Larkham – Lilly

Emma Brown & Dolly collecting their winning prizes for the Jingle Bell Novice from Wesley Sloan

Rudolph’s Open (90cm)

1st  Kathy Delargy – Skylark Express

2nd  Katie McDonnell – Silly Sally

3rd  Natasha Henderson – Snippet

4th  Iris Bailey – Punch

5th  Lauren Sloan – Quida

6th  Kerry Taylor – Cora

Santa’s Open Top Score (70cm – 90cm)

1st  Kathy Delargy – Skylark Express

2nd  Lauren Sloan – Quida

3rd  Kerry Taylor – Cora

4th  Natasha Henderson – Snippet

5th Amy Willis – Lisbane Duno

6th  Katie McDonnell – Silly Sally

Emma Brown & Dolly collecting their winning prizes for the Jingle Bell Novice from Wesley Sloan

SAVE THE DATE:  The New Year sees SMWRC look forward to hosting their ever popular 2015 Dressage League.  Last year’s winning recipients were treated to some fantastic prizes by the excellent sponsors of the event.  The Club would like to thank Millies Jumps and Rolltack for their continued support and also thank new sponsors for 2015 –  Forever Living and Grove Auto Services.  The League will cater for all levels and will be run over 3 legs. Classes will include Intro, Prelim, Novice, Elementary and a Dressage to Music class for the Final.   Laurelview Equestrian Centre is the venue and the dates are Sunday 15th March 2015, Sunday 26th April 2015 with the final on Sunday 10th May 2015.  Contact Diane Jones 07866629894/02894432303 for further enquiries.

The hardworking SMWRC committee are always welcoming to new members of this fun and friendly club.  Membership forms are available to download on our club website: https://sites.google.com/site/sixmilewaterridingclub or join our Facebook page Six Mile Water Riding Club to keep up to date with the latest news

The Club would like to thank Raymond Caldwell for building a flowing course, Sandra Magee judging, Pearl Donnell refreshments, Natasha Gilchrist entries, Alison Donnell call up, Emma King & any one else who helped in any way.

Thanks also to John Chambers for the hire of his PA system. Special thanks go to McCullagh’s Centra Campsie for their generous sponsorship of prizes.

Well done to the fancy dress winners – Lily & Elsie Tunney, Kasey McLaughlin & Heather Beattie.

Results

Ponies

40cm double clears

Jessie & Lexie Maguire, Nemo & Aron Healy, Sparkling Little Wonder & Ellie Baxter, Rosie & Lily Tunney, Jessie & Darcy Maguire, Sparkling Little Wonder & Ashlee Baxter, George & Elsie Tunney

60cm double clears

Nemo & Aron Healy

70cm double clears

Spot & Ciara Owens

80cm open

1^st – Rocky & Mackenzie Healy

2^nd – Spot & Ciara Owens

90cm open

1^st – Chesney & Rebecca McKenna

Horses

60cm double clears

Gelvin Zirconia & Heather Black

70cm double clears

Gelvin Zirconia & Heather Black

80cm – no clears

90cm open

1^st – Botera Lad & Natasha Gilchrist

1 metre open

1^st – Botera Lad & Natasha Gilchrist

Moving in to the new year there will be a Monty Roberts demo at the RDA on Wednesday 14^th January; everyone is invited to come along. Phillippa McKee & Linda McKinney will take members for flatwork training in January.

An Arena Eventing Competition is planned for Sunday 8^th February at Ecclesville starting at 1.30 pm with 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 1 metre.  Everyone is very welcome, members & non-members.