Stella Black winner of the junior side-saddle class

Sunday 22^nd March saw the final of the Chris Semple Photography Dressage League at Gransha Equestrian Centre.  It was a beautiful spring day and riders and horses were turned out to perfection.  The Antwerp Arena was the setting for the first of 9 classes taking place throughout the day.   Medium 61 was judged by Joanne Jarden and the winner in this class was Caroline Herron riding her own ‘Clantara Midnight Classic’.  Taking 2^nd place was Elaine Morrow with ‘Ardenza Gem.’  These placings were reversed when it came to the overall league results.  Elaine went on to secure victory in the elementary category both on the day and in the league.  Taking 2^nd place was Rosie Paterson riding ‘Homegrown Rolex’ who have performed consistently well throughout the league.  3^rd on the day was Ashleigh Rea riding ‘Armani.’

Left to right Stella Black ‘Creghnacross Dusty Moon, Suzi McClean ‘Scooby’, Sharon McGimpsey Knockamara Gypsy.

Commencing judging in the derby arena was Ivor Harper with British Dressage Novice 28.  Taking the honours  was Jasmin Vollands and ‘Mo Chara Nua’.  This combination have gone from strength to strength throughout this league and are certainly ones to watch for the future.  Vicky Dobbin and her beautiful young mare ‘Bella’ came 2^nd with another high score.  Slotting into 3^rd was Raven Craig with ‘BurrenbridgeII.’

Caroline Herron Clantara Midnight Classic, Elaine Morrow Ardenza Gem

Dominating the prelim category was Sharon McGimpsey and her versatile coloured horse ‘Knockamara Gypsy’ with a win in both classes.  Sharon went on to finish 3^rd overall in the prelim league. 2^nd in prelim 7 was Suzi McClean with her lovely young horse ‘Crunchie’.  Raven took another 3^rd with ‘Burrenbridge II’.  Heather McMillan had a very successful day with her attractive bay gelding ‘Herbie’ as they took 2^nd on the day and 1^st in the overall prelim league.  Raven Craig slotted into 2^nd in the league.

Suzi McClean winner of the senior sidesaddle class

Standing out from the others in the junior prelim section was Andrew Robinson with ‘Flight of the Phoenix.’  This is another young combination with a bright future ahead of them.  Scoring highly in each class, Andrew  took home two red ribbons.  Pony riders featured strongly throughout this league and reaped the  rewards for their hard work.  Two such riders were Zara Wood and Lachlan Henry.  Going head to head each month in the intro class it was a tight finish but Zara and ‘Ballymac Girl’ edged ahead of Lachlan and ‘Rusty’ to win the league.  Definitely having something to smile about was Stella Black and her pony ‘Creaghnacross Dusty Moon’ as they not only took home the junior prelim and junior sidesaddle league award but they also came away with the overall league prize from Chris Semple Photography.  Stella will enjoy a 2 hour photo shoot and a 24x20in wall art, this amazing price is worth £350.

jasmin Vollands Mo Chara Nua and Zara Wood Ballymac Girl

The senior intro class was a very competitive section and was always well supported.  Taking the honours on the day and in the league were horse and rider duo Louise Sullivan and ‘Rolo’.  Ruth Hendry and ‘Walter’ were 2^nd and Helen McCoubrey with ‘Carrickaduff Dame’ were 3^rd.  Sisters Carol and Sharon Regan did well with Carol and Clover coming 2^nd overall in the league and Sharon and Rua finishing 4^th.  Slotting into 3^rd place was Claire Martin and ‘George.’

Rounding off the day was the senior sidesaddle class and it was the very consistent ‘Scooby’ ridden by Suzi McClean who outshone the rest.  This combination won on the day and went on to win the sidesaddle league.  Sharon McGimpsey and ‘Knockamara Gypsy’ were 2^nd and Amanda Blackmore with ‘Harry’ were 3^rd.  A big thank you to everyone involved, from judges, scorers and scribes, your help has been much appreciated.

A full list of results can be found on the website along with our spring/summer schedule.

Tydfil red marvel

Expert side saddle instructor Ginny Oakley-Pope will be coming to Northern Ireland as a guest of Area 21 of the Side Saddle Association to teach side saddle on Saturday 28th March.  Lessons will be held in the Antwerp Arena at Gransha Equestrian Centre.  This is a great opportunity to get some pre-Balmoral practice.

Ginny is Chairman of Area 5 and was taught side saddle many years ago by Roger Philpot.  She is especially good with nervous riders and horses and was the only civilian trainer with the Thames Valley Mounted Police Force for 20 years.  Ginny can teach many disciplines – dressage, jumping (astride as well as side saddle), side saddle and showing.  In addition, Ginny is a listed side saddle judge and is co-ordinating the mounted displays for the side saddle celebration weekend at Aintree in May.

Private and shared lessons are available.  Places are limited as Ginny is only here on the 28^th March.  Please book your slot by contacting Shirley Anderson (07801 559 366) or Sonya Kinnear (07918 158 643).

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook at Side Saddle Assoc Area 21.

Photograph: Coffeyshots Photography

Tack up side saddle with Susan Oakes and fellow masters of the Tara Harriers and the Grallagh Harriers and become part of a new world record attempt.

The fun filled weekend will Jump start on Friday, November 29th with the hunt ceilli and sing song in the Headford Arms hotel at 8.30pm. On Saturday 30th nov at 1pm, side saddle riders from all over the world will descend on Brittas house, the stately home of Oinri Jackson and Neville Jessop. The Tara Harriers will lead the field of elegant ladies across the rolling countryside of north Meath.
To add to the excitement that night, the Tara Harriers Hunt Ball will be held in The Headford Arms Hotel, kells commencing with a drinks reception at 7pm.

To continue the marathon weekend, the elegant ladies (and companions) will spend sunday afternoon, hunting over Galways reknowned stone wall country with The Grallagh Harriers. (1pm meet) Horse Sport Ireland are supporting this event by offering the ‘Inwards Buyer Programme’ to anyone attending the hunting weekend. So if you are looking are available on www.horsesportireland.ie
Gentleman companions are most welcome to participate in this wonderful weekend if they are able for it!

For more details please contact
Email: sidesaddlehunt@gmail.com
Phone Imelda, 00353876166287

Further hunting news can be received from the hunting association of Ireland, by emailing huntung@hai.ie

You can also visit their website by clicking here

Sidesaddle riding is a form of equestrianism that uses a type of saddle which allows a rider to sit aside rather than astride an equine.

Michelle Clancy BHSAI will instruct on how to fit a side saddle, the importance of fitting the saddle, correct dress code and mounting onto the saddle side. Jenny Richardson BHSAI will also talk about the fitness of the rider and will allow riders to have a go on the virtual horse at Castle Leslie.

The course will include lunch at starts at 10am -2pm on 17^th February 2013 the total price of the course is 75 euro for further information contact Jenny on jrichardson@castleleslie.com.