In 2014, the Equestrian Centre gained further recognition as a trainer for the Louth Meath Education and Training Board, and a fully funded 49 weeks full time training programme commenced at the world class facility, on 8 December 2014, for 20 trainees.  Their target is to achieve all the British Horse Society examinations towards the Assistant Instructor Award by the end date of 13 November 2015, as well as to obtain their International Licence as recognised trainers.  This will provide the opportunity to access a breadth of experience of employment at equestrian facilities abroad.  The course is the first of its kind in the North West area.

The Trainees have a daily programme of stable management, riding, lunging, horse husbandry, equine science and nutrition, all delivered by highly qualified instructors and utilising outstanding facilities.  Their immediate target is the BHS Stage I Examination and the Riding and Road Safety Test, both of which take place in the coming weeks.  The Trainees are fortunate to have a variety of BHS approved horses to ride and on which to gain a wealth of experience.  Their training programme is further enhanced by visiting trainers such as Lucy Adams, Mandi King, William Anderson, Jo Balcome, Shelagh Laird and Ray Buchanan, to name a few.  The Trainees will have further opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, on a 6 weeks’ full time placement programme, to take place during July and August.

Trainees on the course are coming from all over Ireland including Cork, Limerick, Longford, Louth and Donegal.  Some reside locally and those who wish to remain in the area at weekends have the opportunity to gain additional experience of the Leisure and Tourism Industry, by working at the Equestrian Centre, or participating in events that may be scheduled at weekends.

For any information related to this training programme, please contact the Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre Manager, Jenny Richardson, on 047 88535/jrichardson@castleleslie.com  or the Louth Meath Education and Training Board, Dundalk Regional Skills and Training Centre, on 042 9355717.

It is hoped that the event will now be held during the Emerald International CSI2* show in March 2015.

All ticket purchases will receive a full refund through the usual ticketmaster      process.

This course is a fantastic insight and introduction to anyone involved or interested in the care of the horse or perhaps you would like to learn something new and you do not need to be an owner. Whether it is purely for interest or whether you intend on buying a horse or are the Parent of a child with a pony they are an invaluable source of information.
British Horse Society Horse Owners Certificate Level 1 starts on Thursday evenings 13th March 2014 7-9pm for approx 8 weeks/ and successful candidates will receive certificates from the B.H.S

Contents of Level 1 are:- recognising types/colours,breeds, basic feeding rules, grooming, parts of saddle & bridle, shoeing, and good and bad health.

For further details or to book a place contact Anne Rodgers 07871186550

New members to the SJI or seasoned campaigners can benefit from the newly formatted SJI training in the Ulster Region replacing the previous ‘bursary style’ training.
The new format is aimed at supporting and developing your efforts by delivering a positive comprehensive training structure targeted at all levels up to Olympic hopefuls,training is something all top sporting personalities still need,
TO GET BETTER AND BE THE BEST !

These weekend ‘boot camps’ will use top level trainers for flatwork and jumping. Course walks and other important areas will be covered which will improve riders awareness and knowledge .
The trainers for all 3 weekends are Ian Fearon and Heather Coyle
2nd and 3rd February Training weekend will be tailored specifically for pony riders and children on horses.
9th and 10thFebruary Training Weekend will be specifically for riders jumping at 90cm up to 110 level on horses.
23rd and 24th February Training weekend will target riders competing at 1.20m to 1.30m and also grand prix level.
There will be follow up training regularly (once in every quarter of the year).
Stabling will be available onsite and restaurant will be open Tel 07971657111 to book
Weekends training costs £ 55 PER DAY or £95.00 for two days.
ULSTER REGION YOUNG RIDER ASSESSMENT WEEKEND, CONFIRMATION
Young rider assessment weekend will be held on 16th and 17th of February at Mackenzie’s Equestrian Centre, Randalstown.
This weekend is open to SJI Ulster riders over the age of 16 years on 1st January 2013 and who have not attained their 23rd birthday by 1st January 2013
Saturday will be a coaching day and Sunday an assessment day. Both days are compulsory.
Trainers will be Harry Marshall / Gary Marshall
Should there be insufficient numbers to make both days viable to cover costs of coaching and assessment, training and assessment will be consolidated into one day
Riders book with Paul 07971657111
The top five will qualify for five days of SJI funded training ( i.e. free training) with six of our top show jumping coaches and three flatwork coaches.
An opportunity not to be missed!
Cost for the weekend is £ 80
Children on Horses, Juniors and Young Riders Team Hopefuls.
Training for Children on Horses, Junior and Young Riders hoping to compete at Team Level in 2013 is available with Team Manager and Trainer John Ledingham at Mackenzie’s Equestrian Centre on 27th February 2013 cost for the evening £25 STARTS 6.30PM