Omagh RDA bring home over 20 Awards from UK National Championships in Hartpury
Omagh RDA member Zoe O’Malley, Fermanagh with her own horse Lucy K preparing to compete at the UK National Championships
With a total haul of over 20 awards, Omagh Riding for Disabled returned triumphant after there recent trip to the UK National RDA Championships, set within the equine grounds at Hartpury College, Gloucester. Temperatures soared to 32 Degrees on the first day of the competition, with the air temperature rising to such a high level, this did not deter the competitors from also raising the temperature of the competition.
In the 1a Grade I-V championship, Omagh rider Gavin Forsythe rode very well with his trusty companion ‘Into the Blue’ in a large competitive class, to finish 4th in the Junior section, this is the first time Gavin has competed at Championship grade having made the successful transition from introductory tests on previous occasions. In addition to his Championship test Gavin was also competing in the Freestyle championship finishing as Champion in his junior section and 5th overall, and making RDA UK history as the very first rider to compete at the National Championship in the Show Jumping Discipline. Again his steed of choice being the ever popular ‘Into the Blue’, Gavin had a superb round, clearing all the jumps to finish in 5th place.
Omagh RDA Rider, Grace McSorley on her way to collecting her winning rosette at the UK National Championships in Hartpury
With her stunning skew bald mare, Fermanagh rider Zoe O’ Malley competed in a very competitive Grade II class with 16 competitors from all over the UK. Zoe and her Mare ‘Lucy K’ made a sterling effort on their first outing on the national stage, finishing in a fantastic 2nd position and being a worthy ambassador for Northern Ireland with her dedication and horsemanship.
Taking on the challenges of competition at Hartpury for the first time was Omagh rider, Grace McSorley. Having only joined the group before Easter this year, Grace has showed great determination, focus and skill to compete in two competitions on English soil. Under the blistering sun, Grace onboard ‘Into the Blue’ the Introduction to Dressage designed to encourage those embarking on their competitive careers within the RDA movement. As well as the Countryside Challenge, where riders have to negotiate numerous obstacles to reach the gate at the very end. Grace continued her recent high scoring rounds scoring 72%, well above anyone else in her competition to receive the junior championship, as well receive the 4th place ribbons in the combined training.
Competing the quartet of riders on the first day was Naomi Connell, like Grace, having travelled to the Championships for the first time. Competing in the Introductory walk and trot test, Naomi too was a worthy ambassador for the Northern Ireland. Once again onboard Sarah Smyth’s irish cob, ‘Into the Blue’, Naomi scored a fantastic 77.7% to take the red ribbons in the junior section of the Intro test 4. Naomi also happened to be the path finder in the level 2 showjumping competition, in the Hartpury International Indoor arena jumping a fantastic round, on board Clywd RDA’s Chester, Naomi romped home to victory in this scoring 94%.
Successes were also gained by Coleraine riders’ Tobin and Louise Greer, riding Omagh RDA’s Just William. Both riders rode incredibly well with 1st, 2nd and 3rd’s placing recorded between them.
-
- Getting ready to compete is Omagh Rider Naomi Elkin with her own horse Ben. Naomi was placed 6th and 8th in her respective comp
-
- Team from Newtownards RDA group
-
- Bobby McAllister from Newtownards RDDA group
-
- Omagh RDA member Zoe O’Malley, Fermanagh with her own horse Lucy K preparing to compete at the UK National Championships,
-
- Omagh RDA Rider, Grace McSorley on her way to collecting her winning rosette at the UK National Championships in Hartpury
The extreme heat unfortunately played a major factor that would see william having to withdraw from any further competitions, with the extremely hot temperatures and the long travelling times, under veterinary guidance William was admitted to the expertise in the Three Counties Equine Hospital for treatment of heat exhaustion.
That evening after the stifling heat had subsided, all those being accommodated at the college all made their way to the legends bar, for the ‘Dress to Impress’ party. A good evening was had by all who attended.
The second day of competition was welcomed by a later start time for the Omagh group, and with only 3 riders taking to the arenas at Hartpury, many of the riders, volunteers and parents took the opportunity for a well deserved extra hour in bed!
With William unable to continue, Omagh RDA are indebted to the help of Penniwells RDA, London for their permission in allowing us to borrow a pony for one of Our riders. Riding the beautiful Piebald, ‘Jago’ Lucy Smyth started of the prize tally with yet another red rosette for the Omagh Group, this was then added to by a 6th rosette in the Combined Training competition.
Rosettes were also forthcoming for Naomi Elkin taking placings in both the Grade III Championship and freestyle tests, competing onboard her fathers ‘Ben’, these placings were in addition to the 6th rosette won the previous evening in the Level 3 show jumping class.
Our final rider to take to the arena was Louise Bogle, riding Heather Black’s ‘Cubic Zirconia’ in a large class of 35 riders, Louise made a sterling effort just missing out on a rosette placings. This was a great achievement for Louise as not only has she spent time preparing herself and her horse, but Louise had also played an integral part of the coaching team at Omagh RDA, preparing the other riders as well.
Omagh RDA are indebted to all who have supported them on this trip, to those who anonymously donated we thank you for your generosity, we are also grateful to the local community for all the positive wishes that all the team have received.
Special thanks also to all the owners for allowing these fantastic horses to compete with the Omagh group as well as the entire coaching and support teams that made the trip so successful. Thanks are also extended to Omagh District Council for support the trip under their support for support grant aid scheme. Without such assistance these trips would not be possible.
