Girls On Top at Lessans!
It was very much a case of girl-power last Sunday as the ever-popular Ladies Day show returned to Lessans Riding Stables. The sun shone on the day, as did the smiles of happy winners during a wide range of classes, from racehorses to ridden horses, side saddle to working hunter.Two busy grass arenas were in action for the ridden classes, while Ladies Day also saw the inaugural competition in the brand new Lessans Working Hunter field with its fabulous variety of moveable rustic fences – some more troublesome than others! There was also a grass showjumping arena open with a full course of coloured poles for those wishing to put in a clear round or two – all helping to show off the impressive, extensive facilities at the Saintfield yard. No doubt many of those on a first-time visit will be back for more in the very near future, with both the Working Hunter and Showjumping fields currently available for schooling hire.
As the last winners were announced the fun then moved to the barbecue area, where sumptuous fare was served up by chef for the day, Alicia Shields; and hungry competitors were also able to enjoy a glass or two of bubbly with their food.
Lessans proprietor Phillipa Auret would like to thank judges Michael and Audrey Smyth (ridden classes), Julie Morris (racehorses), Marcy Gibson and Michelle Wolmer (working hunter), and Paula McCarthy (side saddle); as well as Alix Wilson and Lynne Lines (entries). Very special thanks must also go to sponsors Austin Moore and Gordon Clarke for the beautiful winners’ floral bouquets, which really added a touch of class to the day.
Next up at Lessans is a Kids Gymkhana on Sunday 4th August, starting at 12 noon. Classes will include Lead Rein, First Ridden, Handy Pony, Pony Games, Best Fancy Dress and clear-round jumping, from cross-poles up to 80cm. There will also be a Dog Show in action, including Waggiest Tail, Best Puppy, Cutest Dog and Dog Most Like Owner – so don’t forget to bring along all your four-legged friends for plenty of fun! For more information, contact Lessans Riding Stables on T: 028 9751 0141.
Results:Ladies Equitation Side Saddle
1 Ashleigh Kirkpatrick, Alfie
Ridden Horses – Small Hunter
1 Rhonda Huddleston, Kilconnell Niko; 2 Aleesha Gallagher, Trigger; 3 Andrea Fitch, Mill Park Shogun; 4 Lyn Palmer, Seve; 5 Hannah Moore, Ruby
Ridden Horses – Ladies Mount
1 Sonia Tester, Embarcadero; 2 Rhonda Huddleston, Kilconnell Niko; 3 Lyn Palmer, Seve; 4 Claire Liddle, Frenchfort Jackson; 5 Mandy Macken, Leitrim Native K; 6 Kendal Smith, Marjorie
Racehorse to Riding Horse – Re-Training
1 Gail Smyth, Bruno; 2 Micha Gomes, William; 3 Elaine Thompson, Captain Gucci
Racehorse to Riding Horse – Open
1 Louise McMinn, News Item; 2 Micha Gomes, William; 3 Gail Smyth, Bruno
Cobs
1 Lisa Hutchinson, Two Tone Farrington; 2 Aleesha Gallagher, Marjorie
Coloured Horses
1 Nikki Boyd, Ivy Home Magpie; 2 Lisa Hutchinson, Two Tone Farrington; 3 Sorcha Fitzpatrick, Eric; 4 Aleesha Gallagher, Marjorie
Working Hunter – Novice
1 Anna Shaw, Pippi; 2 Claire Liddle, Frenchfort Jackson; 3 Sonia Tester, Embarcadero; 4 Sonia Kenny, Maria; 5 Joanne Gordon, Amarillo
Working Hunter – Open
1 Anna Shaw, Pippi; 2 Emma Hutton, Master Hickey; 3 Sorcha Fitzpatrick, Eric
Category: News, Showing, Uncategorized
