Little Stars at Lessans
Lucy Kayes and her pony Ruby show off their First Ridden class first prize to a young friend at the Lessans Kids Gymkhana
It was the turn of the tiny tots to show off at Lessans Riding Stables, Saintfield, last Sunday 4 August as the much-anticipated Kids Gymkhana got underway. Show ring classes included Lead Rein, First Ridden and Handy Pony, while in a second arena, clear-round jumping from crosspoles to 90cm, was available for all the intrepid daredevils! Rounding off the day was a mini dog show, where plenty of attention was given to the four-legged friends of the other variety. With the sun shining, a great day was had by all; spectators were particularly impressed by the high standard of turnout shown by all the young competitors, some of whom would put their adult counterparts to shame…!
Proprietor Philippa Auret would like to thank sponsor Ian Kerr, as well as judges Vickie Greenwood and Sorcha Fitzpatrick, and not forgetting entry-taker Lynne Lines and barbecue chef Alicia Shields.
And that’s not all – there are plenty of upcoming events still left on the Lessans summer schedule. Popular visiting instructor Margo Tiffany is returning to the yard from 24 – 27 August; limited individual private lessons with Margo are available but she will primarily be teaching an Adult/Teen Clinic along with Philippa Auret which will take place over three days beginning on 24 August. This will comprise two lessons (flatwork/jumping) and one lecture per day and will also include lunch each day. Participants will also have the chance to take part in a two-phase competition on the final day. This package is priced at just £150 and is outstanding value for such a high level of instruction – it will provide a great opportunity for participants to move their riding abilities on in leaps and bounds.
The annual Lessans Summer Show will then take place on Sunday 1st September; four arenas will be in action and show classes will include Lead Rein, First Ridden, Handy Pony, Coloured Horse, Cobs, and Ridden Horse. The Working Hunter field will feature Starter Stakes, Novice Pony, Novice Horse and Open Pony and Horse; while the lovely grass show jumping arena will run classes from 40-50cm right through to 1 metre. There’s sure to be plenty of action on the day, so don’t forget to mark it in your diary right now!
The grass arena will then be in action once again for a three-week outdoor show jumping league (weather permitting) taking place on 15, 22 and 29 September, starting at 12.30pm. Riders must attend at least two weeks to qualify for the final on 29 September, and classes will run up to 1m or higher on demand.
Finally, plans are also underway for a fantastic Derby featuring a testing mix of showjumps and rustic fences, making good use of the wonderful Lessans Working Hunter field; a children’s one-day event including dressage, showjumping and cross-country; and a children’s triathlon – all dates to be confirmed, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information!
To book a place on the Margo Tiffany Clinic or to enquire about any of the other events or Lessans livery services, T: 028 9751 0141. You can also visit www.lessansridingstables.com for further event updates.
Kids Gymkhana Results:
Lead Rein
1 Jenna Houston, Dandy; 2 Casey McCatch, Tarquin; 3 Zara Parker, Star; 4 Katie Parker, Inchy; 5 Oliver Kinnear, Magic
First Ridden
1 Lucy Kayes, Ruby; 2 Jay Kinnear, Charlie; 3 Chloe Gill, Spirit; 4 Zara Parker, Star
Handy Pony – Tiny Tots
1 Poppy Moore, Chico; 2 Jenna Houston, Bambam; 3 Casey McCatch, Tarquin
Handy Pony – Young Riders
1 Eve McDowell, Tableau; 2 Aaron McDowell; Dury; 3 Rachel Irvine, Gizmo
Best Riding School Pony
1 Alex Rose, Mr Bear
Dog classes:
Best Walker – Danielle Connolly, Izzy
Waggiest Tail – Connor Houston, Eva
Cutest Dog – Ben & TJ Gibson, Rosie
