Star Show Success
Emma Fleming presents Gillian McCann and Andrew Clark with their Equestrian News NI prizes
Oh the rain came down and down, but competitors and organisers at the Laurel View STAR Charity Dressage Show on Sunday 10th February, kept in remarkably high spirits.
An excellent crowd travelled from many different corners of the province to support the show, amazingly, given the weather conditions, without the need for seaworthy transportation! But it was all worthwhile as all monies from the show go to help the work of STAR (Summer Team Aid Romania) in July this year.
First class on the schedule was the BD Intro A test, with Amy Neill in the judges seat. Top points went to Sharka Gerhardus on Laurel View Rab, with Milo and Leah Knight a fraction behind. As it was a special charity show the top placed in the class went home with a little extra something supplied by Laurel View.
Newcomers riding the Prelim 4 test were judged by Geraldine Lowry, a super test ridden by young Andrew Clark on Greenvale Cat took the 1st prize spot, with Eileen McLaughlin on Laurel View Tinker not far behind in second, winning them specially sponsored prizes from Equestrian News NI.
Class 3 as usual was the largest class of the day. Ivor Harper judged the Prelim 12 test and when the scores were totted up X Rated and Sharon Watters were the clear winners, with Oliver Edwards and Henry a very worthy second. Class 3 prizes were generously donated by Doagh Farm Feeds.
Eileen McLaughlin and Bree Rutledge are congratulated by Linda Davis
Sharon Watters and X Rated were in the prizes again for their Prelim 14 test in Class 4 judged by Brenda Cull. Stonebridge Feeds supplied prizes for this class so in second place securing some Stonebridge Feed for the four legged competitor was Jill Hobson on Furisto Seven for a Secret.
Old Mill Saddlery provided the lovely prizes taken home by Class 5 winners. Brenda Cull judged the Novice 34 tests as well and her scoring put Emma Andrews and The Elf in the top spot with Quintessential and Ryan Hopper close behind.
Angelene Nicholson took on the judging of the Open class and the top place went to Erin Faloona and Orchard Affair for their Elementary test. Oliver Hardy and Martina Loughran rode the Novice test to take second place, the top Open riders on the day were delighted to win vouchers from Mulryan Saddlery.
Competitors and judges in the outdoor arena for classes 4 – 6 deserve extra credit for putting in sterling performances despite the appalling weather conditions. Torrential rain overnight and then persistent rain throughout the day meant that the surface was far from ideal, at least the snow that was forecast stayed away. Hopefully no one developed webbed feet though!
Barbara Hanna and Mercury brave it out in the sand arena
As this was a Charity Show two extra special classes were added to encourage a little extra participation, these were the crowd pleasing Dressage to music classes. David Patterson joined Angelene Nicholson at the judges table to help with deliberations. First to strut their stuff was the Open Class and coming top of the pops was Jennifer Howes and Duke, with Questhill Fantasy and Claire Sedgeman a very close second indeed.
Then to round off a fabulous day was the Just for Fun Musical Dressage, which had a mix of solo riders, pairs and a team. Nobody envied the judges their job, but in the end The Laurel View Dancing Divas claimed the title; this team was made up of Claire Dillon on Rab; Cathy Hawkins on Tally; Kirsty Marsden on Chester; Katie McDonnell on Keady; Diane Sefton on Bridget; Kerry Taylor on Star; Lorraine Terak on Tinker and Katie Watt on Sly. Kirsty Marsden should be particularly pleased with herself as she picked up a second for her solo performance on Loughmourne Diamond as well.
Conditions on the day were far from ideal for photography without flash, so the Equi-Tog photographer had his work cut out for him, but he persevered and captured what he could.
As ever Laurel View are indebted to all the judges, scribes, runners, scorers and more for their time and trouble and most definitely to the competitors for their participation. Emma Fleming (show organiser and STAR team member) extends her most grateful appreciation to all the sponsors for making the show extra special. To everyone for their entries and donations, a quick count of the cash box at the end of the day revealed that at least £1000 had been raised, thank you everyone, you are all star’s!
A wonderful hamper was the attraction for everyone who bought a ticket or six for the raffle, but there could only be one winner and that was Ryan Hopper.
A few extra treats were on offer on show day, folk were encouraged to splurge on calories to raise a few extra pounds for the charity, tempted by some delish “Star” muffins and cupcakes, all in a good cause.
As well as being the Charity Show, this competition was also the fifth of the Laurel View Winter Dressage League, so scores from classes 1 – 6 went towards the final on Sunday 24th February. Each test ridden at this show as well as throughout the league has earned the rider an entry into the draw for the fantastic prize from Clogher Valley Country Caravan Park. This draw is to be made after all tests have been ridden on the 24th.
For further details on dressage or any other discipline at Laurel View, keep www.laurelview.co.uk on your favourites, or just give the office a ring on 028 9083 0649.
Results
Dressage League (5 of 6)
10.2.13
Class 1 – BD Intro A (walk/trot)
Judge – Amy Neill
1st Laurel View Rab, Sharka Gerhardus, 69.57; 2nd Milo, Leah Knight, 69.13; 3rd McCracken, Katherine Hall, 67.83; 4th Pearson Royal Velvet, Lucy Toombs, 66.09; 5th LV Marley, Christine Smyth, 65.65; 6th Paddy, Leah Knight, 64.78.
Class 2 – Prelim 4 (Newcomers)
Judge – Geraldine Lowry
1st Greenvale Cat, Andrew Clark, 70.45; 2nd Laurel View Tinker, Eileen McLaughlin, 69.55; 3rd tie Tilly, Gillian McCann and McCracken, Connie Jordan, 68.64; 4th Gem, Bree Rutledge, 65.00; 5th Trigger, Megan Parkinson, 63.64; 6th Taffy, Lynn Daniel, 63.18.
Class 3 – Prelim 12
Judge – Ivor Harper
1st X Rated, Sharon Watters, 75.60; 2nd Henry, Oliver Edwards, 67.60; 3rd Laurel View Cherry, Emma Fleming, 66.40; 4th Gibbs, Leah Knight, 66.00; 5th Jewel, Leah Knight, 65.60; 6th tie Guinness, Abi Gill and Furisto Seven for a Secret, Jill Hobson, 64.40.
Class 4 – Prelim 14
Judge – Brenda Cull
1st X Rated, Sharon Watters, 72.92; 2nd Furisto Seven for a Secret, Jill Hobson, 68.75; 3rd Silly Sally, Katie Watt, 67.50; 4th Rosie, Emma Brady, 67.08; 5th Roger, Erin Faloona, 66.25; 6th tie Ben Kelly, Claire Martin and Ludovik K, Jill Hobson, 66.25.
Class 5 – Novice 34
Judge – Brenda Cull
1st The Elf, Emma Andrews, 71.25; 2nd Quintessential, Ryan Hopper, 70.00; 3rd Melton, Lauren Court, 67.92; 4th Loughmourne Diamond, Kirsty Marsden, 66.25; 5th Silly Sally, Katie Watt, 66.25; 6th Roger, Erin Faloona, 64.58.
Class 6 – Open
Judge – Angelene Nicholson
1st Orchard Affair, Erin Faloona (Elem), 72.41; 2nd Oliver Hardy, Martina Loughran (Nov), 66.13; 3rd The Elf, Emma Andrews (Elem), 65.52; 4th Duke, Jennifer Howes (Med), 62.65; 5th Questhill Fantasy, Claire Sedgeman (Med), 62.06; 6th Mercury, Barbara Hanna (Med), 58.24.
Class 7 – Musical Dressage (Open)
Judges – Angelene Nicholson & David Patterson
1st Duke, Jennifer Howes, 65.67; 2nd Questhill Fantasy, Claire Sedgeman, 65.33; 3rd Orchard Affair, Erin Faloona, 63.08; 4th The Elf, Emma Andrews, 62.22.
Class 8 – Musical Dressage (Just for Fun)
Judges – Angelene Nicholson & David Patterson
1st Laurel View Miscellaneous! The Laurel View Dancing Divas, 73.33; 2nd Loughmourne Diamond, Kirsty Marsden, 72.22; 3rd Laurel View Oliver, Sharka Gerhardus, 71.11; 4th Addy & Star, Sophie McGuckin & Kerry Taylor, 68.89; 5th Dino, Geraldine Lowry, 67.78; 6th Pussy Galore (aka Cherry), Emma Fleming, 66.67.
