Picture Perfect at Gransha Equestrian Centre

Sunday 22^nd March saw the final of the Chris Semple Photography Dressage League at Gransha Equestrian Centre.  It was a beautiful spring day and riders and horses were turned out to perfection.  The Antwerp Arena was the setting for the first of 9 classes taking place throughout the day.   Medium 61 was judged by Joanne Jarden and the winner in this class was Caroline Herron riding her own ‘Clantara Midnight Classic’.  Taking 2^nd place was Elaine Morrow with ‘Ardenza Gem.’  These placings were reversed when it came to the overall league results.  Elaine went on to secure victory in the elementary category both on the day and in the league.  Taking 2^nd place was Rosie Paterson riding ‘Homegrown Rolex’ who have performed consistently well throughout the league.  3^rd on the day was Ashleigh Rea riding ‘Armani.’

Commencing judging in the derby arena was Ivor Harper with British Dressage Novice 28.  Taking the honours  was Jasmin Vollands and ‘Mo Chara Nua’.  This combination have gone from strength to strength throughout this league and are certainly ones to watch for the future.  Vicky Dobbin and her beautiful young mare ‘Bella’ came 2^nd with another high score.  Slotting into 3^rd was Raven Craig with ‘BurrenbridgeII.’

Dominating the prelim category was Sharon McGimpsey and her versatile coloured horse ‘Knockamara Gypsy’ with a win in both classes.  Sharon went on to finish 3^rd overall in the prelim league. 2^nd in prelim 7 was Suzi McClean with her lovely young horse ‘Crunchie’.  Raven took another 3^rd with ‘Burrenbridge II’.  Heather McMillan had a very successful day with her attractive bay gelding ‘Herbie’ as they took 2^nd on the day and 1^st in the overall prelim league.  Raven Craig slotted into 2^nd in the league.

Standing out from the others in the junior prelim section was Andrew Robinson with ‘Flight of the Phoenix.’  This is another young combination with a bright future ahead of them.  Scoring highly in each class, Andrew  took home two red ribbons.  Pony riders featured strongly throughout this league and reaped the  rewards for their hard work.  Two such riders were Zara Wood and Lachlan Henry.  Going head to head each month in the intro class it was a tight finish but Zara and ‘Ballymac Girl’ edged ahead of Lachlan and ‘Rusty’ to win the league.  Definitely having something to smile about was Stella Black and her pony ‘Creaghnacross Dusty Moon’ as they not only took home the junior prelim and junior sidesaddle league award but they also came away with the overall league prize from Chris Semple Photography.  Stella will enjoy a 2 hour photo shoot and a 24x20in wall art, this amazing price is worth £350.

The senior intro class was a very competitive section and was always well supported.  Taking the honours on the day and in the league were horse and rider duo Louise Sullivan and ‘Rolo’.  Ruth Hendry and ‘Walter’ were 2^nd and Helen McCoubrey with ‘Carrickaduff Dame’ were 3^rd.  Sisters Carol and Sharon Regan did well with Carol and Clover coming 2^nd overall in the league and Sharon and Rua finishing 4^th.  Slotting into 3^rd place was Claire Martin and ‘George.’

Rounding off the day was the senior sidesaddle class and it was the very consistent ‘Scooby’ ridden by Suzi McClean who outshone the rest.  This combination won on the day and went on to win the sidesaddle league.  Sharon McGimpsey and ‘Knockamara Gypsy’ were 2^nd and Amanda Blackmore with ‘Harry’ were 3^rd.  A big thank you to everyone involved, from judges, scorers and scribes, your help has been much appreciated.

A full list of results can be found on the website along with our spring/summer schedule.

Tags: featured, full-image, showing, side saddle

Category: News, Other, Results, Showing