SATURDAY, November 24 saw the first of a series of four dressage competitions to take place at Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor. This winter league has been very generously supported by Harmony Hair Bangor, Coast of Donaghadee and Old Manor Mill in Newtownards. A total of 50 combinations performed their various movements under the watchful eye of judges Lucinda Webb Graham, Elaine Morrow and Fran Warden.
A good dry day allowed competitors to warm up in the two all-weather arenas and perform their tests in the Antwerp arena and the newly re-surfaced derby arena.
It was lovely to see some combinations making their dressage debut and many riders commenting on the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Remaining qualifying dates are Sunday, December 2 and Saturday, December 8. The ever-popular Christmas dressage show and league final takes place on Saturday, December 15. Full results and schedules are available on the Gransha website.
RESULTS
Saturday, November 24
Gransha Dressage league
Mini Intro – Led section: 1) Erin Gordon, Maypole Stargate.
Unled section: 1) Toby Collins, Dunstone 33.
Junior Intro: 1) Charlotte McCullough, Celtic Dream.
Senior Intro: 1) Claire Williams, Kali; 2) Alison Simpson, Superted; 3) Cara Swanson, Jane Eyre.
Junior Prelim (Prelim 1): 1) Ralph Robinson, Powder Day; 2) Charlotte McCullough, Burnished Denman.
Senior Prelim (Prelim 1): 1) Laura Bell, Mr Bumble; 2) Laura McMaw, Banagher Boomerang; 3) Catherine Quee, Hulabaloo.
Junior Prelim (Prelim 15): 1) Cali Rose Cathcart, Madison.
Senior Prelim (Prelim 15): 1) Diane Minnis, Mine view Major Tom; 2) Andrew Ross, Plan B; 3) Jill Banford, Slemish Cavalier Two Step.
Senior Novice (Novice 24): 1) Fiona Young, Homegrown Index; 2) Jacqui Porter, Vinnie.
Senior Novice (Novice 22): 1) Diane Minnis, Irish Echo; 2) Georgie Young, Homegrown Index.
Elementary: 1) Cheryl Lawther, Pixie; 2) Sharon McGimpsey, Chilli; 3) Andrew Ross, Kinky Boots.
Medium: 1) Suzi McClean, Scooby.
Young Horse class: 1) Cara Swanson, Jane Eyre; 2) Cara Swanson, Ardquin.
Side saddle: 1) Sharon McGimpsey, Chilli.
Racehorse to dressage horse: 1) Karen Johnston, Perish the Pack; 2) Tara Ardis, Val D’Oise.
