SATURDAY, May 7 saw the final qualifier for the Spring Dressage League at Gransha Equestrian Centre, Bangor, sponsored by Equine Awards NI. The sun shone all day and the judges had a lovely selection of horses and ponies to assess.
The day started with a strong entry in the Mini Intro class. Rebecca Cowan and ‘Beltoy Panteal’ took the win. Grace Jackson and ‘Trigger’ were second and Yasmin Kafter and ‘Tommy’ came away with third.
In the assisted category, it was a win for Elissa Cowan and ‘Beltoy Panteal’. Elissa Cowan and ‘Cindy’ took second and Amelia McCartan claimed third with ‘Eynhallow Lewis’. This combination secured their place in the Rising Stars final, alongside Emily Melvin and ‘Beauty’.
The top three slots in the Senior Intro class went to Amanda Dineley and ‘Ruben’ (first), Rosemary McCullough and ‘Burnished Denman’ (second) and Jane Bruce on ‘Rio’ (third).
It was a win for Carys Black and ‘Glencairns Little Monkey’ in the Junior Newcomers class. Anne Pawlock and ‘Spice’ came in second. In the Senior Newcomers section, Sarah Russell and her handsome Registered Irish Draught (‘PJ’) impressed the judges to take the win. Second was Natasha Knowles and ‘Morning Dew’; third place went to Sophie Donnell and ‘Rock Impression’.
In the first of the Senior Prelim classes, it was victory for Alex Ryan and ‘Dunny’. Suzi McClean and ‘Simba’ took second, ahead of Alex Ryan again, this time riding ‘Fletcher’. In Prelim 19. Suzi McClean and ‘Butter’ took the win, ahead of Karen Jeffrey on ‘Junior’ (second) and Andrew Ross on ‘Sunny’ (third).
Victoria McCandless and ‘Koolstyle’ rode to victory in the first of the Senior Novice classes, while Robyn McMurray and ‘Rocco Banana Man’ won the Junior Novice section.
In the Senior Novice BD 28 class, it was victory for Sandra Murray on ‘Alfie’; second place went to Ellie Miskelly on ‘Ballagh Rebel’; third place was awarded to Carol Dunlop on ‘Roxy’.
Victoria and ‘Koolstyle’ had a busy day, as they continued their winning form in the Elementary class. Second went to Sarah Osborough and ‘Havana’.
Sharon McGimpsey and ‘Chilli’ started their day with a win in the Medium class. Laura Wilson and ‘Loughowan Samoa’ took second.
Suzi McClean and ‘Simba’ won the Sidesaddle class and Sharon and ‘Chilli’ were second.
In the Young Horse class, it was a win for Kacey Pollock and ‘Maise’; Caroline Herron and ‘Louis’ claimed second. Jane Bruce and ‘Rio’ rounded the day off with a win in the Racehorse to Dressage horse class.
Competitors who have competed at two out of the three qualifiers are in the running for some great prizes at the final, which takes place on June 11. However, everyone is welcome at the final, regardless of qualification.
Many thanks to the judges, scorers and scribes.
Organisers were delighted to have Dara McCracken Photography also in attendance. Check out her photos on facebook and log onto www.granshaequestrian.co.uk for upcoming events.
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