Well, what a wild, wet and windy day to be out and about at the Meadows on Saturday 3rd November. Thankfully our Novice team were jumping around 11am and the rain had been blown away by then. Still on the Windy side, but that didn’t deter our riders or their charges!
First to go was Hannah Jones on Rocket – she had a great ride with no issues at all, bringing home a lovely double clear round in just over 29 seconds. Next up was Tiana-Grace Abbott on Valley Clover Dream. Confident after a great night on Friday at the Omagh High School Show, she got stuck in. Both rider and horse flew round very comfortably. Another double clear in just over 28 seconds. Lo and behold, again we have Tiana-Grace but on this occasion, riding Rocket. Not used to riding this horse in an arena, it was a good round with only one fault. Finally, in came Sophia Williams riding Clonlee Red River ( a late substitute for another rider and horse unable to compete at last minute). Fresh out of the Horse-box and the pair stormed round the course in just over 27 seconds and a third double clear.
All this excellent riding brought just rewards as the Team were placed in the top 6. They came 4th, earning themselves and their horses a well-deserved set of Rosettes. Well done to them all.
The next event was the Open Competition. We had a full set of 4 Riders and horses, with a newcomer into the team this week.
Matthew Conlon was first to go having a superb round on his zippy horse Glenford Clausa. The pair made the course look so easy, getting round in a super time of just over 23 seconds. Next in was Natalie Somerville on ISHD Convoy. This duo are looking more comfortable together each ride, unfortunately, a pole fell in the first phase however in the 2ndtimed phase, it was a clear round in about 31 seconds. Then we had Sophia Williams making her second entry to the Arena, this time on Coill Dearmad William ( as she couldn’t repeat the combination of herself and Clonlee Red River from the Novice competition). Not quite as used to this horse, she nevertheless handled him well and had a speedy 2nd phase of just over 25 secs – unfortunately she also knocked a pole down in the first phase. Finally in came Patrick Williams riding his sisters horse (Clonlee Red River). Again, not used to riding this horse, he did very well. The pair flew round producing a lovely fast time of just under 26 seconds but with 2 poles knocked down during the timed phase. In the Team competition, it is the top 3 riders scores that count, so three clear speed rounds should put us in a reasonably solid position. At this point, we don’t know the final result. This happened 2 weeks ago and with a slower overall time, we were pipped into 7th place, so… who knows? Watch this space.
As ever, thanks to all the Riders, their horses and their parents. I think we can safely say that it has been a successful weekend for the showjumpers.
Next competition is 17th November – Leg 5 of the Tri-League.
