On this blistering, sunny day, ERGS was represented at Omagh High school’s Inter-Schools Annual Showjumping Competition in Fintona. A super day out was had by all competitors, both Team and Individual.
The Novice Team got the day off to a roaring start by placing 2nd out of 14 Teams. Congratulations to the Team of Isabelle Wallace + Bess, Tori Veitch + Ballyerk Canyon and MollyLee + George. 🙌 Isabelle led them out with a superb double clear round in a time of 30 seconds. Next was Tori with a steady round and just 4 faults and Molly following suit. Both Tori and Molly were riding very young horses, both of which are very new to them. This makes this an even better achievement. Only one team were clear in the entire Novice Competition, a testament to the course difficulty.
Congratulations are also due to Imogen Heap + Chico for their speedy 29.5 seconds double clear and to Isabelle (her time in the team carried into the Individuals) on their 3rd and 4th individual positions. Emma McCaldin + Katman and Sophie Johnston+ Ben both achieved double clear rounds with 37 and 33 seconds respectively; unfortunately both were just outside a top 6 finish.
In the Open competition – Alice Black + Cureel Shadow had a lovely strong ride with Cureel’s hooves just clipping off a few poles in first phase. The timed phase was clear and approx. 35 seconds. Chloe Cathcart + Queenie also had a very strong ride all round with only one fault and a clear timed phase of 28 seconds. Molly was going very strongly with Mouse until the water tray jump. Mouse didn’t like this jump from the out and decided to allow Molly to jump it by herself!! Thankfully, Molly is ok – a bit sore but some TLC will help.
Sophie Johnston rode again as an Individual on Thunder. She had a great round for this being only her 2nd time on this big, strong horse!!
A big Thank-you to Omagh High School for organising the competition, to the pupils for competing and to their very supportive families without whom, the girls couldn’t compete.
Well done to all jumpers today; looking forward to the next show which will be in The Meadows on 28th September
