Sproule comes up trumps at The Meadows

THOSE attending today’s East Down point-to-point at Tyrella should take time out to congratulate Sarah Sproule on her win at last Saturday’s Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing series at The Meadows Equestrian Centre outside Lurgan.

Sarah topped the scoring in the pre-novice dressage on her six-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Ballyneety Rainbow (73.5%), finishing narrowly ahead of Margaret Creighton (nee Tolerton) on the homebred perennial bridesmaid, Ladida (73.3).

Sarah, who works for both Warren Ewing and the Templepatrick-based Barbara Hanna, has three horses at home, two eventers and one show jumper, but only gets to compete them at weekends when not leading up for Warren. She took part in the Flexi Eventing series for just the third time last Saturday when she also recorded a double clear in the 1.10m show jumping.

If you’d like to try eventing yourself, have a look around today at the cross-country fences at Tyrella as there is a two-phase event there next Saturday, March 14th, which is open to all. The seaside venue is extremely busy at this time of year as the first of four Eventing Ireland Northern Region one-day events takes place there this day fortnight, Saturday, March 21st.

RACEHORSE to Riding Horse Ireland is holding an information evening at the Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre, Ballinderry, Co Antrim on Friday, March 20th, starting at 6.30pm.

There will be an insight into the workings and aims of the group as well as guest speakers who will give expert nutrition advice, a talk on rehabilitation from a trainer’s point of view and what is expected in a Racehorse to Riding Horse Ireland class from the judge’s perspective.

There will be an opportunity to tour the Centre’s facilities and engage with a remedial farrier and a chiropractor. A light supper will be included in the cover charge of £7.50.