PONY riders at Lusk Equestrian Centre’s working hunter show last weekend had qualification for the Northern Ireland Festival as their ultimate goal. The relatively new combination of Josh Knox and Applejack headed the line-up in the cradle stakes with the runner-up spot going to Megan Nelson on Thunder, while Rebecca Belshaw finished third on Mr Reba.

In the starter stakes, Ellen Douglas on Jamie took the honours as Megan Nelson and Thunder took their second blue rosette of the day.

In the novice 60-70cms class, Ellen McEvoy, the newest recruit from the McEvoy dynasty of Ballyward, won the class with Indie, ahead of Abbie Cumiskey and Holiday Kharisma.

Lara Kelly and Millford Spectacular were victorious in the 133cms class, while local girl Rachel Moore and Harry claimed the title in the mountain and moorland exceeding 122cms but not exceeding 138cms division. The performance 90cms class was won by Hannah Chambers on Lisnavaragh Loulou.

The larger mountain and moorland division was won by Emily Magowan on Rathbane Legend, ahead of Rachel Moore and Hollywood Pippin. Cerys Howell and Alfie won the qualifying position in the 143cms class, with a green card also going to Lara Kelly on Millford Spectacular as this pair took second place.

Emily Magowan won her second class when gaining top marks in the 153cms class on Benny Laith. Second place went to Jessica Nelson on Duke with third awarded to Chloe Rooney on Knights Cavalier.

CHALLENGING COURSES

For Sunday’s horse classes, Jenny and Harold Lusk had designed a challenging but educational course asking just the right questions but also encouraging more novice combinations.

Judging for the day were Sharon Hamilton and David Kirkpatrick, whose task it was to assess their conformation, ride and manners, style and performance. The top six would qualify for a place at the prestigious festival held in Cavan in April.

The day started with a 60-70cms class which was won by Olivia McMath on Arabella, followed in second by Anna Reid on Brooklyn. Third place went to Fiona Magowan on Freedom.

Next was the turn of the four-year-olds and those that competed gained invaluable experience. The winner was Johnny Mulligan on Mervyn Gibson’s promising youngster Mando by Ricardo Z, with Catherine Patterson representing Carsonstown Stables taking second on Elsa. Janice Campbell and El Paso Rising Storm finished in third.

The amateur class was won by Carolyn Avery on Emperors Reflection, with Neil Knox having a very successful day as he took second and third place on Oscar Rua and New Adventure respectively.

winning form

Rory Lavery and DC continued their winning form in the 80cms class as they took first place ahead of Johnny Mulligan and the four-year-old Jeremy. He is the property of George Stewart who thinks very highly of him and is looking forward to watching his career develop. Third place went to Lynn Spence on KOM Limited Edition.

In the three-horse ‘clash of the cobs’ class, Sarah Whiteside’s Babysham came out on top ridden by David Whiteman. They narrowly beat Lyndon Steele on Thunder Mountain into second and Nicci Hall on Mr Blue Skies into third.

Rachel Moore continued her winning weekend by taking pole position in the small horse class on Bannview Playboy, ahead of Elaine Gardner and Bannerville Cavallino, with Sarah Brashaw and Phoenix in third.

The 90cms class was won by Liz Cherry on Jessica Who with Johnny Mulligan on Jack and Lynn Spence on Jay taking second and third places.

Lynn Spence and Gortshalgan took the qualifying place in the 1m class, from Cheryl Smith and Cassanova in second and Holly McClenaghan and Miranda in third.

The final class of the day went to Toni Quail and the locally-bred Ringfort Rua. The Derryboye pair claimed the 1.10m title, with Lynn Spence and Gortshalgan taking second.

The next working hunter show takes place on Sunday, March 13th.