Katy Saunders

THE second working hunter show of the season was held at Lusk EC last weekend, where sunshine meant it was a pleasure to watch all the action.

The course set out by Jenny and Harold Lusk offered education and experience over many various obstacles including hedges, stiles, water trays and other natural fences.

The team from CAFRE in Enniskillen once again made their seasonal debut at Lusk, with many of the riders going back to college with a rosette.

Starting the day was the 60-70cms class which is aimed at encouraging new partnerships to have a go at working hunter competition.

Winning this class was Sonia Tester on Embarcadero, ahead of Camella McDowell and her own grey four-year-old Pepsi.

Holly Stewart finished in third place with her recent acquisition Koolstyle.

The four-year-old class showcased some superb youngstock, evidence of the standard of animal this country continues to breed and produce.

Johnny Mulligan emerged as the winner on Randalstown Comando, ahead of Rory Lavery on Hilton. Mulligan also claimed joint-third on Coolparks Carco and RAS Irelands Diamond.

In the amateur class competition was very strong, with the win going to Enda Smyth and Riocht Rua and runner-up position to Curtis Grey on Glassmullan Micky Mouse. Emma Leathem and Drumcill Hot Toddy finished in third.

The open 80cms class saw Vicky Teuton emerge victorious on My Billy Ocean, with Victoria Clarke on Saoirse in second and Johnny Mulligan on RAS Irelands Diamond in third.

REPEAT RESULT

There was a repeat result in the cob class from the first show where Sarah Whiteside’s dun cob Babysham, ridden by David Whiteman, took the title ahead of Lyndon Steele and Tom Black’s Thunder Mountain.

In the small horse division, Roz Murphy and Rock Rebel continued on from their garden eventing success as they took the red rosette ahead of Nicola Stewart and Tullys Rebel in second and Jill Bamford in third with Slemish Cavalier Two Step.

Rory Lavery on Embassy won the open 90cms class, with second place going to Fiona Magowan and Dances with Joy and third to Samuel Rooney on Millers Diamond Jack.

There were two pony classes, one catering for 153cm animals which was won by Lucy Savage and Maggie ahead of Phoebe Beaumont on Eddie, and the other for animals up to 158cms.This was won by Katie Wray on Beechburn Lass with second going to Rachel Moore on Country Strong.

The open 1m class went to Emma Leathem on Drumcill Step 2 Harmony, with Lynn Spence taking second place on Jaydious Apollo and Johnny Mulligan featuring in the line-up once again, this time on D Stud Highlight.

The day’s action concluded with the open 1.10m class where Johnny Mulligan took his second win of the day. This time he was on board Lynn Spence’s Jaydious Apollo, with Victoria Teuton finishing in second place on her own Waterstone.

The next working hunter show at Lusk EC takes place on April 9th-10th.