THE Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan, kicked off August with a busy day of competition on Saturday, as the SJI Horse League ran alongside the ever-popular Cash Back Jumping in Arena 2.
The SJI schedule began with the 80cm class and progressed through to the feature 1.30m competition. The opening three classes were run as two-phase competitions, with riders aiming to achieve double clear rounds rather than compete against the clock, resulting in plenty of fault-free performances throughout the morning.
From the 1.10m class onwards, the courses were redesigned and competitors raced against the clock, with placings decided on faults and time. Charlotte Harding and Velvet Flare produced the winning round in the 1.10m class, finishing ahead of Mark Eames riding Javas Zeus, while Catriona Jordan and her long-time partner Clarabelle claimed third.
The 1.20m class saw Louise Hollywood guide Jadermie to victory, with Olivia Roulston and Lammy Chac Coevers taking second. Shannon Mackenzie completed the podium aboard her own Mackenzies Bens Lux.
Impressive double
Charlotte Harding completed an impressive double by claiming the top prize in the feature 1.30m class aboard Democratic Guy. She also finished as runner-up with RJC Second Bet, while Louise Hollywood added another podium finish by taking third with Jadermie.
Arena 2 hosted another successful Cash Back Jumping competition, where Emily Porter got the day off to the perfect start with a lovely double clear aboard Rolo in the cross-poles class.
Amy Reid and Cinnamon celebrated their first-ever double clear in the 50cm class before going on to share top honours in the 60cm class. They were one of only two combinations to finish on a zero score, alongside Mia Connor and Ceaser.
With the clock introduced from the 70cm class onwards, speed became the deciding factor. The Reid family continued their outstanding form, as Alexa Reid and Lily claimed victory ahead of Ruby Mulvenna riding Dixie.
Claire Smyth returned to the winner’s enclosure aboard her long-time partner Tilly to win the 80cm class, with Rose Henderson and Colta finishing second.
The Reid success story continued in the 90cm class, as Anna Reid partnered Luna to victory in a winning time of 20.66 seconds. Aoife Dunne and Rusty finished as runners-up.
Megan McCombe and Sid came out on top in the 1.00m class, ahead of Laura Buchanan riding Luna.
Superb finish
The day’s competition concluded in style, as Sofia Newell enjoyed a superb finish, partnering Louis to victory in both the 1.10m and 1.20m classes.
Looking ahead, today’s (Saturday) Cash Back Jumping will move to Arena 1, with entries closing at 4.00pm on Friday. Arena 2 will be available for hire and can be booked through the Meadows Equestrian Centre website.
The team at The Meadows is also looking forward to unveiling several exciting new additions to the competition calendar, with a series of new events set to commence in September.