THE day’s hosts, Alison and Ian Wilson, were on holiday when the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland held a one-day event at Vesey Lodge last Saturday, but they no doubt quickly learned how pleased all competitors were with conditions at their home north of Belfast.

The first thing that always strikes people driving into Vesey Lodge is the immaculate maintenance of all the hedges and, on walking the Adam Stevenson-designed cross-country course, the grass covering and the presentation of the well-built fences which Aaron McCusker matched up in the show jumping arena.