NORTHERN IRELAND RIDING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Portmore Equestrian Centre was the venue for the Northern Ireland Riding Club Championship on Sunday 7th March where Armagh sent two strong teams. The first team consisted of Shannon Hall, Alison Crozier, Wayne Elliot and Lisa McKenna while the second was made up of Lucille Gilpin, Lucy Donnan, Jim Elliot and Hannah Donnan.

A long and twisty course meant that out of 23 teams, only 6 teams finished on a score of zero including Armagh’s second team. Armagh’s first team jumped brilliantly and were just unlucky finishing on a final score of four and therefore were just out of the placing but it must be said that both teams gave it their all and jumped amazing. In the speed round, both Lucy and Hannah Donnan stepped up their game by giving impressive fast and most importantly clear rounds of which there were few. If a prize were to be given for the most supported and boisterous team, it would have definitely been awarded to Armagh as the cheers were heard from all around the arena when a member for Armagh entered the ring! In the end Armagh finished on a well-deserved 6th place and a big congratulations must go to them as well as the first team.

A big thanks must go to the family and supporters of the teams for coming and cheering them on!

All members are encouraged to attend these team events whether riding or not to support your club teams and individuals.

As many of you are aware all the events are run by a small number of volunteers.  The More help we have the more we can organise and run for members.  We need every member to do a little every now and again.  So if there is something you think you would like to help with, or you have a skill you think we are missing, we actively encourage all members, parents, helpers to get involved.  We are all here to have fun.  Even just lifting a knocked down pole makes a difference.  Everyone is welcome!