Competitors turned out in force at the first week of the six week show-jumping league, run every Sunday to August 3.
Riders must compete in four weeks out of the six (including the final) to be eligible to win the fantastic prizes on offer by the generous sponsors at the final.
Arena one accommodated the up and coming Under 12 riders, with their own full-sized warm up arena and secure waiting area proving to be a very popular idea with parents.
There was great support with many talented little riders showing their skill and determination throughout the day.
Course walks with parents and trainers proved useful, with a few well known local riders spotted giving their best advice to the younger riders prior to the competition.
Classes started at 10am with the Heathview Equestrian cross-pole class, suitable for very novice young jockeys to enjoy their first experience in the show-jumping ring.
There were then the Old Mill Saddlery 30cm class; the S. Scott & Son 40cm class; and the www.horseboxireland.com 50cm class to conclude the Under 12's sections. Prize-winners were Katie McKee, Boo; Joseph Wilson, Shell; Katie O'Reilly, Boo; Finley Ash, Zara; Bailey Dunn, Smarty; Kathryn Gibson, Suzie; Anna McDowell, Susie; Kathryn Sinclair, Tarquin; Ryan Thompson, Braeville Lass; Joshua Russell, Dainty; Rebecca Adams, Shadow. This arena was then opened for clear round jumping and schooling throughout the rest of the afternoon.
Also starting at 10am in the purpose-built all-weather arena, the Pegus Horse Feeds 70cm class saw huge entries. Despite this organisers made sure that all riders had a chance to use this novice class as an educational and positive experience for their horses by adjusting fences when necessary. Local event commentator, Raymond Bready, was a welcome guest at the Ardnacashel Stables debut show, when he stepped up to the microphone to provide spectators and riders alike with an entertaining and friendly voice throughout the day. Double clears were Sara Boyd, Coolwater Luke; Niaomi Whan, Rab C; Jenny Adams, Blue; Louise McMinn, Mossey; Wendy Hamilton, Ella; Nicky Anderson, Leitrim Native Choice.
The Mercedes Benz Truck & Van (NI) 80cm class was also hotly contested, with just 4 double clears making it into the rosettes. With the generous sponsors there to support the competition, riders rose to the challenge and gave a superb display of jumping to the keen spectators. Double clears were Kim Dunn, Boo; Kenzie Stephenson, Brocklamount Girl; Kim Dunn, Strawberry; Rachel Calderwood, Charlie.
Popular local businessman, Trevor Steele gave his support to the 90cm class at Ardnacashel Stables, to further promote his successful Farm & Equestrian business in Saintfield. Riders tackled an influential track of brightly coloured fences and fillers, with just three combinations out of 26 rounds emerging without faults in either round. Double clears were Kenzie Stephenson, Brocklamount Girl; Pauline Titterington, Storm; Nat Wilton, Ho-Ho.
The climax of a thrilling day's jumping came in the form of the David Prentice BMW 1m class. The more experienced riders and horses gave a superb display of show-jumping to the onlookers, with many riders from the earlier classes staying on to support them. Ellyn Gourley and her six year old gelding, Animo Magic emerged the clear winners, with two immaculate rounds earning them a completely clean score sheet. Sarah Reid with Nigel Ritchie's substantial former International event horse, Camhill Clover tied for second place with Alice Anderson and her athletic Connemara-cross mare, Belleville Kate. Laura Wilson confidently steered the lovely grey, Silverado Sky into fourth place, to end a competitive, lively class and bring the first week of the six week Show-jumping League at Ardnacashel Stables to a successful conclusion.
Preparations for week two of the league on Sunday have already begun in anticipation of another enjoyable day. For further information on the Ardnacashel Stables Summer show-jumping league or 5* Livery packages call 07921 760441 or 07929 095392.