The arena and grounds were presented to their usual high standards and all competitors made the most of this unique opportunity and excellent conditions. Thanks go to Carl Rainey and Ruth Wilson for setting testing yet fair courses.
Prizes on Saturday were very kindly sponsored by Horse–Slips.
The Open Team competition saw Belfast Royal Academy take the honours as they were the only team to finish on a zero score. Ballyclare High School and Coleraine High School had to jump off for second and third. Anna White for Coleraine produced a fast time to take second place ahead of Ballyclare High School.
The Novice Team Competition saw six teams make it through to the jump off. Limavady Grammar School held their nerve to produce the fastest rounds of the day to win the competition ahead of Ballyclare High School in second and Belfast Royal Academy in a well deserved third position.
The competitors in the secondary school individual class had an early start with the first competitor being in the ring at 8am. Some 15 competitors made it through to the jump off, this did not prove any problems for Kate Madden who was last to go. She produced a very fast time to win the competition.
The Primary School Competition which is only in its second year of running had 18 competitors. The standard of riding and turnout in this competition was extremely high and looks like it is going to be a very exciting class to watch throughout the winter. Seven competitors made it through to the jump off. Beth Doherty from St Colmcille's P.S had the fastest time of the day 35.64 seconds to win the competition with John Hamilton from Moneyrea P.S in second and Crystal Moore in third.
A special thank you must also go to Roberta Brown and Carolyn Reynolds for judging the competitions in their usual professional manner. Ulster Schools' Show Jumping would also like to thanks all those who helped on the day and look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday 12th December. All competitors please get your entries in on time. Email entries to ulsterschoolsshowjumping@hotmail.com or phone Stuart Murphy 07736009189 .
Results;
Open Team Competition: 1. Belfast Royal Academy – Amy Wilson, Anne Sheridan, Cathy Moss, Amy Reynolds; 2. Coleraine High School – Harriett Bell, Lyndsey Adams, Rosie Alcorn, Anna White; 3. Ballyclare High School – Shannon Baird, Holly Wray, Laura McKillen, Maeve Gault; 4. Antrim Grammar School – Nicola McKee, Joanne Blair, Ellen Wilson; 5. Mixed Fits – Rebecca Johnston, Zoe Woods, Gemma Parkhill; 6. Dalriada – Rebecca Knipe, Julie Steel, Rachel Allen, Kim Campbell.
Novice Team Competition: 1. Limavady Grammar School – Hannah Patterson, Eloise Robertson, Holly Hassan; 2. Ballyclare High School (Russell) – Claire Crawford, Lia McKenzie, Hollie Riddell, Holly Wray; 3. Belfast Royal Academy – Jessica Johnston, Ana Desmond, Beth Moss, Amy Wilson; 4. Belfast High School – Cheryl Ann Heron, Courtney Ferris, Patricia Allen; 5. Wallace High School – TJ Smith, Laura Kee, Hayley Johnston; 6. Antrim Grammar School – Nicola McKee, Hannah Finlay, Ellen Wilson, Joanne Blair.
Secondary Individual Competition: 1. Kate Madden - Gem; 2. Shannon Robinson - My Irish Boy; 3. Ellen Wilson – Captain Christy; 4. Anne Sheridan – Western Independent; 5. Sian Curly – Spiced Gold; 6. David Gibson – Cappuccino.
Primary Individual Competition: 1. Beth Doherty – Little Lord of the Hills; 2. John Hamilton - Skittles; 3. Crystal Moore – Crystal's Tiger Lilly; 4. Tom Harrison – Jake; 5. Amy Laird – Worzel Gummadge; 6. Charlotte Harding – Safety First.