Horse Week: Supreme Style - Emily Turley and Elissa Cowan claim championship rosettes

The event proved to be a highly competitive affair, with judges looking for flawless jumping technique over natural obstacles alongside impeccable conformation and movement.

In the horse section, Emily Turley produced an outstanding performance riding Tullymurray Valentino. The elegant duo caught the judge’s eyes to claim the coveted Horse Championship title after a brilliant victory in the 85cm Small Working Hunter Horse class. Pushing them hard all the way was Katie Longmuir aboard Nady Diamond, who secured the Reserve Horse Championship following a strong second-place finish in the competitive 80cm division.

The pony sections were equally fierce, highlighting some of the region's finest young riding talent. Elissa Cowan enjoyed an extraordinary day at the office with Janala Mr Tom. The dominant pair produced a masterclass to win both the 60cm and 70cm NIF Starter Stakes & M&M classes, comfortably sealing the Pony Championship. Taking a well-deserved Reserve Pony Championship was Lauren O'Rourke riding Pippa, who stood out with a superb runner-up position behind Cowan in the packed 70cm class.

Among other notable performances across the day, Rachel O'Rourke and Prince secured a brilliant double by winning both the 40cm and 50cm pony classes. On the horse side, Reah Crawford and But By Chance enjoyed a highly successful outing, taking top honours in the 80cm class and finishing second in the 70cm section.

Hagans Croft would like to thank everyone who supported the 4th leg of Hagan's Croft's 5 week working hunter league and NIF qualifiers. This League is made possible by the following peoples help. Judge Katie Crozier, Scribe and arena party Danni Froemling. Thanks also to Anna of Black Horse Photography for covering the event. All photographs can be viewed and purchased from the Black Horse Photography website.

This league runs every Saturday until 24th October and is open to everyone especially those wanting to qualify for the NI Festival at Cavan. Entries are via Its Plain Sailing - itsplainsailing.com/org/hce or you can also enter via the Hagans Croft App. Entries close each Friday at 12noon and times are posted Friday evening.

To qualify for the final in week five, each horse/pony and rider combination must compete in three out of the five weeks and within the same class. Competitors must compete in the final to be eligible for league placings, prizes and the overall league horse and pony Working Hunter Champion and Reserve Champion. Placings will be based on a points system. The final is open to everyone with a separate prize giving taking place for competitors on the day and league competitors.

To find out more about the league, please contact Gillian on 07849 106453 or go to the website: www.haganscroftequestrian.co.uk

Working Hunter League & NIF Qualifiers - Saturday 17th October 2026

WORKING HUNTER HORSES

Champion Horse: Emily Turley, Tullymurray Valentino

Reserve Champion Horse: Katie Longmuir, Nady Diamond

Class 1 - 60cm Working Hunter Horse & 4 year old Working Hunter Horse NIF

1. Jackie Hanna, Doyle’s Colandro Ruby; 2. Holly McCandless, Legacy

Class 2 - 70cm Working Hunter Horse

1. Claire Dobbin, Rollo; 2. Reah Crawford, But By Chance; 3. Jackie Hanna, Doyle’s Colandro Ruby; 4. Cherith Johnston, Socks.

Class 3 - 80cm Working Hunter Horse NIF

1. Reah Crawford, But By Chance; 2. Katie Longmuir, Nady Diamond; 3. Faith Greer, Tody; 4. Sophie Taggart, Izzie.

Class 4 - 85cm Small Working Hunter Horse (not exceeding 158cm) NIF

1. Emily Turley, Tullymurray Valentino

Class 5 - 90cm Working Hunter Horse NIF

1. Tasja O’Hare, Harley’s Point; 2. Faith Greer, Tody.

Class 7 - 1m Working Hunter Horse NIF

1. Madison Young, Charlotte.

WORKING HUNTER PONIES

Champion Pony: Elissa Cowan, Janala Mr Tom

Reserve Champion Pony: Lauren O'Rourke, Pippa

Class 8 - 40cm Working Hunter Pony

1. Rachel O'Rourke, Prince; 2. Layla Malone, Gizmo; 3. Sally O'Hare, Tinkerbell; 4. Violet Halliday, Norman.

Class 9 - 50cm Working Hunter Pony

1. Rachel O’Rourke, Prince; 2. Pearl Halliday, Poppy.

Class 10 - 60cm Working Hunter Pony NIF Starter Stakes & M&M

1. Elissa Cowan, Janala Mr Tom; 2. Johnny Massey, Coxwood Fabian Stedman; 3. Laoise Clancy, Alone Sparkles; 4. Evie Ferris, Greenaun Cara; 5. Penny O’Hare, Gonzo.

Class 11 - 70cm Working Hunter Pony NIF Starter Stakes & M&M

1. Elissa Cowan, Janala Mr Tom; 2. Lauren O'Rourke, Pippa; 3. Laoise Clancy, Alone Sparkles; 4. Jessica Doyle, Homealone Jj; 5. Penny O’hare, Gonzo; 6. Laoise Clancy, Pull Your Socks Up.

Class 12 - 80cm Working Hunter Pony NIF 133cm also M&M

1. Sophia Campbell, Tulira Empress; 2. Violet Campbell, Sundance; 3. Aine Clancy, Archie; 4. Jessica Doyle, Fortruane Freckled Lass; 5. Jessica Doyle, Homealone Jj; 6. Lauren O'Rourke, Pippa.

Class 13 - 90cm Working Hunter Pony NIF 143cm also M&M

1. Violet Campbell, Sundance; 2. Jessica Scott, Leim Silver Star; 3. Aine Clancy, Archie.

Class 14 - 1m Working Hunter Pony NIF 153cm

No Entries