THE 15th annual Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride took place last Saturday when, despite the freezing cold and occasional rain shower, nothing could dampen the spirits of the mounted Santas or the crowds who lined Main Street to greet them.

According to organiser Joan Cunningham: “The children were overwhelmed with excitement when they saw Santa alighting from his carriage at the Christmas tree and yes, he certainly had surprises for them in his sack!

“Hugo Duncan, Boxcar Brian and Gerard Dornan were amazing. Hugo kept the craic going and the three sang some wonderful favourite Christmas songs. It was all simply fantastic!”

Joan said that equestrian journalist Ruth Loney, a regular contributor to the Irish Horse World section of this newspaper, did a brilliant job judging all the sensational Santas.

While she was doing so, Ruth kept an eye on who was taking part in the ride and spotted leading in-hand show horse producer Valerie McCallister and the ageless Albert Lowry.

Christmas Taytos

Lisburn trainer George Stewart was an absentee but his sisters Dorothy and Hilary, who support all of Joan’s fund-raisers, were on hand as usual. Another absentee was polo player Stephen Hutchinson, father-in-law of trainer Andy Oliver, but the owner of Tayto Castle provided all riders with bags of Tayto turkey, ham and stuffing crisps.

“I’d like to thank every person who helped in any way to make this day such a success,” said Joan. “The PSNI did a fantastic job and Hilary Gibson did a brilliant job decorating the place.

“I’d just like to finish by wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”