THE new year arrived with a bang at Hazeldene Farm, Ballynahinch, as a recent two-day clinic with Terry Boon and Simon Grieve was a huge success with riders of all levels.

North of Ireland-based Boon, winner of 10 international events, is a former Irish Junior eventing team trainer, winning numerous medals including two team golds and is currently coach to many successful riders from different nations.

Based in Britain, Grieve has competed at the highest level in eventing for the last 15 years. As well as winning just shy of 100 British events at national level, he is an international show jumper with numerous successes to his credit.

The training at Hazeldene proved invaluable for both dressage and jumping, with riders progressing confidently in each lesson, receiving lots of positive encouragement every step of the way. “I’ve really learned a lot as the coaching was first-class from both Simon and Terry,” commented one participant. “Thank you so much Laura and Andrew for giving us this opportunity.”

Hazeldene Farm is noted for its spectacular handcrafted event fences like the Pony, Bear and Tractor, all carved by Andrew Napier, and its multi-level, international size arena. Last Sunday, the first arena event of the season provided a relaxed school around for many young horses and riders, including East Down Branch of The Pony Club members, out to qualify for the Northern Ireland final of the Barrier Spring Festival to be held at Castle Irvine, Necarne, in March (22nd to 25th).