WITH the showing and working hunter season fast-approaching, well-known coach Toni Donnelly held a lecture and demo evening at Danescroft Equestrian Centre, Lisburn on Tuesday, February 11th. Coinciding with half-term, younger competitors and parents were able to join the group wishing to brush up on their knowledge and their ringcraft.

In her lecture, Toni shared lots of useful information, such as details of showing and working hunter classes and being sure to enter the correct class! She also brought a selection of tack, including bits, bridles and saddle pads, to highlight what is acceptable in the show ring.

Toni then invited some of her regular clients, who had great success, including at Royal Shows, during 2024 to demonstrate how best to warm up for your class; how to ride a show and then how to make use of the arena when jumping. The riders and their mounts represented various heights and types of pony and horse and they all performed very well in front of the audience.

Toni hopes this will encourage more people to give showing and Working Hunter a try, as there really are classes to suit everyone.