THIS year’s Saintfield Horse Show had an uncertain start. Due to unseasonably wet weather and resulting ground conditions, the original grass-based venue at McPolin’s near Ballynahinch, Co Down, was declared unsuitable and a new venue had to be found at short notice.

On Thursday, two days before the show, Show Director Joan Cunningham received not one but two offers to host, from Adrienne Stuart at Gransha in Bangor, and Ruth Logan at Knockagh View in Greenisland, Co Antrim; both having multiple all-weather arenas - and the latter was chosen as the venue for Saturday’s show.

As this is a charity show, Joan was happy to be able to proceed. “Without doubt, it had to be the biggest upheaval we have ever had to face since our first show in 2009, but many, many thanks to our hosts, Ruth and Scott Logan, who literally moved mountains and couldn’t do enough to help us. I also want to thank the entire horse show team, who worked tirelessly to make it all happen.”

The show included the usual selection of horse and pony showing and Working Hunter classes, as well as Racehorse to Riding Horse and the Ulster Tatler Ladies Side Saddle championship.

Former racehorse trainer, Noel Chance, Director of Downpatrick Racecourse, judged the Racehorse to Riding Horse class. He was looking for a horse with manners as well as good movement and conformation, while overlooking any bumps incurred during the horse’s racing career. Noel was also looking out for an easy to manage horse that has adapted well to its change of career.

Noel found his winner in Ballela to Milan, owned by Zara McAvoy from Annaclone, Co Down, and ridden by Julie Donaghy Simpson. Julie had a super day, winning the Heavyweight cob class with Ross Mattie, owned by Linda McCullough from Poyntzpass in Armagh, and going on to claim Reserve Cob Champion and Reserve Supreme Riding Horse. Then, as icing on the cake, Julie rode her own He’s The Lad to win the Ulster Tatler Ladies Side Saddle Championship.

Saintfield show director Joan Cunningham; Racehorse to Riding Horse judge Noel Chance and Knockagh View proprietor Ruth Wilson

Elated

An elated Julie said afterwards: “After the weather disruption and questions about whether the show would run, I’m delighted they made the switch to Knockagh View;

I’m so pleased with all my horses today! A big thank you must go to the team of people who helped me.

“He’s The Lad is for the British Show Horse Association Championships in September to compete in the Ladies Show Horse class (Side Saddle). Today was a great opportunity to get him out on a good surface in a show atmosphere.”

The most coveted title of the day, the Supreme Championship, went to Megan Hamill with her four-year-old Redwood Quality Street by Langans OBOS Quality, out of Lachain Sparkle by Coevers Diamond Boy. The pair won the four-year-old class, taking Hunter Champion and then Supreme.

Megan, who was also successful at last year’s show, was thrilled that she was able to keep both championship cups and, of her future plans for her mount, she said: “He’s a four-year-old and I’m hoping he will take to side saddle and do some eventing. I’m planning Balmoral and Dublin for him next year. He’s such a pleasure to ride, really easy.”

All proceeds raised will go to ‘The Kulama Foundation’ charity in Uganda. Incredible work is happening at the minute and there will be an update on Saintfield Horse Show’s website and Facebook page soon.