Blackhill eventing does trojan work for charity
The Blackhill Eventing Irish Red Cross charity training clinic and charity raffle took place on Sunday last at Copper Beech Stud. Louise Halford as always went the extra mile, her warm hospitality made sure that everyone had a wonderful day and the huge quantity of delicious cakes and buns kept everyone well fed. In the middle of the Irish winter, it was a treat for everyone being able to avail of such beautiful facilities on the day.
Whitstone Bedding sponsored international event rider Lindsay Graham taught nine riders in the morning sessions, managing to brilliantly replicate many of the questions asked on the cross country course using showjumps and fillers. A line of skinnies on a three stride distance with the option of going straight over a water tray or on a bending line to another skinny had riders a little nervous getting started. Along with a corner and a sharply angled one stride combination, riders were given the opportunity to practice control and accuracy under Lindsay’s watchful and experienced eye. Every single rider vastly improved during their lesson and all left the arena with a huge smile – even the horses!
The afternoon sessions were taken by Lisbeg Farms stable jockey and international showjumper Declan Egan. Deckie had riders working on control and canter quality using three poles on a four stride distance. Riders were asked to canter down on a normal four to begin with,then add in and go down on five. He then mixed it up, having riders go down the line putting four strides in between the first two poles and then holding for five between the next two and vice versa. He moved on to a small course, starting with a vertical to an oxer on four strides, followed by an oxer and then finally a vertical with a water tray. Riders came away very happy, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves and with a lot to take home.
The training clinic and charity raffle combined made €3106 for the Irish Red Cross. I wish to sincerely thank the following people; Mick and Louise Halford for their incredible generosity and hospitality in hosting this event and supporting our efforts, Lindsay Graham and Declan Egan for training on the day and making sure that everyone had a brilliant experience, all ticket purchasers and also everyone who helped on the day. I also wish to thank the very kind and generous prize donators – Tattersalls Ireland, The Conyngham Arms Hotel, Horseware Ireland, Terri Brosnan, Equigeek, Whitstone Bedding, Sean Cleary, The Curragh Racecourse, Evin Arkwright, Leopardstown Racecourse, Brendan McArdle, The Irish Field Newspaper, Tina McDermott, Highland View Lodge Stud, Michelle O’Connor Equine Veterinary Physiotherapist, Harmony Hay Feeder, Whitethorn Stud, Mandistown Sports Horses, Sky Sports Horses, Mother Bee and The Green Sheep.
Also Equifestival, HorsePlay.ie, Anina Tanno, Nessa O’Sullivan, Kilbeggan Steel, Alex Bonnet farrier, Vikki Bennett, Bluegrass Horse Feeds, Erin Fergus, Stracomer Stables, Sea Sessions Bundoran, Equine Engineering, Forever Living, Rachel Clarke, Gurns Milestone Bar, Heather Siggins, Seale Horse Transport, Athlone Cross Country, Essentially Equestrian, Cydonia Essential Oils, Heike Holstein, Endurance Ireland, Mick Cullen, Julie and Sean McManus, McManus Tyres, Hannah Bishop, Dian George, Niall and Charlie Dillon.
You made this all possible. Thankyou.
Christa x
