Showjumping success for the junior high

The event got off to a flying start with an amazing 26 teams from Co Monaghan, Down, Omagh, Armagh, Antrim and Enniskillen.

In all 126 riders competed for the honour of their schools. Pupils as young as nine years of age prepared and competed with their ponies in a two round American style knock-out.

The qualifiers rode shortened courses against the clock for a very dramatic finish with astonishing performances from a number of the competitors.

The event was not only about their horsemanship however, each school team competed for the ‘FitzGerald Perpetual Trophy’ by raising funds for the event's nominated charity, the Neonatal Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital.

Shannon Wright from Aughnacloy College raised an amazing 680, and collectively the team raised an incredible 1,103 and won admiration and thanks from everyone, winning the sponsorship cup for 2010.

Charlotte Eakin from Donaghcloney Primary also raised a credible 170 for the charity which is very much appreciated.

Lurgan Junior High School Principal Mr Joseph Johnston said: "We are delighted to have the support of so many schools for the work at Craigavon Hospital Neonatal Unit, we have all together raised around 3,200 which will buy essential and much needed intensive care equipment for newborns.’’

If you think anyone came to the event with dirty boots think again! Tack & Turnout judges, Shellagh Gault & Janet Kinnear made meticulous inspections of both horses and riders for the Baileys Horse & Pony feed prizes, kindly presented by Judy Maxwell.

Budding new photographer and former LJHS pupil, Kathryn King was there to record the action with spectacular shots of the competitors over the jumps. Katherine’s photographs can be viewed and purchased at horseypics.co.uk.

The arena party consisted of current LJHS pupils and members of the equestrian team, Katherine McCauley, Rachel Brown and William Boyes, alongside former pupils Laura King, Lauren Morrow and Etain Hall-Callaghan. The arena party kept the competition running quickly with their rapid rebuilds when the poles hit the ground.

On a rather cool but dry day Rachel McCauley got the only indoor job, looking after the entries and sponsorship money from the school teams.

The Kosy bakery kept the judges in scones and tray bakes for the day and Ballydougan Pottery presented a beautiful gift to thank Judge Dora Beacom and the time recorders for their voluntary day's work for the Neonatal Unit.

The LJHS multimedia team were also on hand throughout the day filming events and are in the process of making a programme which may be viewed by all on the school website www.lurganjhs.co.uk

Student Daniel Moore had the coldest job of the day filming competitors and competition winners’ interviews.

Event organiser, from Lurgan Junior High School’s language department, Jayne FitzGerald said: ‘’Our success to-day would not have been possible without the voluntary help from our students, past pupils, staff and professionals. The generosity of our sponsors in a recessionary time is commendable and has made a significant difference by covering essential costs. We thank also the parents and all the school chef d’quipes who got up very early this morning to bring our competitors ready to compete.

"We would also like to thank Aaron and all at the Meadows Equestrian Centre for their assistance and the use of their superb facilities."