Northern Ireland Dressage rounded off another successful year at their AGM in the Knockagh Lodge, Greenisland in November.

Sylvia Henry, Chaiperson of NID outlined the year highlighting some pertinent points.

January saw Jean Mitchell MBE step of the NID and DI committee’s as well as her retirement from judging.  Jean has been a huge driving force for NID and DI since their inception and although she does not formally sit on the committee’s her advice and expertise will continue to be ever invaluable to all equestrian enthusiasts.  NID held a party for Jean at Rockmount Golf Club where she was presented with a painting of her Connemara pony Dunmore Posie by Patricia Storey.

In April, members of NID and DI headed on what can only be described as the dressage persons daytrip of a lifetime – to Carl Hester’s yard.  The early start proved well worth it as members were able to meet Carl and watch him ride and train at his fantastic facility.

Back on Irish soil, Eric and Sue Smiley were organising training bursaries from the Golden Saddle Training Fund.  Two bursaries were awarded to Eventing Ireland, one to Show Jumping Ireland and one to Dressage Ireland.  Interested parties were asked to forward their CV’s to the committee and on this occasion Nicola McKee gained the opportunity to represent NID at the training.

In May the NID Festival moved to Cavan which proved a success, however even with bumper entries the festival struggled financially, mainly because the South has become so expensive for everything – the judges expenses were more than anticipated.  However, we have run a number of fund raising shows and events to help make up the shortfall and will continue to do this so we can run the 2010 festival without risk of a shortfall.

The Silver Spurs ran again in 2009, however, the Northern qualifier was cancelled.  This was a real pity as the Silver Spurs is a wonderful scheme that encourages under 21 riders to become interested in dressage, and helps them to learn more about the sport from some of the country’s top riders and trainers.  Hopefully the silver spurs will return in 2010 and will be well supported in the future.

Judges Training played a huge part of the NID’s year and we have had many successful judges upgrading throughout the year.  This is essential to the sport because as riders continue to train to the higher levels, they require judges to work just as hard to upgrade to the higher levels.  All the judges who continue with training to upgrade must be congratulated and applauded for their efforts.  Alison Mastin-Moore deserves a special mention as she became only the second person in Ireland to become a List 1 judge – a fantastic achievement.

The National Championships returned to Cavan in September with over 50 combinations representing the Northern region at the championships, they won many championships and high placings.  The NR team won the Team Championship for the third year in a row and the title of National Champion remained with a Northerner – this time Yvette Truesdale and Has To Be Fun claimed the crown.  Yvette’s National Champion title topped off a very successful year in which she had already represented Ireland at the European Championships and qualified for the World Equestrian games in Kentucky in 2010.  NID wishes Yvette all the best in her preparations for Kentucky.

Carolyn Mellor also deserves a mention for her overseas success taking VSH Zugaro and VSH Florenciano to the DHI Challenge to defend her title she finished second and third this time behind Ruth Edge.

The year was finished off by most definitely the highlight – Carl Hester at Laurel View.  Robert McCormick must be thanked for all his effort in making this happen.  As soon as Horse Sport Ireland announced the €1000 funding for senior training Robert set about trying to book Carl for the task.  After many weeks of persuasion and timetabling, Carl agreed to come to Ireland on 18^th November.  Robert was then inundated with applications and with a long waiting list prevailing, nine lucky combinations received a lesson with Carl.  The riders soaked up the information and took home a large amount of tips while onlookers from the length and breadth of Ireland were able to meet Carl, have their photo taken with him and ask questions about his teaching.

Throughout the year, shows have been taking place at various venues including Danescroft, The Meadows, Laurel View, Necarne and Connell Hill.  These will continue in 2010 and hopefully the membership will continue to increase.

It was also announced at the AGM that Dressage Ireland has made a deal with Eventing Ireland that members of one society will receive a 30% discount when joining the other society.

The AGM finished off with the presentation of awards.  The Summer League awards were followed by the presentation of awards for the NID Finals at Danescroft in August.  The NID Preliminary Championship was shared between Isaac, Allan Dewhurst and My Dark Star, Anne Killen while Homegrown Marx and Lynne McCormick won the DI Preliminary Championship.  The Novice Championship was won by Kemella Clover King and Lynsey Pritchard.  The Elementary by Sylvia Henry and Bishopmills who also won the award for the Highest Percentage at the Finals.

The Medium Championship was won by Brinkum’s Helmut and Lucca Stubington and the Advanced Medium by Elaine Morrow and Ardenza Gem.  VSH Florenciano and Ashleigh Rea won the Potential Class.  The Killaney’s Choice award presented by David and Sally Hodgkinson for the Most DI Points Accumulated throughout the year went to Annahagh and Janice Campbell.

Every year Jennifer Somerville presents the JC Somerville Memorial Trophy and this years recipient was Yvette Truesdale for her outstanding achievements in the International arena.

Honeyhill Rosettes presented rosettes to every member who qualified for and competed at the National Championships, as it was the 20^th anniversary of the Nationals being held – these rosettes were printed with the horses name on them, a lovely memento for the riders.

The evening finished off with a lovely supper as well as the ballot which raised about £150.

Shows and events continue throughout the winter and for all the latest information visit www.northernirelanddressage.com