AIRC

NER Awards Nominations 2009

Horse of the Year:
Harvey Richardson – Boyneside
We would like to nominate Harvey owned by the Richardson's for Horse of the Year. Harvey is rising 22 years of age and has been a riding club member for over 12 years serving 3 riding club members. Harvey has been mistaken recently for a 4 & 5 year old due to his keeness in the warm up arena and cross country! Harvey is still actively competing and has to be one of the oldest competing eventers in the region yet alone the country. Harvey has to be the grumpiest horse in the region and meets you at the stable with ears flat back , bum to the door and knashing teeth yet deep down has a heart of gold. An absolute schoolmaster, Harvey is a x-country machine and in 07 & 08 was the fastest Adv.Primary horse at the ODE event champs knocking 2mins and 1 min 30 secs respectively off the optimum time, at his own pace :) He has competed over every cross country track in the country and remembers the courses each time , pointing, aiming and firing at the biggest fences when he is meant to be doing the adv. primary course :) Harvey has been placed on over six regional team SJ teams (just missing out on numerous occasions competing in the RDS) as well as being placed in the National ODE event champs- 1st & 2nd in the teams, 5th indvidually at both adv.primary & adv. inter level, 1st Tinehealy 2 day event as well as numerous other placings at one day events - his rossettes cabinet is pretty big. Harvey is extremely honest and will always try his best. Harvey is not an easy horse to ride, but once he finds the right partnership he shines. Unfortunately he was out injured this Summer and missed picking up many a rosette at the one day events but will be back in action for next season at the young age of 22! An absolute superstar and known by many Harvey definitely deserves this award and would be the icing on the cake for his competitive career. GO HARVEY GO!

Ambrose – Copperfield
Ambrose is receiving our nomination because we believe this rather distinctive traditional cob epitomises the true riding club horse. He is consistent in his efforts at every competition for his owner Jane. He has bizzarely gained a large number of admirers whom he adores – particularly those bearing polos and treats! He is definitely one of a kind in Advanced Intermediate dressage classes where he is usually in the ribbons.
Not many people are aware that he worked as a volunteer at the Special Olympics in Kill in 2003 where his riders took home three Gold, three Silver and a bonze medal between them thus gaining him an international fan club.
This 13yr old cob has lived in Loughshinny for the past nine years (apart for a brief couple of months when he was sold only to be missed terribly and bought back!) where he has given confidence to several nervous riders. He also gives young horses a lead for their first outing on the roads and shows them how to load and travel in a horse box. Ambrose spent the summer of 2009 accompanying a young showing horse to his first few outings and managed to get himself in the placings in several cob classes in the process.
Our final reason for this nomination is because it will annoy Jane’s husband Kevin who sees Ambrose as his number one competitor for her affections!!

French Tiffany – CastleHill
For her consistency through the Spring & Summer season we feel she deserves the award. Though horse and rider team got off to a bumpy start at the beginning of the year this little mare has gone from strength to strength. She came in the top three in ever Novice Working Hunter class in the Region. She was also placed in the top ten at the Festival when competing in a class of over 120 horses. She won the A.P. showjumping at teh Spring show in Cheval and even has a few Dressage ribbons to boot.

FCD Touch of Class (Irish) – Ashbrook
Irish has had a super year and judging by her results there is no denying that she deserves to be well in contention for horse of the year. She has had multiple wins in dressage, jumping, eventing, showing and working hunter. Her showing highlight of the year being at the festival winning the Supreme Hunter Championship, Champion Mare and Small Hunter class, she was also 3rd in dressage pairs that day. Proving her versatility she came 1st in Cloncaw and 2nd in Dalysgrove qualifying for the National Eventing Championships twice and also 3rd at AnnaghHarvey event earlier in the year. She won the NER individual dressage qualifier in Drominiskin and was Champion Working Hunter, 1st in dressage, 2nd Small Hunter and placed jumping at Cheval’s pre-festival. Qualified for the final at the National Jumping Championships in Mullingar but just missed out a rosette by finishing 7th out of 99 in her first year at AI. She also represented the region well by being the highest placed horse in the WL leagues for both jumping and dressage for anyone outside that region. At 6 years old she has already has gained a great reputation for herself throughout the regions, and proved herself to be a true all-rounder and genuine riding club horse.

Blind Blake (Istan) – Broadmeadows
We would like to nominate Istan (Blind Blake) as horse of the year, although he has not been able to compete this year due to injury I still think he deserves to be put forward. Michelle and Paddy bought Istan a couple of years ago as an ex-race horse aged 9 who had finished racing and his job was to give the younger horses leads over the hurdles and jumping ditches. Michelle and Paddy then bought Istan as a horse for Paddy to be able to hack around as a novice rider. Not know to anyone what talent that this horse actually had underneath it all. Michelle took over the sole riding of Istan as it came apparent that this ex-race horse standing at 17.2H had a talent for dressage. Istan always tried his heart out when anything new was asked of him. Istan is responsible for getting Michelle back into going to shows as she had refused to go for years no matter how hard any of us tried and then there was no stopping them as they travelled the country. As a team Michelle and Istan not only competed at riding club dressage and showing but went further afield to compete in showing in Wales as well as the RDS. Istan then had to be retired. As Paddy and Michelle's wedding day approached Michelle just couldn’t go the day without having Istan there and having his stamp on the day. Istan came out of retirement on the day stood like an angle after not being sat on for nearly a year fully tacked and stood as quite as a lamb while Michelle climbed aboard with her wedding dress for pictures. Istan is not only a prime example of a race-horse turned riding club horse but also got Michelle back to competing and over coming her nerves.

Hector - Broadmeadow
Is he a horse or is he a pony?Hector the Horse, named after a Trojan prince but is far from royalty thatHector comes. His origin unknown - probably Smithfield Market.Hector is a horse for our times - Recessionary times. He is cheap andcheerful, lives, au natural, in the great outdoors and enjoys no expensive luxuries.He will never win a beauty contest but he wins the hearts of all who know him. He has given many years of pleasure to his rider. In the words of Jane Austen -" its every girls dream to own a horse". One little girl, Yvonne, never gave up on that dream. She never really believed that one day she would own her own horse. She was a long time waiting!!!

Hector is her first and only horse. Both she and Hector were beginners together. He has brought her over jumps, around dressage arenas, cantering on the beach, hacking on the roads and in more recent times eventing. Together they have travelled the country regularly competing at AIRC events both in the NER and other regions representing the Broadmeadow RC. He often wins a rosette. He has given us all a good laugh from time to time...it was an hilarious moment when Hector mistakenly jumped a metre fence at Kells and cleared it!
Hector is a true Riding Club Horse. Heaven is on Hectors Back!

Satlway Nell - Coolquay
Nellie is a fabulous mare & never lets Lisa down. Besides always taking care of Lisa, she consistently performs to the highest standard and answers every question that Lisa asks of her. This year alone she has had numerous achievements to date including, placing second in the National SJ Championships in Mullingar. Winning three Red Mills classes, the Ashbrook Derby and she has been awarded Champion in many showing classes.
This is an astonishing achievement in itself but as this is Saltway Nell's last year competing for the foreseeable future as she is now in foal, we feel that should be a worthy recipient of the award and it would be a great way to recognise her talent & showjumping career.



Person of the Year:

Philip Richardson – Boyneside
Boyneside Riding Club nominate Philip Richardson for club member of the year. Philip a non riding club member is a most active member on foot. As chef d’equipe of Team Richardson as well as Team Boyneside, Philip can be seen at many a riding club competition across the country.
Philip decided a few years ago 'if you can beat them, join them' by purchasing his Moviestar horse Sledge. Although Philip does not compete professionally he is an equine hacker around the roads of Co. Meath.
Philip is a great support to all members, he knows nearly everyone in the riding club and is always on hand to hold a horse, tighten a girth, put up a practise fence, pick u up off the ground when you hit the deck or catch a lose horse. A great man with the mic Philip is MC for the regional awards as well as commentating at many one day event over the years. Philip is a hard working member of Team Boyneside to run the club's annual jump x.
Philip although he would probably rather be on a golf course gives up his weekends to support the riding club. A vital member of Boyneside riding club Philip deserves this award for recognition of his support and hard work within the club and the AIRC itself.

Eileen Braddish – Cheval
We wish to nominate Eileen Braddish as Person of the Year because we feel that she is one of the stalwarts of the region. She has judged at our working hunter competition for the last few years and we hope she will continue to do so for the next few years too! This year she came along and stood for several hours judging the many competitors who had entered despite being only weeks away from hip replacement surgery.
Despite not being able to ride for the early part of this year Eileen was spotted at most shows giving a supporting hand to many competitors in warm up arenas. She has made a swift recovery from her surgery and we were delighted to see her out competing again on her gorgeous new horse recently in Cheval.
Eileen is a very knowledgeable and experience horsewoman and if you want an honest unbiased opinion on something she Eileen is the person to ask!

Cormac O’Rourke – Gap of the North
Current chairperson of the Region & Club Secretary of Gap of the North, Cormac is nominated for this award not only because of his great determination to and interest in the Region but for his overall enthusiasm for all things A.I.R.C. Cormac has been a member of the N.E.R Regional Committee in various role for a number of years now. During his time as Chair he has tried to inject some fun into the Region. He encourages all clubs to participate and support one another.
He is known for his fair outlook, he is very approachable and he always has the best interests of the Region at heart when making decisions. Cormac is always at the end of the phone and is happy to offer both his opinion and advice whenever needed.
Also not one to shy, Cormac will “say it as it is” regardless of whether member may want to hear it! A quality that is invaluable in his role as Regional Chair. These are just some of the reasons why we feel he deserves the award.

Una McGettigan – Copperfield
We would like to nominate Una as Person of the Year as we feel she is an inspiration to us all. Una is such a regular face on the R.C. scene and it is sure to be seen smiling. A member of both the Regional Committee and the National Committee Una gives her time to both the Region and the A.I.R.C. as an organisation.
In previous years Una partnered her beloved horse, Denver and having started off at Primary she rose through the grades to compete at Open. In more recent years she now partners her coloured “Moo Cow” and can be seen enjoying a range of disciplines, even having a go in the Show ring.
This year Una fought back from the most horrific of head injuries. Called “the walking miracle” by both consultants and neuro-surgeons alike she showed a determination that above all else showed us she was made of strong stuff! She captured the hearts of both her friends of many years and even more importantly she made an impact on new friends who have had the pleasure of getting to know her.

Jane Bolton – Broadmeadows
Jane works very hard for the good of all clubs and members. She is vigilant in ensuring fair play prevails throughout the movement and is determined in making sure there is a level playing field for all members. She treats everybody equally and likes everybody to have the same opportunities. Not afraid to put her neck on the line if she believes it is for a good cause. Has a very competitive spirit but doesn’t let competition get in the way of the spirit of the sport. Organises dressage training in her own grounds monthly, and is generally a helpful person!

Laura Carrick – Cheval
Laura Carrick, Cheval Chairperson and NER Treasurer deserves this award not only for her dedication, hard work and commitment to her club but also to the NER Region. For many years, Laura has been a driving force in Cheval making it one of the most active and fun clubs in the region. The club has gone from strength to strength through out the past number of years under Laura’s guidance as chairwoman.
Laura’s role as chairperson is a demanding one; however she has given 3 years of dedication to it along with her commitments of a full time job, a young son and her two horses. Laura is a master in time management and has successfully managed to juggle her chairperson and NER treasurer responsibilities with successfully competing her two horses.
She is a familiar and friendly face at all shows within and outside the region. Laura is an approachable bubbly personality and is always on had to help not only Cheval members but members from other clubs aswell. She is a true competitor & makes an effort to attend as many Riding Club shows both within the region & outside. Win, lose or draw Laura always has a smile on her face. Laura is a chairperson, treasurer, coach, course builder, judge, mammy, competitor and most of all a very supportive and encouraging friend to members within and outside of Cheval riding club.

Mary Duff – Castlehill
Mary has done a great deal of work for her club Castlehill, this year. Though she missed out on a lot of events this year through her horse’s injuries, she has always been on hand to help. She has rallied great support for the club run event. She has been fantastic help during club run shows and fun days. She is always full of great ideas and has great enthusiasm. As far as the club is concerned, we would be lost without her.


Club Member of the Year:

Louise Duffy – Castlehill
Louise has had a great year on both of her horses. Her winning Streak started at the very first show in the Winter League where she was placed 3rd in the Open class. Since then she has been placed in both Open & Young Horse working hunter classes at the Festival. She was also placed in Dressage that weekend. Her most notable victory was a 1st place in the Open class at Dalysgrove O.D.E. This secured her place in the Championships in which she came 2nd overall in the Open class – a fantastic achievement.

Louise McEnteggart – Boyneside
We nominate Louise McEnteggart for person of the year. Louise is a hard working member of Boyneside Riding Club having stood as club secretary for a few years. Louise has an amazing competitive attitude - whether we have a good day or a bad day Louise always looks on the positive side of things.
Louise is full of ideas for the club as well as hosting our showjumping training during the summer months at Piperstown. She is always progressing her equine training and is a great encouragement to all members.

Claudine Kerr – Cheval
Claudine is a very enthusiastic AIRC member and travels the country attending shows on her lovely mare Miss Tequila. She is bubbly and friendly and is generous too giving people lifts to shows even when she herself is not competing. Claudine is helpful, friendly, competitive & is a true riding club member.
Claudine is always available to help lift a pole, lay a dressage arena or score dressage sheets. She regular emails members from her own club & other clubs & regions to inform them of upcoming events. Claudine competes across all disciplines but she excels in Dressage . 2009 has been an extremely successful year for Claudine with numerous wins & placings in addition she has secured the leading dressage rider in Cheval’s year end awards.
Claudine is very independent travelling to most shows within our region & other regions on her own with her horse Tequila. She is always on hand to help & has put in many hours @ shows in her own club & region aswell as National Competitions. Claudine is an asset to the NER.

James Walker – Kilronan
Although still relatively new to the Riding Club Scene, James joined Kilronan R.C. two years ago at Primary level. He has totally immersed himself in the R.C. ethos and he is constantly trying to improve and learn along the way. Now competing at Intermediate he hopes to upgrade further to Advanced Intermediate for the 2010 season.
Always on hand to offer his help, James can be seen at most R.C. shows throughout the Region. Rarely out of the ribbons in the SJ arena, James has also recently turned his hand to Eventing and he currently crossing over to the dark side and to start his Dressage career.
A real team player and individual competitor alike, James is the perfect example of a R.C. Club member. Willing to give it a go and enjoy it along the way! For this reason he gets our vote!

Michael Moore – Ashbrook
We think its time to nominate Michael and give him the credit he deserves for all the work he does for our club and the region this year. We think it’s fair to say he has been the back bone for Ashbrook for the past few years and without him it wouldn’t be the club it is today. He is a true horseman who is always ready and willing to help out everyone with any issues they may have with their horses. He is a great confidence booster for our club members and can be seen helping out other clubs too at shows week in and week out. Always a fair and friendly judge of dressage and good to see him leaving the ground again this year after 5 years of flat work!

Michelle Lynch – Cheval
Michelle is helpful, friendly, and competitive and is a true riding club member. Michelle is always available to help & her many talents range from building courses, to dressage scoring, taking entries & this year as club secretary. She forms the backbone of any club. Michelle competes across all disciplines & has successful brought on her young mount Marley.
This year Michelle turned her focus to dressage & over the summer months she has put a huge amount of work into improving both her & Marley’s way of going. Michelle is determined & an asset to any team – she never fails to give 100%! Michelle is a superb inter-club mixer & her friendly face is seen @ the majority of shows around the NER. She is always on hand to help & has put in many hours @ shows in her own club & region as well as National Competitions. Michelle is an asset to the NER.

Lisa Kennedy – Coolquay
We would like to nominate Lisa for the Club Member of the Year award because Lisa has done a fantastic job of climbing to the top of the Red Mills leader board. Lisa has shown her true dedication & commitment as she has travelled all over Ireland competing with both horses. She competes at every show that she can possibly make it to and always participates with a "fair play" attitude. Besides the Red Mills league, Lisa has won several other Riding Club competitions during the year and as a club we are very proud of Lisa and privileged to call her a member.

Sharon Ferrari – Broademeadows
Sharon Ferarri has been a member of Broadmeadow RC since she first started riding competitively. She began her career riding Suzanne Knight’s Joker. Later Sharon bought her own horse Kaliegh. Both she and Kaliegh have been competing on the AIRC circuit ever since. Her smiling face and cheerful demeanour are to be seen at every NER show. Smiling regardless of winning any rosettes. She competes in the North Eastern Region, in other regions and nationally. In fact Sharon will turn up at anything involving horses. Herself and Kaliegh compete in all disciplines, jumping, dressage and more recently cross country. She is game for anything. Sharon enjoys being a riding club member and she has made many good friends in Region - not only in the Broadmeadow club but other clubs also. She is the life and soul of every party. Sharon is an ALL ROUND GOOD SPORT

Club of the Year:
Boyneside
We nominate ourselves for Club of the Year. Boyneside riding club has over 20 members. We have a few regular hard core riding club competitors and many members whom join for the team spirit.
Each year we run our annual jump cross. This year we ran a most successful event with entries from all over the country, presenting a challenging and well presented course. Boyneside have excelled this year in eventing with many individual placings. Boyneside Rock and are a great club to be part off. Go Team B :)

Cheval
Yet again Cheval are receiving our nomination for Club of the Year because of all their hard work, the fantastic shows they put on and the fact that they epitomise the true essence of the AIRC.
Their members can be spotted at 20 paces in their distinctive red jackets supporting their own and other club members at every show!
Cheval do so much for the Region, they are very well represented at all disciplines and they are very friendly & helpful as a club.

Kilronan
We nominate Kilronan R.C. for club of the year because we feel that as a club they totally embody the spirit of the A.I.R.C. Still growing in numbers after a slump in recent years, Kilronan R.C. is constantly getting bigger and better. The spirit within the club is second to none and the help and support from club members alike is something to be very proud of.
Kilronan R.C. members compete successfully within all disciplines and it is clear to see that every show in the Region this year was supported by the club.
Unfortunately our summer show was cancelled due to weather; however it will be back as good as ever in 2010. The club also plan on hosting a number of other competitions within the region. Always on hand to offer our help where needed, be it at Regional or National events, Kilronan will be there – probably with a cup of coffee no less. Kilronan R.C. is looking forward to 2010 and whatever it has in store!

Ashbrook
Ashbrook gladly welcomed many new members to their club this year helping to strengthen their existing base. The new mix of members shared a strong team spirit helping to bring fun, competitiveness and camaraderie to the club.
Many club training and schooling days were arranged, as well as the organisation and running of the annual derby day in Killossery. Our dressage judges Michael and Claire were always ready to give a hand when needed in the region, as well as club members always being ready to volunteer.
The majority of our members actively compete on a regular basis and those who do not are very willing to assist their fellow members. Being part of Ashbrook is like having an extended family, you always feel you can ask anyone to help with anything and sometimes they just appear without asking! Despite having no official home and a wide geographical base it doesn’t stop us meeting up, it probably makes us try that little bit harder. You will always see an Ashbrook member at a competition somewhere in the country. We don’t just help our own club members we are very willing to lend a hand to anyone in any club. The club actively helps the NER committee as much as possible, and hope our energy and enthusiasm sometimes makes their difficult jobs that little bit easier. We think we have a great club, but of course we do! But really Ashbrook is no ordinary club, it’s not about winning but of course the red rosettes are lovely its about having fun on and off your horse, with and without your horse, its about enjoying the life of being involved with horses, perhaps this uniqueness we have is why we retain our members for many years and many of the founder members are still active with us.

Broadmeadows
"Broadmeadow Riding Club is a long established club and one of the largest on the North Eastern Region. Broadmeadow embodies all that the riding club movement stands for in that every rider, whether primary or advanced, young or old, good or bad is encouraged, helped and mentored in whatever way is possible to improve their horsemanship.
There is a strong ethos of horsemanship and professional approach taken and encouraged by some of the "older" members of the club - it is rare to see a Broadmeadow's member out competing without their horse well turned out and plaited. If they do there is inevitably a "quiet word" had!!It is impossible to single out any one person who is responsible for this feeling of belonging which exists in our club, but usually these things "roll downhill" - it comes from the top and is practiced by each and every member thereafter. And don't get me wrong, it is not all sugar in the tea when you are a member of Broadmeadow RC - there are disagreements and differences of opinion on many matters - but this contributes to the feeling of being a part of something. The voices are heard and your opinion is valued, but at the end of the day a decision is reached and whether you favoured it or not in your arguments, everyone supports the decision and there is rarely much grumbling to be heard.
I've been in a number of different sports clubs throughout my life but I can honestly say that Broadmeadow Riding Club is the most enjoyable, the easiest to be part of and the friendliest club that I have experienced thus far."


Secretary of the Year:

Emma Mc Quaile – Castelehill
Emma has worked well to keep our club going all year. Organising Shows and fun days as well as circulating new letters. She has attended the majority of show in the Region and has always drummed up support for them, She has also proved a dab hand at organizing the picnics for our days out!

Sarah Richardson – Boyneside
Sarah represents what the RC association is all about. As Sec of Boyneside she keeps all members informed of up coming shows/horsey related RC events+ looks after all the Admin for the club. On top of this Sarah is the key organiser for our annual JumpX.
Aside from her sec duties, Sarah can always be found on show day helping out not only team Boyneside but any RC in need of an extra pair of hands and still find time to compete. She always has a smile.

Aisling Bradwell – Cheval
We’re nominating Aisling Bradwell as secretary of the year because of all the hard work she puts in – not only does she keep her own members informed of what is happening but she is also responsible for Cheval’s website and is always to be seen helping out at the shows run by her club. Aishling Bradwell's task as secretary is not for the faint hearted. With 90 members to look after & keep updated its nearly a full time job. Aishling takes her job as secretary very serious & goes above & beyond the call of duty. She is fair, supportive, objective, encouraging, reliable, organised & competitive.
She ensured the Cheval shows were organised to within an inch of her life & her shining personality has attracted many new sponsors to the club. Aishling gives 100% commitment to the tasks she takes on & she excels in every aspect. Her ability to multitask is second to none. Aishling is an asset to any club & the region are all the better for having her as a member.

Lisa Mc Laughlin – Ashbrook
In Lisa’s only second year in the club she bravely took on role as our secretary and has not looked back since. She has injected great energy and efficiency to our club and is a real get goer and motivator for all of us.
Although horseless for most of the year, this did not stop Lisa getting involved and supporting club members and the region in any way she could. She is always pleasant in helping to arrange activities for our club members and quick to organise volunteers for the region. Always keeps us informed and updated with all events happening as well as suggesting new activities and plans for us. She is also becoming our unofficial club photographer, and takes oodles of pictures and organised a new site for everyone to share and view club pictures. We really appreciate all her hard work and hope she will be back in the saddle as soon as possible!

Louise Somers – Kilronan
We would like to nominate Louise Somers as Club Secretary of the Year. Louise is always on hand to help at any time with anything - she is always very encouraging without being pushy - she gives confidence to our club members, she gives up a lot of her time to concentrate on helping new members of the club get up and running with going to events - she will give up class's that she has entered to help club members.
She has given up a lot of her own personal time to keep our club updated on all events planned and to get us involved in outings. Louise is extremely efficient in everything she does and keeps us all informed.
She is dedicated to the AIRC and has shown her support to them and to other clubs on many occasions never mind our own club.She puts other club members’ needs above her own and is dedicated to the sport and is a great ambassador. Louise always makes herself available to help club members with their horses. She is never too busy to lend a hand. Louise offers great encouragement to everyone in the club at all levels. She is a credit to our riding club. She is also a really nice person

Jane Bolton – Broadmeadows
Jane Bolton has been Broadmeadow Club secretary for many years. A good secretary is essential for any Riding Club if it is going to function in a proper way. The office of the secretary is very demanding and Jane accomplishes this with good honour and enthusiasm. Jane always attends the NER regional Meetings no matter how dark the night or bad the weather. She keeps all the club members informed of every horsey event on the calendar via email. She also ensures that all her members are riding at the correct grade! She is friendly and helpful to all the members. She encourages new riders and is very supportive.
Jane regularly has classes in dressage in her yard with visiting instructors. Once a year she hosts a BBQ at her beautiful house and gardens in North County Dublin. It is the social highlight of the summer and attended by members and their families and partners along with her numerous dogs, ducks, geese, and hens. Her hospitality is boundless. We are all invited to a equine demonstration of some sort at her arena first. Meanwhile her husband Gordon lights the BBQs. The evening usually ends with videos and photographs of the AIRC Festival. Jane is a wonderful horsewoman and a good friend to all the Broadmeadow Club Members.