Morning Exercise

Early morning Tuesday last and hardly anyone on the beach at Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow and, being 5 kms long, just perfect for exercising the horses.

Riders On The Beach

Continuing on in yesterday's equine vein, a week ago I posted from the nearly deserted beach at Brittas Bay which, of course is ideal for exercising horses and they are a regular feature all year round.  So today I include a few shots from my walk along the beach where I came upon these riders walking their horses accompanied by their yelping dog!

The dog and rider were trying their best to encourage the horse on the left to go in the water but he was having none of it!

And this is what he was missing:

What's this?  Rider and dog have gone for a swim!

The Water Obstacle

We're still here at the Three Day Horse Driving Trials in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow and we've now found the best and only vantage point for the observer/ non-participant - the Water Obstacle! Yes, this is where the action is today, as we observe all the teams tackling the water!

This young driver shows true grit and determination as she enters the obstacle.

Safely negotiated and job done, so what's next?

Rathdrum Carriage Driving

Above, the Turneresque stage is set for the All Ireland National Championships Three Day Horse Driving Trials held at the farm of John and Elizabeth Hughes and family, on the outskirts of Rathdrum, Co Wicklow as we arrive for Day 2, the Cross Country Marathon with Obstacles Section.

Now we don't pretend to know much about this particular sport, or, indeed, any sport, but it seemed like it might present some nice photo opportunities, so, arriving in Rathdrum  without any indication as to where the event was being held, we eventually called in to the local CountryLife store and were kindly given a hand drawn map showing exactly where to go. So we made our way, following a mostly unsignposted route out of Rathdrum down some rugged country lanes to the very picturesque venue.

Above, and left competitors make last minute adjustments.

Below, I think he wants me to keep my distance and I'm only too happy to oblige!

Kilmacanogue Horse Show III

Our final look at the Kilmacanogue Horse Show, at Monastery Cross, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow and today we feature the adorable Miniature classes.

On the left, final preparations and, despite many attempts, I still can't get the little foal to look my way.

Below, all  in the ring and ready to parade.

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Kilmacanogue Horse Show II

The Kilmacanogue Horse Show, held at Monastery Cross, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow proved to be a great day out for all the family.  Today's post features some photos from the childrens "Happy Hunter" classes - for children from 3 years to 16 years old.

On the left, these class winners stand proudly.







And what can we say about these little competitors?

Kilmacanogue Horse Show

Above, approaching the last in the Clear Round Jumping event.

An all too fleeting visit to Kilmacanogue Horse Show, held at Monastery Cross, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, on Saturday last. Could only stay for some of the early events but on offer were a  great variety of showing classes including carriage driving, donkey classes, sheep classes and a family dog show.


On the left: A long wait for my turn!

Below, the winners of this particular event deep in concentration: