Old Mill Saddlery News

News From Old Mill Saddlery!

Another Successful Day at NWWHA League!

Sat March 3rd saw the last league qualifier at Eglinton Equestrian Centre in the run up to what promises to be potentially the most exciting Working Hunter Championship organised by the North West Working Hunter Association to date. With Silverware for most classes and in excess of £2500 in the total prize fund over the course of the league and championship, the competitors have been well rewarded for all the support. In no small part this in down to very generous sponsorship from (among others) OLD MILL SADDLERY.

THOMPSONS(PEGUS) FEEDS, www.equestrius.com, RICHMOND FEED STORE COLERAINE, ARTEMIS PHOTOGRAPHIC and LEE JOHNSON (Farrier), without whom we would be unable to underwrite prizes to this level. The championship will take place on 14th April at Eglinton beginning at 9.00am sharp with the pony classes first and horse classes commencing at 1pm. Pony competitors please note championship classes revert to pony height/rider age classes, please consult the schedule. See www.nwwha.co.uk or NWWHA facebook page for more details.

Yet again the horse classes were very well supported, most running into double figures ensuring only clear rounds returning to the ring for 2nd phase judging by Mrs Jayne Campbell ably assisted by Mrs Valerie Maxwell as scribe. The standard of horse, turnout and riding ability a credit to all who took part with much of the action captured by Howard Brown (Artemis Photographic). Howard was on hand for most of the day taking more than 300 photos, all of which are on sale and can be viewed on the website.

The atmosphere was as always congenial and welcoming to all our competitors and friends, many of whom, though experienced horsemen (and women) are relatively new to working hunter. Committee members and judges always have time to explain and help out were possible or necessary. It would be difficult to single any combination out such was the standard. That said, Jamie Smyth and Newferry Diamond Dancer delighted onlookers by taking the red rosette in both the 80 and 90cm classes with style, no mean feat given the standard of his fellow competitors.

Mrs Carol Henry kindly judged the pony classes and was delighted to note the standard and ability of some very young riders, all of whom were polite, well mannered and obviously very fond of their various mounts. Niamh Burnham-Hand was delighted with a lovely 1st place rosette in the 90cm class which as she pointed out might well be her swansong on the stylish “Rousillion Not Wanted” as he has been sold and will shortly be off to a new home. Obviously Rousillon is very much ' wanted' after all. Sorry, pun very much intended!

The NWWHA wish to thank all who pitched in and gave us such a lot of help, these shows are would be impossible without the assistance of volunteers, it is very much appreciated by committee and competitors alike.



Old Mill a finalist for the ESMA's!

It’s awards season in Hollywood and it seems the equestrian world is getting its share of the limelight too! The ESMA’s, are the Social Media Gongs for the horsey world, awarding Equestrian organisations and personalities for engaging and innovative use of sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Co Antrim company, Old Mill Saddlery are delighted to have been selected as one of the ten finalists in the Equestrian Retailer Category, as a result of customer and follower nominations. They are also the only Northern Irish Candidate in their category.

The Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMA’s) are the brainchild of Abbeyview Equine - a company which specialises in setting up small equestrian businesses with easy to use websites and Rhea Freeman - Equestrian PR and Marketing guru. The 8,000 nominees were whittled down by the expert panel and annouced earlier this week. Voting closes on 10th February and the winners will be annouced via the ESMA You Tube Channel in early March! Old Mill Saddlery are also nominated for a Regional Award, and if successful will be forwarded for consideration for an FEI World Award, which aims to connect the equestrian industry around the globe. You can interact with Old Mill Saddlery on Twitter or Facebook, and share reviews, ask product questions or simply share your horsey news and experiences!

You can vote for Old Mill Saddlery at http://www.equestriansocialmediaawards.com/voting


17th January - NWWHA Moves to Eglinton!

Saturday 7th January was the 1st of 3 NWWHA league dates based in Eglinton Equestrian Centre which culminate in The OLD MILL/ PEGUS(Thompson feeds) & www.equestrius.comNWWHA Championship final on the 14th April. To qualify for the championship, riders need only compete at 2 league shows and with Sat February 4th and March 3rd still ahead of there is still time to get involved if you haven't done so already. With £1000 worth of vouchers from OLD MILL SADDLERY, Embroidered Rugs courtesy of www.equestrius.com among all the sponsorship making up a total prize fund well in excess of £2500 and still rising surely it would be mad not to!
As advertised, Horses started at 10am so it was a pleasant change for all the pony parents to have a little more time on Saturday morning though doubtless not that relaxing. With the 1st horse entering the arena at 10am approx and the last pony leaving at approx 7pm it was a long day, with big classes. 109 entries in total meant for a tired but happy committee all of whom are grateful for all the help and support of members and friends who competed and helped out on the day. These shows really would not run without you all. Such was the size of classes only clear rounds were called back for second phase judging.
Eve Stafford from Sion Mills cast a seasoned eye over a large contingent gathered from both north and south of the border and was delighted with the standard of animal and both horse and rider turnout. Donna Gillen and Faldo won red in the 4/5yr olds. Joanne Wilkinson on Casper continued her run of success taking 1st in both the70 & 80cm classes. Young rider Jennifer Pollock on Special Edition delighted to achieve top marks, receiving the full 110 marks in both her classes, absolutely ''foot perfect'', in Mrs Staffords own words. It was marvellous to welcome friends and many newcomers like Kenneth Graham from Lennamore Stables though I did wonder how Working Hunter at Eglinton compares to Hickstead but didn't like to ask! I'm sure we have converted him? Julie Bleakley and her own Innishowen Clover fought of stiff competition to take the red in a hotly contested 1mt class rounding of the horse classes in style.
Jackie Mckinney and Shirley Smith judged the pony classes and again had a fair number of competitors to view. Thanks to Marina Hamilton (East Donegal Pony Club ) for encouraging her members and others to come along as again there were lots of new faces among the pony entrants. None seemed too phased by the rustic style fences and there was some great rounds throughout the classes. Again competitors came from far and near and it was lovely to see young Jodie Creighton making the journey from Randlestown among the newcomers to the NWWHA show. The under 12's saw the familar combination of Jennifer Torrens and Ballisbrook Boy 1st in the 50cm and newcomer Bridin Walsh on Kiara 1st n the 60cm section. Charlotte Lesley from Ballymoney, another new face at working hunter had a lovely round in the 70cm M&M and won the class on Shadow Fact Lady. As the day drew to a close all members and competitors went home, some clasping a voucher for a bag of PEGUS(courtesy of the generous sponsership from Thompsons feeds), others just glad to be out and happy to have had a safe and enjoyable day in good company.
Many thanks to our judges, sponsors, helpers and competitors for their time and effort. Professional photographer Howard Brown was on hand throughout the horse classes and the results can be viewed on his website.


9th January - Happy New Year from Old Mill Saddlery!

The festive period has come and gone but Old Mill Saddlery are still giving with wonderful New Year discounts on a range of wonderful products! Treat Yourself with a gorgeous Zara Philips Soft Shell Jacket reduced to just £83.95 from £139.95! http://www.saddlery.biz/musto-zara-phillips-new-soft-shell-jacket.html Or why not treat your horse with some brilliant savings on rugs and travel boots! The Caldene Jupiter Heavy Stable Rug is a bargain at £69.95 (down from £120!) while the Masta Turnoutmasta 200 is also on offer - saving over £20 at just £69.95! Why not have a browse through our "On offer" and "Clearance sections to discover these great savings across the board, with Joules, Anky, Musto. Horseware and More!
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!


12th December - NO ‘RAINEY DAY ‘ AT NWWHA CHRISTMAS SHOW

An air of festivity and the scent of mulled wine was all around on the 4th December 2011 as the ponies and horses arrived for the 3rd Christmas themed leg of the NWWHA OLD MILL SADDLERY, THOMPSONS(PEGUS) FEEDS AND www.equestrius.com league. 16 classes and some very exuberant animals meant for a long day and some very tired but happy committee members last seen leaving the RDA premises at Castleroe road, Coleraine munching on the remains of the shortbread late on Sunday evening. Pony judge (Lisa Dundee) saw a slow start to her day in the under 12’s, but things soon picked up with some smart combinations making a good fist of the course as the morning progressed. Ailish Smith was delighted as 4yr old Mavis jumped all in front of her like an old hand as they made their debut in the 60cm class. Laura Abernathy and Copper delivered a faultless round to ensure the red rosette in the Mt class with dad looking on happily from the ringside. Lots of happy faces were noted as 1st to 3rd received headcollars, numnahs and crops with all riders receiving a selection box for their efforts. As usual certain classes were NI festival qualifiers and riders gained a qualifying entry card were applicable. Horse judge Maureen Brown had some tough classes to judge with large numbers and some tight combinations making the course look all to easy. Heather Crawford /Chequers Hill Rainey Day took the red in a big 4/5 yr old class. Yet again there were new faces and old, seasoned competitors and novice combinations who were given a helping hand on the odd occasion when necessary. Again 1st to 3rd won a variety of prizes including headcollars, numnahs and crops with the odd selection box to keep the big kids happy as well. Events on the day were faithfully recorded by Howard Brown of Artemis photography and a selection of these is available at www.artemis-photograpic.co.uk. Many thanks to all members and visitors for all the help and support on the day, we couldn’t manage without you all. Thanks to the RDA for allowing the use of a fabulous arena and to both our judges, travelling some distance and giving of their very valuable time to the NWWHA. Please note, in January the league shifts to Eglinton Equestrian Centre and will commence on SATURDAY 7th JANUARY with HORSES beginning at 10AM sharp, PONIES at 2PM. Look forward to seeing you there.


17th November - Mossvale & Newcastle & Down Riding Clubs Visit Old Mill

Thursday night was full of festive cheer at Old Mill Saddlery as a group of VIP shoppers descended on Old Mill from Mossvale RC & Newcastle & Down RC. The neighbouring clubs, shopped 'til they dropped and enjoyed our wonderful Christmas offers, champagne reception and prize draw! Our dedicated reps from Bluegrass Feeds, Natural Animal Feeds (NAF) and Mackies Equestrian were once again in attendance and provided some wonderful prizes and demonstrations! Carolyn Perkins, an Equine Dentist based in Co Down was also in attendance and provided an excellent insight into the problems a horse's teeth can cause. The highlight of the evening was as always the prize draw with winners taking home a Botannica Hamper, a Mackie's Jacket, Bluegrass Horse Feed, an Old Mill Saddle Pad and More!!


24th October - VIPS & Winners at Old Mill Saddlery!

Old Mill has hosted a view VIPS this week, including a group from Seskinore and Ecclesville Riding Club on Thursday night! The group were treated to after hours access to the shop to get a wee head start on their Christmas shopping! Visitors were treated to a champagne reception and shopped til they dropped! Our lovely reps from Horse First, Mackies Equestrian, Equine America and Bluegrass Horse feeds were in attendance to answer any questions and show off their new products. They also contributed to our lovely prize draw which boasted prizes worth over £100! Our winners and guests were happy campers on the night and we would happy to welcome them back at any stage.

Students from Enniskillen Cafre Campus were welcomed to Old Mill Saddlery this week to come and have a look around our busy site. These Equine students visited us as part of their degree course and allowed them to see a different direction of where the equestrian business can take you. Proprietor Robert Patton shared details of how the business had grown and developed, inspiring students to build upon any ideas they may have. They were also given a tour of our busy workshop were the Old Mill Race Exercise Saddles are made along with various other items of leather work. Students were able to see first hand the process involved in making a saddle and were keen to ask questions and get advice on saddle problems they are experiencing. Finally students were let loose to enjoy some shopping at Old Mill and trust they will become future visitors!

Sharon, our shop manager has had a successful weekend out jumping with her gorgeous coloured mare, Belle, winning the Redhall Autumn Derby! Sharon has taken home a lovely silver trophy to prove it and is really pleased with the progress of her young horse, who seems to be taking everything in her stride so far! Well done Sharon!


17th October - Sad News for Jamie Codd

This weekend's Point to Point racing really showcased the ups and downs of equestrian sport. Following his history making achievement of last weekend, Jamie Codd found himself at the other side of the spectrum this week. After riding one winner at Kilsheehan, Jamie suffered a fall in the last and has been diagnosed with a suspected broken femur. This is a devastating blow to the jockey who is likely to be on the sidelines for a prolonged period. His rival Derek O'Connor rode six winners at Loughrea, winning all races he was qualified to ride in. This season promised to match, if not better the rivalry between the the two riders of last season, so the loss of Jamie is a major blow to the sport as a whole. We wish Jamie all the best and a speedy recovery from all at Old Mill Saddlery.


10th October - Old Mill Sponsored Jockey Rides into the History Books!

In history, only two point to point jockeys have won all races on their card. That was until Sunday when Jamie Codd made it three, riding six winners at Tinahely! It was 23 years ago when this was last achieved by John Berry and 29 years before that when Brian McLernon became the first to have a perfect sheet - proving just how tricky a feat this is! Jamie rode all six for different trainers, including the 4 year old Maiden for his brother Willie. By all accounts it was a typical point to point day and a combination of good luck and good riding brought Jamie out on top! This combined with the 100 winners Jamie rode last year is bringing the sport to a much wider audience! A huge congratulations from all at Old Mill - you have done us proud!
To read more on Jamie's Outstanding Weekend, visit www.p2p.ie

10th October - Innishowen Clover Wins at North West Association Working Hunter League

The 1st leg of the NWWHA winter league kindly sponsored by Old Mill Saddlery got under way on Sunday 2nd October at the new RDA arena in Coleraine. Competitors turned out in force, polished, plaited and raring to go.
Pony entries were strong, with Judge Sam Workman pushed to separate some tight classes. It was nice to see new faces among the regulars. Jennifer Torrens looking good on a new mount and old hands Paeder Mclaughlin and Rebecca Sim dividing the spoils fairly in the 90cm and 1m classes.

Horse classes had even better numbers with Judge Michael Lewis commenting on the lovely atmosphere, the fantastic arena and the friendly and considerate competitors.Again it was great to welcome new members and old alike.
Some lovely youngsters were out for the 1st time and had plenty to see and do with lots of fillers, greenery and the usual barrels to pop over - some popping higher than others! Old hand Chris Eakin/Black Magic made it look very easy winning the 4/5yr old class!

Jan Barr/Brody went home with a big smile winning the smalls class on a first attempt. Gillian Murdoch and Abbey impressed the Judge with a lovely forward round, collecting the red rosette in the 70cm for their efforts. It was lovely to see Julie Smyth/Humphrey being cheered on from the side by her (not so little) baby and going on to take the red in the 90cm. Julie Bleakley/ Innishowen Clover rounded the day off in style winning the 1m class with their usual style, a combination well worth watching this season.

Grateful thanks to all who scrubbed up and turned out, (it wouldn’t work without you), The RDA for allowing us to use a fabulous arena, Both judges for their time, energy, patience and enthusiasm, To Thompsons (PEGUS) feeds for sending 1st prize winners home with enough feed to ensure supper for the next fortnight.

It was a great day all round with smiley faces and no tears and long may it continue!

Join us at the next event held in The RDA, Castleroe RD, Coleraine on Sunday 6th November. See you then!