Record entries at Omagh High's Annual Charity Horse Show
Fantastic day of competition at Annual Charity Horse Show
THURSDAY, October 1 saw the much-anticipated return of Omagh High School’s Annual Charity Horse Show at Ecclesville Equestrian Centre, Fintona, with a record entry making for a fantastic day of competition.
An impressive 42 schools were represented, with competitors travelling from across
Counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Armagh, Antrim and Donegal. By the time the final class drew to a close, more than 250 competitors had passed through the arena.
Proceedings got underway promptly at 9am, with competitors tackling a wide range of
classes and challenging courses designed by Raymond Caldwell and judged by Laura Haughey.
There was an outstanding selection of prizes on offer throughout the day, including
perpetual cups and shields, horse rugs, bales of shavings, bags of horse treats and a host of other equine-related prizes. These were generously sponsored by Boyd Bedding, Omagh Equestrian and Country Wear, Baileys Horse Feeds, Delta Health & Performance, Woodland Haulage, and Glenpark Estate.
As the sun shone over Ecclesville, County Fermanagh got the day off to a flying start when Alex Thompson, Irvinestown Primary School claimed the Starter Stakes trophy.
In the Newcomers class, Esmée Wilds, Omagh High School took the honours, while Olivia Alexander, Omagh Academy lifted the Omagh High School Perpetual Cup following an excellent performance in the Novice 60cm class.
The Ride and Run Novelty Class provided plenty of excitement and entertainment, with Ella Nevin and Isabelle Wallace, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School racing to victory to claim the H.F. Equine Perpetual Cup after a thrilling competition.
Omagh High School past pupil Sophie Gurney produced a superb performance to win the 70cm Speed Class in an impressive 37.06 seconds. Myra McCarroll, Denamona Primary School was close on her heels, securing the 2 nd place in 38.59 seconds.
The tension mounted as the competition moved into the Novice Inter-Schools Team event, which attracted 12 teams from four counties. Enniskillen Royal Grammar School emerged victorious in the secondary school section, lifting the Charlene Wilson Memorial Cup. While in the primary school section, the Mini Mix Team from Cooley and Denamona Primary Schools claimed the Quigley Perpetual Cup.
Competition was equally fierce in the Individual Inter-Schools Novice class. From a field of 54 competitors representing five counties, Cara McCarton, Omagh Academy produced an inch-perfect round to take the title AT Morrow Memorial Cup. Elsa Lee, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, secured the runner-up spot taking home the Kerr Bros Perpetual Shield.
The Open Inter-Schools competition saw the individual title remain with the show hosts.
Lilly McCrea, Omagh High School delivered an excellent clear round in a blistering 18.81 seconds to claim the Wagging Tails Shield.
Enniskillen Royal Grammar School continued their successful day with another outstanding team performance, securing the Open Inter-Schools Team title and winning the Lyons Transport Perpetual Cup.
The final competition of the day, the Individual Metre Open Class, saw Tegan Mulgrew,
Rainey Endowed School bring proceedings to a fitting close, clinching the title with a stylish performance and winning Sperrin Springs Perpetual Cup.
Presentation and turnout were also recognised throughout the show, with numerous Tack and Turnout prizes awarded across the classes. The new coveted Overall Best Tack and Turnout award went to Willow Sloane and April, who were immaculately presented.
After a marathon day of jumping and record entries, the 2026 Omagh High School Charity Horse Show proved another tremendous success, bringing together schools and young equestrians from across Northern Ireland and Donegal for a memorable day of competition, camaraderie and support for a very worthy cause.
The success of the show has resulted in an impressive £1,300 being raised for Inspire
Stables, Omagh Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). A cheque will be presented to the local group to support its invaluable work with young people throughout the Omagh area.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Show organiser Mrs Samantha Thompson expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the day.
“We are extremely grateful to the local businesses whose generous sponsorship made the
event possible, as well as our judge, course builder, arena and entry staff, the staff of
Ecclesville Equestrian Centre, Fane Valley, parents and friends of Omagh High School, and of course the many competitors who travelled to take part. A huge thank you must also go to everyone who supported the show or helped in any way. It was very much a team effort and their contribution helped make the day such a fantastic success.
“The local RDA group provides an invaluable service to many young people within our
community, and Omagh High School is delighted to be able to support the important work they carry out.”
Results
Starter Stakes, Tyre-Stop Shield: 1. Alex Thompson, Joey; 2. Olivia Marechaux, Spud; 3. Melanie Morrison Wright, Harry
Starter Stakes Tack & Turnout: Darcie Holden, Sophie.
Newcomers, Tyre-Tec Cup: 1. Esmée Wilds, Ging; 2. Amelia McFarland, Henry; 3. Toby Callion, Stell
Newcomers Tack & Turnout: Scarlett Jobb, Snickers.
Novice 60cm, Omagh High School Cup: 1. Olivia Alexander, Ging: 2. Cora Parker, Rambo; 3. Amelia Stewart, Polka
Connolly Shield, Tack & Turnout: Willow Sloane
Ride and Run, H.F Equine Perpetual Cup: 1. Ella Nevin & Isabelle Wallace, Remy. 2. Amelia Devlin & Sarah Devlin 3. Eva McCafferty & Grace McCafferty, Misty 4.Aoife Maguire & Alicia Cullen, Stella 5. Jessica McGlinchey and India Conlin, Pepper 6. Emma Jane Crawford & Annie Crawford, Y Eye Man
70cm Speed Class, Woodland Haulage: 1. Sophie Gurney, Brookvale Charley 2. Myra McCarroll, Lottie 3. Farrah Buchanan 4. Thea Lynch, Rosie 5. Ella Nevin, Sophie 6. Emma Jane Crawford, Gucci
Inter-Schools Novice Team: 1. Quigley Perpetual Primary School Cup- Mini Mix, Myra McCarroll, Pippa Dickson & Joey Dickson) 1. Charlene Wilson Memorial Secondary School Cup - Enniskillen Rotal Team Two 2. Markethill High School 3. Royal School Armagh Blue Team 4. Royal School Armagh Red Team 5. Enniskillen Royal Team One 6. Omagh Academy
Novice Inter-Schools Individual: 1. AT Morrow Memorial Cup Cara McCartan, Bo 2. Kerr Bros Perpetual Shield Elsa Lee, Mouse 3. Grace Duffy, Sparky 4. Ella Jane Johnson, John 5. Clodagh McLoughlin, Kelby 6. Annie Crawford, Lockdown
Novice Inter-Schools Tack & Turnout: Jessica Clarke, Maisie.
Open Inter-Schools Team Lyons Transport Perpetual Cup: 1. Enniskillen Royal Team Two 2. Royal School Armagh Blue Team 3. Schoil Mhuire Team Two 4. Omagh High School 5. Schoil Mhuire Team One 6. Enniskillen Royal Team One
Open Inter-Schools Individual, Wagging Tails Shield: 1. Lilly McCrea, Gamesport T’Other 2. Lily Kelly, Slaney 3.Katie Nevin, Jack 4. Tegan Mulgrew, Princess 5. Sophie Johnson, Lily 6. Eva McConnell, Max
Open Inter-Schools Tack &: Turnout; Leah Preston, Mullaghboy Diamond
1 Metre Open Individual, Sperrin Springs Perpetual Cup: 1. Tegan Mulgrew, Ruby 2. Eva McConnell, Max 3. Ellie Coalter, Reuben 4. Molly Lee, Manny 5. Imogen Heap, Chico 6. Sarah Louise Devlin, Lady