Donaghadee Beach Team Relay 2022
It was noon on a typical overcast day down on Donaghadee Beach. But on this particular Saturday the 20th August, the usual tidal flow was interrupted by the unusual appearance of show jumps scattered across the beach.
45 horses and riders, all impeccably turned out, were quickly drawing excited crowds to the shoreline. It was the annual Donaghadee Beach Team Relay. Spectators filled the walkway along the Parade anticipating the start of the event organised by Gransha Equestrian and kindly sponsored by Pier 36 bar & restaurant.
After a brief delay, when a riderless horse had to be coaxed out of the ocean before making it to Scotland, the event was under way! 9 teams - the biggest field to date - each with 4 horses and riders, were positioned around the starting point. Their challenge was to get around a course of 6 fences and pass a baton to each team member, until all members completed the course. The fastest team overall would win.
A £1000 prize pool was all to ride for with the crowd cheering and encouraging every horse and rider out on the course!
As 'time and tide wait for none' the action-packed afternoon galloped by, with first place going to team Jabba Hutts, second place to team Not Fast, Just Furious, and third place to team Gilford Riding Club, who did it in style and also snagged Best Turned Out Team awarded by Paul & Deborah from Hoofpick.
Photo credits: Gransha Equestrian
Well done to Gransha Equestrian for such a superb event, looking forward to next year!
