OUTSTANDING SUCCESS FOR EQUESTRIAN CENTRE AT THE EQUINE AWARDS NI

Kirsty Jackson, Adrienne Stuart and Courtney Stuart.

Hoofpick are extremely proud of our clients Gransha Equestrian Centre and Knockagh View Equestrian Centre who were both recipients of awards at the white tie event at Titanic Belfast on June 25.

Some exceptional nominations were received for individuals and establishments including: Veterinary Practices, Farriers, Equine Transporters, Riding Schools, Riding Instructors, Young Coach, Volunteers and Trainers. The night culminated in the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual who, during their lifetime, has demonstrated significant contribution to the equine world.

Fighting off competition from very deserving finalists, the award for Best Equestrian Centre of the Year went to Gransha Equestrian Centre, owned and run by Adrienne Stuart and family. The Centre was described in the nomination as “a family run Centre with exceptional facilities and a team of staff who are dedicated to providing the best possible riding experience”.

Also picking up awards were Gransha’s Caitlin McKechnie who was awarded Junior Coach of the Year, with Patrick Osborough Highly Commended in the same category, and Zara Crosbie who was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

The final award of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award. The four nominees were equally deserving but ultimately the judges felt that the person whose contribution was worthy of the award was Adrienne Stuart.

Over the last 30 plus years, Adrienne has developed Gransha into a 35 acre, British Horse Society approved, riding school and livery yard with first class indoor and outdoor facilities, which hosts competitions and events all year round.

The attendees heard that Adrienne has enjoyed her own success at eventing, working hunter, showing and producing young horses. A well-respected Course Builder, Adrienne has been building courses at the highest level for early 25 years and she has built challenging and inventive courses at events all over Ireland, including at Balmoral Show.

Gransha Dream Team. Alison Simpson, Adrienne Stuart, Norma Crooks, Barbara Magee, Courtney Stuart and Sara Wafker.

Adrienne’s nomination read: “On a personal level, Adrienne works tirelessly above and beyond running Gransha as a business, she runs it with a commitment and passion that is unparalleled. She is an endless source of advice and support to every single person at Gransha”.

“She has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of all things equine and is always on the go, sourcing horses and ponies, producing young stock, course building, teaching, mentoring staff and giving riders young and old, the opportunity to realise their own equine dreams”.

“What makes Adrienne special is that she does everything through her genuine love of horses, no question is too stupid, no request is too big. Adrienne will respond in her typical, no nonsense manner. She is the utmost professional and sets standards that most people can only dream of achieving”.

“Adrienne is respected, admired and loved by her clients, staff, family and friends, and is undoubtedly deserving of the inaugural Equine Awards NI Lifetime Achievement Award”.

In accepted the award, Adrienne graciously thanked the organisers Ann King and Jennie Deery of Families First and all of the team at Gransha for all their support.

Knockagh View Equestrian Centre established by Ruth Wilson were nominated for Livery Yard of the Year, receiving a highly commended award. Congratulations to Lyn Hanvey who volunteers for Knockagh View Equestrian Centre around the yard each week, receiving an award for Volunteer of the Year.

AWARDS: The Equine Awards NI, celebrated a white tie event at Titanic Belfast on June 25.