October sounds like such a long way off but in reality it is not - and as the Northern Ireland International Horse Show gets closer the qualifiers have begun around the country for the coveted showjumping places available.

The first qualifier was held in Dromiskin and attracted excellent numbers in both horse and pony classes.

Dromiskin began with the Amateur classes and this was won by Eleanora Cunningham from Ballymartin, County Down riding Holly Balloo and they have secured their place at the International show, as did Bertram Allen and his 128cm pony Magic Shadow. Jordan Coyle made doubly sure of qualification by taking 1st and 2nd place in the 138cm pony class and Emma Smyth secured her trip to Belfast in the 148cm class with Dream Cruise.

Arena 2 hosted the 1.10m and this class was won by Lisa Priestley and Dolly's Buzz who were also the 2006 Northern Ireland International Horse Show 1.10m and 1.20m winners and they will be back to defend their title in 2007.

Suzanne Wright and Afred K took the 1.20m qualifier, while the 1.30m win went to Simon Trent riding Max 191. The 1.20m Young Rider event was won by Sarrah Curran and Cantus T.

RESULTS- QUALIFIED

Class 1 Amateurs:
1. ELEANORA CUNNINGHAM, HOLLY BALLOO
2. RACHEL MAGEE, LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE
3. SAMANTHA DALE, DEE VEE DALE
4. FRANCES MELLETT, UNKNOWN TERRITORY
5. ALISTAIR MEGAHEY, CITY TOUCH
6. LISA LYONS, TOMS DICE
7. JOHN RAFFERTY, THE GLENS MAN

Class 2 128 AB:
1. BERTRAM ALLEN, MAGIC SHADOW
2. AOIFE DOOLEY, STRAWBERRY TWIST
3. CAOLIN RICE, WELSH WONDER
4. MATT GARRIGAN, MY LITTLE SWEETHEART
5. PARAIC KENNY, DANS HILL

Class 3 138 AB:
1. JORDAN COYLE, THE MASTERS LADY
2. JORDAN COYLE, BANNER BAY
3. SHANNON MACKENZIE, SONAS BARNEY
4. SEAMUS MCSORLEY, ANNAGHMORE BOOMERANG
5. SOPHIE DALM, ALPENTAL CRYSTAL CANYON

Class 4 148 AB:
1. EMMA SMYTH, DREAM CRUISE
2. ALEX BULLER, BUNDY
3. EMILY TURKINGTON, FUTURE INTREST
4. DANIEL COYLE, KELLEENY CANDY
5. DANIEL COYLE, LADY LOUGH

Class 5 1.10m S:
1. LISA PRIESTLY, DOLLY'S BUZZ
2. SUZIE CAVE, VERITE VAN HET KASTANJEHOF
3. LOREN FRAZER, LEAPY GRANGE
4. GERARD CLARKE, EASTER KING
5. TAYLOR VARD, LURGIES PRIDE
6. ALO MCENTEE, CHEKANE
7= BETH YOUNG, WILLIE WEE and MICHELLE DESMOND, AQUI

Class 6 1.20m S:
1. SUZANNE WRIGHT, ALFRED K
2. SIMON TRENT, CAPELINE
3. DERMOTT LENNON, HALLMARK ELITE
4. ALO MCENTEE, CHEKANE
5. LISA PRIESTLY, RAYMOND KWPN
6. AISLING BYRNE, GLEN AMBER
7. SARAH KILPATRICK, BROOKVILLE

Class 7 1.30m Speed S:
1. SIMON TRENT, MAX 191
2. JOHN FLOODY, WOMACK
3. AOIFE KELLY, CARTE DOR
4. TAYLOR VARD, LOWHILLS BLACK MAGICK
5. DERMOTT LENNON, HALLMARK ELITE
6. GERARD CLARKE, KELLSWATER CRIMSON
7. SUZIE CAVE, JETSON

Class 8 1.20m Young Rider:
1. SARAH CURRAN, CANTUS T
2. NICOLA WRIGHT, LEITRIM BIG TIME
3. KIRSTY CHAMBERS, MULVIN LIFT OFF
4. AISLING BYRNE, DEERPARK CRUISING
5. AISLING BYRNE, BALLAGH MONTANA
6. EOIN GALLAGHER, DARLING BOY Z
7. NIALL MCALINDEN, MASTER HIGGINS

Will be seen at Belfast in October for the Northern Ireland International Horse Show - above left - Jordan Coyle and above right - Emma Smyth.

PHOTOS COURTESY: PRIME PHOTOGRAPHY