Dressage Ireland made the decision to hold, for the first time, the National Dressage Championships in Northern Ireland and what a fabulous decision this was!

The venue is so fitting to the art of dressage - Necarne Castle is graceful, full of charm and elegance and has an ambience which echoes the years in time since the original castle was built. History tells us that the Estate was given by King James I of England to Sir Christopher Irvine in 1613 but it's history is a little difficult to follow from that time - suffice to say that it is the most beautiful estate of over 200 acres of rolling hills and rivers which now houses one of the finest equestrian facilities in the country.

Necarne Castle in Irvinestown, County Fermanagh is just a short drive from Enniskillen and also houses the Enniskillen Agricultural College.

The dressage arenas were in the original "walled garden" which is fuly enclosed by the original high stone walls with a beautiful arched entrance to it through which horses, supporters and spectators came through, giving the event a wonderful feel of ceremony.

The modern touch of the French crepes at the entrance did not detract - and this man's wonderful French accent greeted people as they ordered everything from breakfast crepes to delicious strawberries or banana crepes complete with chocolate and cream!

Before we take you on the guided tour of a fabulous four days at Necarne Castle the jumpingaround.com crew would like to thank

Kelly Troughton and Ethna Smythe who pulled out all stops to help us locate a vet in double quick time when our gelding went down very quickly a nasty dose of gas colic when frightened by fire crackers going off at the back of our stables. Both Kelly and Ethna quickly found us a vet and kept things calm for us while dealing with all the other arrivals on what had no doubt been a long day.

I am pleased to say that the horse was fine the next morning and competed during the Championships thanks to these two wonderful ladies.

Pictured right - My Celtic Tiger ridden by Gemma Gordon for Celtic Winners Stud Australia. This tough 16.2hh gelding has a history and this just adds to it - his mother was stolen when he was just 2 weeks old, and he was not expected to make it. He did make it and has grown into a strong young horse with a great Irish mind which he inherited from his Irish Draught sire, Holy Diamond (of Monty Robert fame) and his dam was an Australian thoroughbred.

And back to the wonderful Necarne Castle - the warm up arena has recently been resurfaced and was a great place for all the competitors to work their horses with plenty of space for all - and there is no doubt that it was the place where most of the spectators gathered from the early hours of the morning till early evening.

Luckily the food van was handy to the warm up - and they too started their days early to make sure there was coffee, tea and hot breakfast for all from first light through till the last competitor left the warmup arena - and the quality of the food was fabulous - no greasy joe's here! Fresh made hamburgers with a great variety of fillings to add in and so reasonably priced - thanks to all the staff at Kitty's Kitchen who smiled all day every day and had a freindly word for all!