NICDA Dyan One Day Event Defies the Elements

After torrential rain lashed the venue throughout Friday, many questioned what Saturday would bring. By dawn, however, the skies had cleared, the sun broke through, and Dyan was bathed in glorious sunshine. While the previous day’s downpour had left the ground heavy and the entrance challenging, it certainly failed to dampen the spirits of the competitors, officials and volunteers who gathered for another memorable Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association One Day Event.

Organised by the Morrison/Wright family, competitors travelled from across Northern Ireland and beyond to enjoy a day of friendly competition. Although the muddy conditions presented an early challenge, an incredible team effort ensured the event got off to the best possible start.

One of the true heroes of the morning was Alwyn Morrison, who was on site from first light with his trusty tractor. As lorries and trailers arrived, he patiently towed competitor after competitor safely into position, ensuring everyone could settle in without delay. His efforts set the tone for a day where teamwork and goodwill were evident at every turn.

The Wright family generously made their land available for the event. Despite the difficult conditions at the entrance, the venue proved to be an excellent setting for the competition, and their continued support of carriage driving is greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

Overseeing proceedings was Technical Delegate Lewis Black, whose calm professionalism ensured the competition ran safely and efficiently throughout the day. NICDA Chairman Dominic Muldoon praised not only the excellent organisation but also the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of NICDA events. In the dressage arena, Sarah Clinghan brought her wealth of experience to the judging, offering fair, consistent marks alongside words of encouragement that were appreciated by competitors in every class.

The cones phase provided another highlight of the competition. Beautifully designed and set out, the course flowed naturally across the field, offering a fair yet technical test of accuracy, control and partnership between horse and driver. It challenged competitors of every level while rewarding smooth, confident driving, producing some excellent rounds and providing an enjoyable spectacle for competitors and spectators alike.

No country sporting event would be complete without good food, and William’s burger van quickly became the social hub of the day. From hearty breakfast rolls early in the morning to burgers, hot drinks and refreshments throughout the afternoon, it kept competitors, officials and spectators well fuelled.

Behind the scenes, an outstanding team of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran like clockwork. Obstacle judges, stewards, scorers, timekeepers, parking marshals, gate stewards and numerous helpers all played an essential role in delivering another successful event. Their hard work often goes unnoticed, but without them, days like this simply could not happen.

Despite the testing conditions underfoot, the standard of driving was exceptionally high, with impressive performances across every section.

Class Winners

Gateway

🏆Overall Winner – Mark McAleese

Novice Horse

🏆 Overall Winner Alison Bryson

Novice Pony

🏆Overall Winner Philip Stranney

Novice Horse Pair

🏆 Overall Winner Emma Berwick

Open Horse

🏆Overall Winner Jeffrey Lyons

🥈 Alex Bryson

🥉 Edwin Bryson

Open Pony

🏆Overall Winner Denise Taylor

🥈 Jim Maginess

Open Pony Pair

🏆Overall Winner Christine Wright

Pre-Novice Horse

🏆Overall Winner David Morrison

Pre-Novice Pony

🏆 Overall Winner Joe McAleese

🥈 Clare Allison

Small Pony / VSE

🏆Overall Winner Jacqueline Maginess

Every competitor deserves tremendous credit. From the opening dressage test to the final marathon obstacle, drivers tackled every challenge with determination, skill and good humour. Although Friday’s rain left its mark on the ground, Saturday’s glorious sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for a wonderful day’s competition, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved never wavered.

More than anything, the Dyan One Day Event once again demonstrated what makes the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association so special. Beyond the rosettes and results lies a sport built on friendship, mutual support and a willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed. Whether towing in lorries before the first competitor started, judging obstacles, recording scores or simply encouraging fellow drivers, the true spirit of carriage driving shone throughout the day.

NICDA extends its sincere thanks to the Morrison/Wright families for organising the event, the Wright family for providing the venue, Technical Delegate Lewis Black, dressage judge Sarah Clinghan, Chairman Dominic Muldoon, William and his catering team, Alwyn Morrison and family, together with every volunteer whose dedication, enthusiasm and hard work made the event such a tremendous success.

As the final carriage left the field and the sun slowly set over Dyan, competitors departed with muddy wheels but smiling faces. While this event will undoubtedly be remembered for the dramatic contrast between Friday’s torrential rain and Saturday’s glorious sunshine, it will be remembered even more for the outstanding teamwork, resilience and camaraderie shown by everyone involved.

Attention now turns to the next fixture on the NICDA calendar as competitors prepare for the prestigious Shane’s Castle Horse Driving Trials, where another superb weekend of carriage driving awaits.