I am going to be spending more time in Belfast from now on. Any NI people on here who can point me in the right direction re dressage venues, competitions, trainers?
For competitions the main spots seem to be Laurelview EC, which is in Templepatrick, quite close to Belfast, Knockagh Lodge in Greenisland - even closer than Templepatrick - and Danescroft, near Lisburn/Hillsborough... about the same distance again.
Try all the local riding clubs as well. For non-Dressage Ireland comps I know that a local EC to us, Peninsula Equestrian in Greyabbey (approx 30mins from Belfast) runs leagues, as do our nearest riding clubs (between 20 and 45/50 mins from Belfast). I'll be going for these options hopefully when I move back up next month, then may step up to D.I. next summer if all goes well
I dabble in dressage in NI My trainer is not on the list, but he is an excellent trainer and judges at a lot of comps himself, and competes on his own horses too!
If you want to only do dressage in the north then only join NID, if you would like the option to ride at the all ireland champs/comps then register with DI!
Ravensdale do a lot of unaff dressage, as do knockagh view
There's also saintfield just outside belfast which is on a bus route which might be handy if your not bringing your own transport.
Or if your bringing your own horse there's alison maston who freelance teaches, her details are on the bhs instructors website.