Bel-Air Hotel and Equestrian Centre

– News Spring 2010

News from Bel-Air Spring 2010

Can you believe we have had real snow at Bel-Air. The Christmas period had been quite frosty which then turned into snow in the new year. This was proper powdery snow of which we normally see little of in Ireland. Bel-Air looked like your beautiful Christmas card but in real life! An alpine view in minature form! It did curtail our riding activities but the horses got a well earned rest.

Art Exhibition "Bel-Air Horses and Riders"

Bel-Air Hotel hosted an exhibition of the well known artists Kenneth Webb, Susan Webb, Clare Cryan and Sara Sue McNeill. "Bel-Air Horses and Riders" being the theme of the exhibition. Many of their paintings found new homes. Much of the inspiration for their artwork came from Bel-Air and the surrounding area. These artists have a long association with Bel-Air and it's wonderful to see it through their eyes

Fundraising Party

We raised a staggering €5710 for our local Order of Malta Ambulance Service. A brilliant night was had by all. Everyone looked fantastic. We are so used to seeing everyone in their jodphurs and boots and "hat hair", dare I say some of us were almost unrecognisable!

Photo Shoot

Bel-Air is a popular place for photo shoots. Lately we had one with slightly more unusual models - a team of Husky dogs. Dog sledding is a growing sport in Ireland. They do this without snow believe it or not and any breed of dog can be used. So, instead of seeing horses cantering by the front of the house, you were seeing a team of huskies flying by with a sled behind them - definitely not a sight we have seen in Bel-Air before. For more info on dogsledding look at www.mushing.ie

Birthday Celebration

A very special birthday was celebrated at Bel-Air recently. Carmel, whom many of you will know well, was joined by her friends for her 80th birthday. Carmel has been riding at Bel-Air for almost 50 years and has no intention of retiring yet! After the Sunday morning ride out she came back to the Hotel where she was greeted by family and friends. Champagne, and a magnificent cake in the shape of accross country course was had by all. The cake was a true work of art - almost too good to eat. Carmel is an amazing lady with a great zest for life. It is an honour to have her here at Bel-Air

Hotel

This is the time of year when the log fires really come into their own. There always seems to be great chat going on around them. With pots of tea refilled or another glass of wine ordered, you can feel the reluctance to leave and go back out into the big bad world

New Bus Service directly to Ashford from Dublin Airport

This bus service is now well established and is proving very popular. It makes coming from the airport or Dublin city centre very easy indeed. It pretty much eliminates the need to organise transfers for your holiday break. All information is available on the Bus Eireann website.

That’s all from us for this time.

We hope to see you soon -

Maggie and Noni Law

Bel-Air Equestrian Centre