Mossvale rides to success at our awards

Mossvale Riding School received the accolade ahead of an Olympic task this summer as they help design some of the show-jumping courses at London 2012.

The business was praised for its dedication to achieving the highest standards in the field of agriculture, having been involved in some of the biggest equestrian events of recent years.

Raymond Jess, who runs the business with his wife Shirley and their son Nigel, said he was delighted to be recognised in this category.

“It’s a great honour to have won this award,” he said. “Working with some of the top people and at some of the top events in the world has brought our business to the top.”

Nigel will travel to London in July and help with course design during a three-week period at the Olympics - it will be a highlight in a very bus year, he said.

“Just before the Olympics we are at Hickstead - a well-known equestrian event in London, then straight after we come home and head to the Dublin Horse Show.”

He said the fact the business is family-run contributes to its success.

“We all specialise and bring our own expertise to the business. I am a qualified electrician and had never had an interest in horses until my wife introduced me to it 25 years ago - and we have built the business up from there.

“My son Nigel will travel to London with a team of 30 volunteers - 18 of whom are from Northern Ireland - and they will work at the Olympics. It is just an honour to be invited to be part of something like that.”