Competitive endurance season kicks off at Shane’s Castle
Spectacular turnout of horses and riders take to the trails at Antrim estate
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle near Antrim for their second visit in 2025 on Sunday, April 13, with a spectacular turnout of horses and riders. Offering pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs), several riders chose to take part in a vetted ride.
With dry weather on the day, the riders enjoyed the good going on the variety of trails, which wind through the estate at Shane’s Castle and, for those opting to take in a longer route, the forested trails of Randalstown Forest Park were once again available.
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Attending vet, Julie Dauncey MRCVS, was kept busy by the numbers of horses undergoing vet checks pre- and post-ride as part of the endurance process.
Karina McVeigh, who has previously competed up to the Silver Shamrock Level in endurance on her horse ‘Cheyenne’, completed her first CTR on her current horse ‘Cococabana’, with whom Karina has had several recent successes at Eventing Ireland Northern Region events at Tyrella. ‘Cococabana’ gained the first stage of her Bronze Shamrock Qualifier at Shane’s Castle.
Hannah Wilding on her horse ‘NWF Financial Bouncer’ also successfully completed their first CTR together, with both gaining their Bronze Shamrock Qualifier.
Congratulations go to all horses and riders completing endurance rides. The ILDRA Shamrock System offers a safe way to build both horse and rider fitness and the knowledge on completing longer distance rides.
Some lucky riders on the day benefitted from Judy Maxwell from Bailey’s Horse Feeds kind donation of several bags of Tasty Treats to be handed out as spot prizes by the ride organisation team. Thanks go to Judy and Bailey’s Horse Feeds for their continued support at ILDRA rides and events over the years.
ILDRA also offer the option with membership to have a log book for your horse, even if you are only completing pleasure rides this is an opportunity to have your mileage recorded at each event you attend. As you build up your mileage, there are several cumulative pleasure ride rosette mileage awards available, which are awarded each year at ILDRA’s annual AGM, dinner and awards evening.
There are also a variety of trophies available to be won for horse and rider combinations. Why not sign up for a log book - you might be surprised how quickly the miles can add up, with rosette awards starting at 100 miles.
Thanks go to the ride organiser Ros Morcombe, assisted by Ashley Knowles, Kirsten Conly, the McFarland family, John Anderson, Mary Letch, Claire Walker and Pip Holmes for their hard-work before, during and after the ride for marking the trail and ensuring smooth running on the day.
Thanks go to the O’Neill family and Shane’s Castle Estate staff for allowing access to Shane’s Castle, thanks also go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Randalstown Forest Park.
ILDRA’s next ride takes place on Sunday, May 11 at Baronscourt Estate near Newtownstewart, offering CTRs, VPRs and PRs. All entries must be in advance and online via ILDRA’s website. For further information contact ILDRA’s Facebook page.
RESULTS
Sunday, April 13
Shane’s Castle
32km (20 miles) CTR:
Helen McFarland on Chalima de Gueyte; Bree Rutledge on Clovermount Rhinestone; Karina McVeigh on Cococabana; Roseanna Andrew on Puzzle Piece; Hannah Wilding on NWF Financial Bouncer.
32km (20 miles) VPR:
Emma Hayes on Almaz’ Asham.