Endurance success continues at Shane’s Castle

ILDRA offers enjoyable riding opportunities - from Shane's Castle Estate to St Patrick's Coast Endurance Ride

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle, Antrim, on Sunday, June 15, with a great turnout of riders taking part in pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs). Pleasant riding conditions on the day allowed riders to enjoy the variety of trails within both the Shane’s Castle Estate and the neighbouring Randalstown Forest Park from woodland to open farmland and riverside trails beside the River Maine flowing into the nearby Lough Neagh.

Attending veterinary surgeon, Julie Dauncey, MRCVS, was kept busy by the number of horses undergoing vet checks pre- and post-ride as part of the endurance process, with some riders choosing to vet to gain further insight into their horse’s levels of fitness.

Riders enjoying the woodland trails at Shane's Castle, during the ILDRA ride.

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Emma Hayes, who has previously competed in endurance on her horses ‘Yasser Arafat' and ‘Dukes Court’, completed her first CTR on her horse ‘Almaz’ Asham’, who has been gradually trained up in endurance since the age of four years old, taking part in a variety of vetted pleasure rides. ‘Almaz’ Asham’ gained the first stage of his Bronze Shamrock Qualifier.

Emma Hayes with ‘Almaz' Asham’ following the completion of their Bronze Shamrock Qualifier at the ILDRA ride at Shane’s Castle.

The ILDRA Shamrock System offers a safe way to build both horse and rider fitness and the knowledge on completing longer distance rides, as well as offering excellent exposure and training opportunities for young horses. Congratulations go to all horses and riders completing vetted rides.

Judy Maxwell from Bailey’s Horse Feeds was also in attendance to offer feeding advice to riders, as well as a kind donation of a bag of feed, with Jocelyn Willis and her horse ‘Sam’ being the lucky recipients. Thanks go to Judy and Bailey’s Horse Feeds for their continued support at ILDRA rides and events over the years.

Jocelyn Willis and ‘Sam’ with their bag of Meadow Sweet feed, kindly donated by Bailey's Horse Feeds, at the ILDRA ride at Shane’s Castle.

Thanks go to the ride organisation team of Ros Morcombe, Roseanna Andrews, the McFarland family, John Anderson, Jocelyn Willis, Claire Walker and family, and Mary Letch for their hard work in running the event 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.

Ride organiser Ros Morcombe getting the opportunity to enjoy the trails at Shane's Castle, during the ILDRA ride.

Many riders attending Shane’s Castle will have their sights set on the annual St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride, as Ireland’s premier competitive endurance and pleasure riding event. Starting at Downpatrick Racecourse, the ride meanders through the stunning scenery of the Lecale landscape of rolling drumlin hills, open farmland, wide sandy beaches and spectacular views towards the Mourne Mountains.

Taking place on Sunday, August 31 for 2025, for its 10th event, there will be a wide variety of distances and classes on offer, including the return of the hotly contested vetted pleasure ride competition, where teams of riders and their horses compete for a chance to win the many prizes on offer at St Patrick’s Coast from the brilliant range of sponsors. Prize-giving takes place at the evening dinner event, where landowners, farmers and the many stewards, volunteers and sponsors of St Patrick’s Coast join the riders and organising committee for a night of good food, excellent company and the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony.

Check out the St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride dedicated website or Facebook page for further information and don’t forget about the many countless hours given over on a voluntary basis to help clear and prepare the route - if you have free time, helping out is an excellent way to see the route and contribute towards the success of the ride.

Crossing the River Maine during the ILDRA ride at Shane’s Castle.

ILDRA’s next ride, offering both pleasure rides and competitive trail rides takes place on Sunday, August 3 at Shane’s Castle - all entries must be made online and in advance via ILDRA’s Facebook page.

RESULTS

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Shane’s Castle Estate

48km (30 miles) CTR:

Helen McFarland, Chalima de Gueyte.

40km (25 miles) CTR:

Bree Rutledge, Clovermount Rhinestone.

32km (20 miles) CTR:

Emma Hayes, Almaz’ Asham; Roseanna Andrews, Puzzle Piece; Hannah Wilding, NWF Financial Bouncer.

16km (10 miles) VPR:

Annabelle Kray, Lola.