Enthusiastic riders support East Antrim RDA ride at Shane's Castle
Rain may have dampened horses, but not riders' spirits!
The forecast for Sunday, September 17 was not great, but that didn’t put riders off attending the East Antrim RDA charity ride at Shane’s Castle, Antrim. They turned out in their numbers to take part!
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It rained on and off for most of the morning, but this didn’t dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic riders, who all returned from their six-mile hack with smiley, happy faces and some very damp and dirty horses! They were welcomed back with their much appreciated Goody Bags thanks to Judy Maxwell, Baileys Horse Feeds, who provided sample feed for horses and to Co-op for goodies for riders.
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This is the fifth year for this ride to be held at Shane’s Castle and every year the enthusiastic volunteers turn out to enjoy this fundraiser, which finances the East Antrim RDA group to run for the year ahead. Without these funds, they would not be able to enhance the lives of all the kids from Hillcroft and Thornfield House Schools (Newtownabbey), who join the group on Mondays throughout their school year at Laurelview Equestrian Centre, Templepatrick.
Thanks go in particular, to all the RDA volunteers for marshalling out on track and back at check in. Organisers also want to thank Shane O’Neill, who grants his permission for the use of his beautiful surroundings at Shane’s Castle Estate.
The supportive riders have learnt over the years that RDA run a super day and are always amazed by the generous ballot.Organisers were most grateful to the sponsors of the ballot: Old Mill Saddlery provided numnahs and spot prizes of baseball caps. There were also vouchers from Doagh Farm Feeds, Clare Vets, Greenmount Stores, Jackson’s Butcher, Knockaghview Equestrian, Pots of Pleasure and Abode Coffee shops. Ian McCluggage IM Equestrian and Laurelview Equestrian provided vouchers for private lessons. There were other goodies from Red Mills, Dennison Commercials, Medicare and Tesco.
Between the ride entry fees, the generous ballot ticket purchases and donations, the ride raised the fantastic sum of £2,400! Sincere thanks are extended to everyone who supported the ride in any way; these funds will be put to good use in the months ahead.