ILDRA commences competitive endurance season at Cam Forest
Pleasure rides and competitive rides offered at Limavady venue
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) kicked off their 2024 competitive endurance season, with a ride around the remote and rugged Cam Forest near Limavady on Sunday, February 25, with CTRs (competitive trail rides), VPRs (vetted pleasure rides) and PRs (pleasure rides) on offer for the participants.
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Several riders chose to take part in a vetted ride, keeping vet Sonia Serramia MCRVS busy. Some were seasoned endurance riders, others were new to the sport, with Gavin Baillie taking part in his first CTR on his 17hh Belgian Warmblood, ‘Le Grand Van’. Congratulations go to Gavin and his horse and all riders taking part in a vetted ride.
Cam Forest’s trails offer wonderful views across the nearby scenic countryside and wind through the forest park, passing by rivers and waterfalls. With a variety of climbs in the forest, it offers excellent fitness opportunities for both horse and rider.
Thanks go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Cam Forest and to Kirsten Conly, John Anderson and the McFarland family for organising and running the ride on the day. Thanks also go to Judy Maxwell of Bailey’s Horse Feeds for sponsoring a bag of horse feed for each of ILDRA’s ride events, with the lucky rider having their entry number drawn out and being presented at the ride, well done to the winners so far, with Ian Milford on ‘Spinner’ being the lucky winners of the prize at Cam Forest.
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ILDRA’s next ride, with pleasure rides only, takes place at Castle Ward near Strangford on Sunday, March 10 - all entries must be made in advance and online. Check out ILDRA’s website for further details of upcoming rides.
RESULTS
Sunday, February 25
Cam Forest
CTR 32km (20 miles):
Susan Hunter, Colour Cascade; Roseanna Andrew, Puzzle Piece; Gavin Baillie, Le Grand Van; Helen McFarland, Chalima de Gueyte.
VPR 20km (12.5 miles):
Emma Hayes, Almaz’ Asham.
VPR 22km (13.5 miles):
Karina McVeigh, Coco.