ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) concluded the 2023 endurance season with two final pleasure rides for October.
On Sunday, October 8, ILDRA returned to Castle Ward Estate for a second ride around this scenic part of the Lecale countryside, near the shores of Strangford Lough. Riders enjoyed the varied landscape on offer along the Hoof Trail at Castle Ward, from woodland areas to shoreline riding.
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Thanks go to the National Trust Estate staff for allowing access to this route and to the Hayes family for organising the ride.
On Saturday, October 28, ILDRA then headed to Clandeboye Estate near Bangor for the final pleasure ride of the 2023 season. Despite the drizzly and damp weather on the day, the riders enjoyed taking in the sights around the Estate and raised money for the Clandeboye Nature Rangers to provide facilities for their Forest School.
Thanks go to the McFarland family for organising the event and to the Trustees of the Dufferin Foundation and estate manager, Mark Logan.
Watch out for ILDRA’s 2024 calendar becoming available online on ILDRA’s website or on ILDRA’s Facebook page.