ILDRA concludes 2024 season with Autumnal Rides

Castle Ward and Cam Forest rides bring the season to a close

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) headed to Castle Ward Estate near Strangford for the second time this year on Saturday, October 19 for a day of pleasure riding. With fine weather on the day, the attending riders enjoyed making their way around the Hoof Trail at Castle Ward, which takes in a wide variety of scenery including woodlands, open parklands, the shores of Strangford Lough and views towards the main Castle Ward mansion house.

Jane Bruce and ‘Minx’ were both delighted to receive a bag of Bailey’s Horse Feed from Emma Hayes at Castle Ward.

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Thanks go to the National Trust for allowing access to this venue and to the Hayes family for marking and running the ride on the day.

ILDRA’s final ride for 2024 took place at the remote and rugged Cam Forest, located near Limavady, on Sunday, October 27. Despite the damp weather on the day, the riders enjoyed taking part in pleasure rides, vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs) on the mountainous trails of Cam Forest, which offers stunning views across the Binevenagh landscape.

A group of pleasure riders ready to head off at Cam Forest.

Thanks go to attending veterinary surgeon Julie Dauncy MRCVS for checking over the horses taking part in vetted rides. Thanks also go to Kirsten Conly and John Anderson for marking and running the ride on the day. Thanks also go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Cam Forest.

Thanks go to Bailey’s Horse Feeds and Judy Maxwell for their support for ILDRA rides throughout 2024, with their kind donation of a bag of feed at every ILDRA ride as a prize for a lucky rider. The winner of a bag of feed at Castle Ward was Jane Bruce, with Evelyn Meharg the winner at Cam Forest.

Evelyn Meharg receiving her bag of Bailey's Horse Feed from John Anderson at the Cam Forest ride.

Any ILDRA members wishing to apply for trophies or mileage rosettes must complete their award application and send copies of their log books by November 20 - see ILDRA’s Facebook page or website for further details.

Keep an eye out for ILDRA’s upcoming calendar for 2025, you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the fabulous venues offering safe, off-road riding in a variety of locations across Northern Ireland and distances suitable for all.

Bree Rutledge on ‘Jewel’ and Jane Bruce on ‘Minx’ enjoyed their pleasure ride in the sunshine at Castle Ward.

RESULTS

Sunday, October 27

Cam Forest

40km (25 mile) CTR:

Keri Black, Pascal.

32km (20 mile) VPR:

Emma Hayes, Almaz’ Asham.

Views of the Cam Forest trails through the ears of Almaz' Asham.