ILDRA heads to Shane’s Castle for second ride this season
Windy weather doesn't deter pleasure and endurance riders
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle Estate near Antrim for their second event of the year on Sunday, April 7 for a day of pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs).
Despite some windy weather, the attending riders and their horses enjoyed the woodland trails on offer at Shane’s Castle, which meander around Lough Neagh and the River Maine.
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For riders opting to do a longer distance, they could also head into the neighbouring Randalstown Forest Park to add on some extra mileage.
Attending veterinary surgeon, Julie Dauncey MCRVS was kept busy, with several riders choosing to take part in vetted rides. Some riders also chose to take part in longer distances of 64km (40 miles), however, unfortunately these riders chose to withdraw or did not pass their final vettings, highlighting the paramount focus of horse welfare and wellbeing within endurance riding. Whilst some days in endurance do not end as desired, the experiences and training gained aid in the overall progression of both horse and rider within the discipline.
Thanks go to the ride organiser, David Cunningham and helpers, Ros Morcombe, Mary Letch, Roberta Brown and John Anderson, for their assistance on the day. Thanks also go to Shane’s Castle Estate and the O’Neill family for allowing access to Shane’s Castle and to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Randalstown Forest Park.
Thanks also go to Judy Maxwell of Bailey’s Horse Feeds for their continued support in 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!
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ILDRA’s next ride featuring PRs, VPRs and CTRs takes place on Sunday, April 21 at Florencecourt Estate near Enniskillen.
RESULTS
Sunday, April 7
CTR 48km (30 miles):
Susan Hunter, Colour Cascade.
CTR 40km (25 miles):
Roseanna Andrews, Puzzle Piece.
VPR 20km (12 miles):
Emma Hayes, Yasser Arafat.