ILDRA's 2025 Endurance Season gets underway
Riders enjoy getting out at Shane's Castle and Florencecourt
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) had a delayed start to 2025 due to the widespread and devastating effects of Storm Eowyn across many of the venues regularly used by ILDRA for running pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs). With the delayed start, riders were keen to get back out again at rides at Shane's Castle near Antrim and Florencecourt near Enniskillen in March.
Both rides had good weather on the day, with no rain in sight! Shane's Castle took place on Sunday, March 9, with riders enjoying making use of the great tracks available within the Estate meandering through woodland, along the shorelines of Lough Neagh and past the River Maine.
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ILDRA then headed to the west of Northern Ireland for a return to Florencecourt Estate on Sunday, March 23, with the ride taking in views of the main Florencecourt house and the main rivers winding their way through the estate, before climbing the hills of Benaughlin Mountain, located in the shadows of Cuilcagh.
Thanks go to all of the ride organisers and volunteers, who helped ensure that these events can run; the McFarland family, the Hayes family, Kirsten Conly, John Anderson and Mary Letch. Thanks also go to Shane's Castle Estate and the National Trust at Florencecourt for allowing access to both of these venues.
ILDRA's next ride takes place at Shane's Castle on Sunday, April 13, offering PRs, VPRs and CTRs. All entries must be made in advance and online via ILDRA's website.
Keep an eye on ILDRA's website and Facebook page for details of upcoming events.