Silver Shamrock success at Shane’s Castle

Riders enjoyed beautiful scenery from the woodland trails around the estate

Aug 01, 2024

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle near Antrim on Sunday, July 21, offering pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs) for attending riders and their horses.

Riders enjoyed the woodland trails on offer at Shane’s Castle, which meander around Lough Neagh and the River Maine. For riders opting to do a longer distance, the neighbouring Randalstown Forest Park allowed for some extra mileage.

John Anderson (one of ILDRA's most dedicated helpers) enjoying his ride at Shane's Castle on ‘Area Access’.

Thanks must go to the attending veterinary surgeon on the day of Julie Dauncey, MRCVS, who checked all of the riders choosing to vet their horses throughout the day, congratulations to all riders choosing to take part in a vetted ride.

Congratulations go to Bree Rutledge and her horse ‘Clovermount Rhinestone’, who successfully achieved their Silver Shamrock Award in endurance with the completion of a 40 mile (64km) CTR at Shane’s Castle.

Bree Rutledge and ‘Clovermount Rhinestone’ after the successful completion of their 40 mile Silver Shamrock at Shane’s Castle.

Thanks go to the ride organiser, Ros Morcombe and helpers, Kirsten Conly Devlin, Ian Milford, Roberta Brown, Mary Letch, Claire Walker, Julie Garvin 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 with Angela Willis being the lucky winner at Shane’s Castle.

Angela Willis receiving her bag of Bailey's Horse Feed from Ros Morcombe at Shane’s Castle.

ILDRA’s next ride featuring PRs takes place on August 25 at Scarva Estate. ILDRA’s next event takes place at Tyrella Beach THIS Saturday, August 3, with the annual beach clean, ahead of the St. Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride.