ILDRA holds a successful day of endurance riding at Shane’s Castle

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) headed to Shane’s Castle Estate near Antrim on Sunday, April 9 for a day of pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs).

Several riders and their horses enjoyed the scenic trails at Shane’s Castle near Lough Neagh and the option to venture into the neighbouring Randalstown Forest Park. Some riders may have even spotted deer running through the estate.

Riders were also treated to some new trails available within the Shane’s Castle Estate, offering a change of scenery!

Attending veterinary surgeon Kara Johnston, BVSc, Cert AYP, MRCVS was kept busy vetting several CTR and VPR horses. Congratulations go to Helen McFarland on “Chalima de Gueyte” for completing an 80km ride and achieving the first stage of “Chalima de Gueyte’s” Gold Shamrock.

The ILDRA Shamrock system allows horses and riders to progress through the grades of endurance whilst building fitness and learning the key management and preparation techniques needed for success in endurance. Congratulations also go to Elaine Buller and Michael Carlin for completing their first CTRs with ILDRA.

If you are interested in finding out more about endurance, simply talk to a committee member at a ride or consider trying out a VPR, it’s a great way to find out how fit your horse is.

Thanks go to David and Julie Cunningham and the McFarland family for marking and organising the route. Thanks also go to John Anderson, Claire Walker, Mary Letch and Ros Morcombe for their help on the day. Thanks also go to the O’Neill family and Shane’s Castle Estate staff for allowing access and to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Randalstown Forest.

n ILDRA’s next ride (featuring PRs, VPRs, and CTRs) takes place at Florencecourt, near Enniskillen.

n All entries must be made online and in advance via ILDRA’s website. For further information contact ILDRA’s Facebook page.

Results:

CTR 80km (50 miles) – Helen McFarland on Chalima de Gueyte.

CTR 32km (20 miles) – Elaine Buller on Annie, Michael Carlin on Massie.

VPR 18km (11 miles) – Emma Hayes on Almaz’ Asham, Kerry Neill on Finn.