ILDRA holds rides at Baronscourt Estate and Cam Forest

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Baronscourt Estate near Omagh on Sunday, May 29 for their second visit this year, with pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPR) and competitive trail rides (CTRs) on offer. Riders enjoyed lovely riding conditions, with warm sunny weather on the beautiful riding trails taking in views across the Sperrins, before returning to the main estate grounds for lakeside trails with rhododendrons and bluebells in full bloom.

Attending veterinary surgeon, Sarah Mesure MRCVS was kept busy vetting horses taking part in CTRs or VPRs at Baronscourt. Congratulations go to all riders and horses taking part in a vetted ride.

ILDRA then headed northwards towards Limavady on June 12 to return to Cam Forest also for a second time this year. Despite very changeable weather conditions on the day, riders enjoyed taking in the excellent trails at Cam Forest. Riders who braved the longer loop at Cam Forest were treated to views over Lough Foyle and the mountains of Donegal. Congratulations go to all riders taking part in vetted rides at Cam Forest.

Thanks go to Kirsten Conly and John Anderson for marking both Baronscourt Estate and Cam Forest and to the Conly family for running the Baronscourt ride on the day. Thanks go to Norah McCarron and Arlene Jackson for running the ride on the day at Cam Forest. Thanks go to the Duke of Abercorn and the Baronscourt Estate staff for allowing access to Baronscourt. Thanks go to the forestry service for allowing access to Cam Forest.

ILDRA’s next ride takes place at Shane’s Castle on July 24, offering PRs, VPRs and CTRs. All entries must be made online and in advance, as no entries are accepted on the day. For further information, visit ILDRA’s website or Facebook page.

RESULTS

Sunday, June 12

Cam Forest

VPR 30 km (19 miles): Emma Hayes, Yasser Arafat.

VPR 18 km (11.2 miles): Charlotte Moore, Cherry.

Sunday, May 29

Baronscourt Estate

CTR 40 km (25 miles): Helen McFarland, Chalima de Gueyte.

VPR 32 km (20 miles): Emma Hayes, Yasser Arafat.

VPR 19 km (11.6 miles): Tara Findlay, Derryvane Pettingo; Wendy Findlay, Ceide Lauryn.