Endurance Riding in Ireland is run by the Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA)
ILDRA is made up of two regions, Leinster and Ulster

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) is the governing body for Endurance Riding in Ireland.

It organises a series of rides throught Ireland. Most rides involve a Pleasure Ride for members and no-members, normally of about 8 miles, and a series of CTRs (Competitive Trail Rides) over a number of distances starting from 20 miles for members. Some events also feature ERs (Endurance Races) - these normally start at 50 miles and are for experiences horses and riders only.

So what is Endurance Riding - Perhaps it is useful to say what Endurance Riding isn't. It isn't a long pony trek, ambling through lanes, it isn't for the faint hearted, and it isn't for the rider who doesn't actually enjoy being in the saddle for long.

So what is it? It is a unique competitive challenge and a supreme sport for learning about equine fitness. Veterinary checks before and after competitive rides - and in the middle too for longer distances - ensures the best possible care is taken of your horse. Any problems can be picked up earlier rather than later.

You, the rider, learn more about the way your horse functions, with the importance of regulating your riding to suit conditions which will affect the way your horse behaves and how he presents to the vet
Key factors include:

• The terrain: is it hilly or flat, sandy or hard ground?
• The weather: is it cold, wet, foggy, or hot and sunny?
• The route: does it look to be difficult to follow on the map, or a more simple circular course?

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Irish Sucess in Scotland...

At the Home International and Celtic Challenge competitions held in Burgie, Scotland over the weekend of 28th/29th August Ireland entered two teams. Unfortunately Scotland managed to take the main honors by repeating Irelands achievement for 2010

Congratulations to the Scottish teams on their wins - but Ulster riders Sancha Talbot and her horse Calypso won the Celtic Challenge Young Rider Award and Jenni Cunningham with Kilgarry Breezer won the Home International Junior Rider award.

Full report, pictures and results will be available form ride reports soon.

Ulster Rider Sucess at Scottish Championships

Helen McFarland and J St Jake retains Scottish Title

Ulster rider, Helen McFarland, enjoyed a successful trip to Britain recently. At Scone her 15 year old part bred arab gelding J St Jake retained his title as Scottish Open Champion when he won the 2 day 160km (100 mile) race on 17th/18th July.

Helen went on to win 92KM race at Lindum the following week with her home bred part Arab Just C'mall.

See ride reports for more.

Ireland's Winners from Burgie 2010

Celtic Challenge 2010 Young Rider Winner

Home International 2010 Junior Rider Winner