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What can ILDRA offer me?

ILDRA (the Irish Long Distance Riding Association) runs numerous ‘rides’ all around Ireland throughout most of the year. The season generally starts in January and runs through to the end of October. Most ride venues offer Pleasure Rides. These are open to members and non-members alike and the distance is always below twenty miles. Pleasure Rides tend to take less than two hours to complete. This is how most riders start to get involved. However, ILDRA offers much more just Pleasure Riding - read on to find out more.

What are Pleasure Rides?

Pleasure Rides (PRs) are quite simply; rides that are for pure pleasure! There is no competitive element (although a Pleasure Ride Trophy is awarded annually to the member who has accumulated the highest PR miles throughout the year). ILDRA has a number of members and non-members who regularly turn out simply to take part in the Pleasure Rides. Indeed an ILDRA Pleasure Ride is a lovely way to pass a day in the company of your horse and friends. ILDRA runs events all over the country and so each weekend you could find yourself exploring new places. Pleasure Riding is an excellent hobby for many.

Who can take part in ILDRA Pleasure Rides?

Anyone who has a mannerly horse is welcome to join ILDRA on a Pleasure Ride! You do not need to be a member. However, Riders must be at least six years old and horses at least four years old before they can start Pleasure Riding. Junior riders must ride with an accompanying adult until they are fourteen years old (or until twelve years old if they have attained their Bronze Shamrock) and adults can only accompany two juniors at a time. The accompanying adult may walk or ride as suits their circumstances. ILDRA has been delighted to welcome individuals from many disciplines to their pleasure rides. Dressage horses, show-jumpers, point-to-pointers, and even pacers have all been seen enjoying a day out with ILDRA!

What happens at a Pleasure Ride?

Generally you will arrive between 10.00am and 12.30am and make yourself known to the organisers, who will then explain the route for the day.

The fee is £12 for a non-member or £6 for a member or junior.

You will then ride out along the marked route in your own group. Some people enjoy riding individually, but most people end up riding in groups of two to four. The route is marked with orange tape and yellow spray paint. You will usually also receive a map of the route from the organisers and a contact mobile phone number. At the end of the ride, you should let the organisers know that you have returned. You will then receive a rosette with the name of the ride on the ribbons to remind you of your day.

If you are a member, you can also have your Rider Card and your horse’s Log Book signed up with the distance you have completed.

What does it cost to be a member of ILDRA?

The cost depends on the type of riding you intend to do.

If you only want to take part in Pleasure Rides then the membership for an adult is £25.

Those taking part in CTRs pay a slightly higher fee. (You can upgrade your membership at any time.)

Junior membership is only £15. There are also special rates for OAPs and Families.

More information on membership is available at any ride from the ride organiser.

What should I bring to an ILDRA ride?

Most people treat Pleasure Riding as a good day out. The obvious essentials for your horse include tack; sweat sheets/ rugs as necessary; water buckets & water (most venues do not have a supply) and a haynet for the way home.

A picnic for yourself and your supporters is a good idea too! Other useful items include a mobile phone and a change of clothing!! If you are planning to ride in a CTR then you may also include items such as a stethoscope or heart rate monitor.