Shane's Castle

Report & Results:

Shane’s Castle - Galloping Grannies Go Silver

A big day for ILDRA at Shane’s Castle on Sunday 23rd April with a large number of Pleasure Riders joining the regular Competitive Riders on what was a beautiful day. The sun shone as the miles ridden mounted in sharp contrast to our last visit to Shane’s when the downpour lasted from before we arrived to after we left - Oh! What a difference the weather can make.

David Nealon MRCVS once again performed the veterinary duties on a day where all starters completed successfully. With the Mini League in full swing a number of Pleasure Riders were also running through the heart rate check section of the vetting. The Mini League is open to all and the results come from a combination score taking in time, mileage and heart rates in 4 of 7 nominated rides during the year.

Notable rides on the day included Karina McVeigh with Cheyanne and Ruth Lyness and Amber completing their Silver Shamrock awards. The two ladies are known as the Galloping Grannies within ILDRA circles as they are regularly seen riding together, often with other company tagging along, enjoying the great going on many of our rides. They inspire the younger generations. The Silver Shamrock Final is a 64km (40 mile) ride that also involves a mid-ride vet check. ILDRA are adamant about maintaining welfare standards and have strict rules on how far and how fast any rider or horse can go at any stage within their Endurance career.

With the increase to 64km (40 miles) required for the Silver final, horses and riders exceed the max distance allowed of 48km (30 miles) without a vet check therefore mid-ride vetting is introduced for the first time. At this level, the maximum speed that is allowed is also increased to 16kph (10mph).

Endurance requires both riders and horses to gain their respective grades before moving on to the next level so this week end both Karina and Ruth and their horses Cheyanne and Amber have all gained their Silver Shamrock qualification.
Morgan Skillen and riding Peter O’Carrol’s Diamond also stepped up their distance with their first 80km (50 mile) completion as a combination. The two, who are already both Gold Shamrock qualified, have ambitious plans for this season with trips over the water to FEI and other rides firmly in their sights.

Congratulations to Karina, Ruth and Morgan on their continued success.

Our thanks also go to the O’Neill family and the estate staff at Shane’s Castle for facilitating access to this great venue and also to the Forestry Service for access to the adjoining Randalstown Forest.

Results from Shane’s Castle:-

32km (20 miles)
Jocelyn Willis - Sam

40km (25 miles)
Jacob Morrow - Tambo

48m (30 miles)
Emma Hayes - Yasser Arafat
Roseanna Andrew - Arnie

64m (40 miles)
Karina McVeigh - Cheyenne (Silver Final)
Ruth Lyness - Amber (Silver Final)
Helen McFarland - J St. Jake

80m (50 miles)
Morgan Skillen - Diamond

More Details:

Our return to the 2nd time this year to the popular venue at Shane's Castle.

A great ride and suitable for all levels from shorter Pony Club rides to 80km (50 mile) CTRs.

Fairly flat course is great to accompany younger riders. Entries welcome from Pony Club members with official Pony Club log cards. Rosettes available for all completions. Adults can also ride with juniors or accompany, if required, on bikes or for shorter rides on foot.

CTRs vetting at 9:00am - Pony Clubers vetting at 9:30am - Pleasure rides from 10:00am - last start time 1:30pm.

Remember all competitive rides (CTRs and Pony Club) must be entered in advance with payment included - by post to ride organiser or using the new on-line system - see links below

All welcome.