Shane Castle

Report & Results:

Mother’s Day at Shane’s Castle Ride

A misty start soon transformed into a lovely day out for numerous pleasure and CTR riders attending ILDRA’s (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) event at Shane’s Castle on Sunday the 11^th of March. A sharp contrast to the snowy weather experienced by many during the start of March, with the only sign of ‘snow’ being through the beautiful arrays of snowdrops growing throughout the estate grounds.

The attending vet on the day was Michael Duggan, BVSc, MRCVS, who like so many CTR riders was new to the sport of endurance riding. Michael diligently checked all 15 CTR horses before they departed upon their respective endurance rides for the day. Similarly, on their return from their riding, veterinary duties were performed once again to ensure that all horse were sound and fit after their work with all 15 being passed, a good indication of fitness for the coming endurance season of 2018. Congratulations are extended to the Pre-Novice riders for successfully completing their first CTR with ILDRA, we hope that you have gotten the endurance bug!

Mother’s Day and horse riding were synonymous at Shane’s Castle with several mother and daughter duos enjoying a ride-out together. Amy and Kim Murphy both completed CTR rides, with Amy successfully completing her first Pony Club Pre-Novice ride on her new horse Sweet Honey Bee. Another mother-daughter pairing was that of Stephanie and Hannah Wilding enjoying a pleasure ride through the stunning scenery. 

A notable CTR ride of the day was that of Jocelyn Willis and her horse Sam. Jocelyn and Sam successfully completed their silver qualifier ride of 48km bringing them one step closer to obtaining their silver shamrock qualification. A silver final ride is required at a distance of 64km to complete the silver shamrock criteria. This longer ride distance introduces the need for a compulsory vet check and rest period during the ride to ensure that the safety and welfare of horse (and rider too!) are paramount.

Thanks are extended to the O’Neill family and Shane’s Castle estate staff for enabling access to this location and to the Forestry Service for allowing access to the neighbouring Randalstown Forest. Also, thanks to the ride organisers, Neil and Tasha Anderson for marking and running the ride on the day.

The next ILDRA Ulster branch ride is at the stunning location of Baronscourt on the 25^th of March, offering Competitive Rides, Pony Club and Pleasure Rides suitable for all. A reminder to CTR and Pony Club riders to enter online or via post with the ride organiser, Kathy Conly. Further ride details are available on www.enduranceridingireland.com or through ILDRA’s facebook page.

CTR Results

16km (10 miles): Amy Murphy on Sweet Honey Bee, Jane Hobson on Glenoran Steps

25km (16 miles): Kim Fields on Summer, Dermot MacGuinness on Shinook, Mary Thompson on Matutina, Gwen Jaswal on Queenie

32km (20 miles): Emma Hayes on Yasser Arafat, Ruth Lyness on Amber, Jacob Morrow on Kentucky Ten, Helen McFarland on Just C’mall, Tasha Anderson on She Stoops to Conquer, Kim Murphy on Blue Murphy

40km (25 miles): Robyn Catterall on Arabella Blue

48km (30 miles): Roseanna Andrews on Arnie, Jocelyn Willis on Sam

More Details:

A great ride and suitable for all levels from shorter Pony Club rides to 64km (40 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 9:30am - 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.