Classes:
CTRs (max. 80km), PR & Pony Club
Date:
Sun 27 May 2018
Branch:
Ulster Branch
Report & Results:
Suncream was the order of the day for the ILDRA’s (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) ride at the stunning location of Baronscourt on the 27th of May 2018. Several CTR and pleasure riders came out to enjoy the brilliant weather of the bank holiday weekend and the amazing scenery of the countryside of the Baronscourt estate in County Tyrone.
Rampant colours of rhododendrons, little goslings and late-blooming bluebells were some of the sights on offer, alongside views of the magnificent Baronscourt house. The three vast lakes of the estate offered some cool and shelter to the riders and their horses as they passed along through the woodland area here.
Veterinary duties were performed on the day by Michael Duggan, BVSc, MRCVS, who diligently checked all CTR horses for their respective distances. Some new horses and new faces had joined ILDRA for completing their first CTRs. Both Mary Thompson and Tom MacGuinness, who have both competed internationally for Ireland at FEI level, with Tom recently winning a 120km** FEI ride in Spain on his horse ‘Sasha’, brought new horses to Baronscourt for a CTR of ‘Horseware Iguazu’ and ‘Horseware Positano’. Lorraine MacGuinness also completed her first CTR with ILDRA on ‘Matutina’, undoubtedly catching the endurance bug.
Many thanks to Lord Abercorn and the Baronscourt Estate staff for allowing access to the wonderful estate. Also, thanks to the ride organisers of Kathy and Kirsten Conly for marking the venue and running the ride on the day.
ILDRA heads to the Mourne Mountains for the next Ulster Branch ride on the 10th of June, offering Competitive Rides, Pony Club and Pleasure Rides suitable for all. Please note that this ride starts at Tollymore Forest Park and parking will be at this venue. For those wishing to complete longer distances at this ride, there will be route options to take in Castlewellan Forest Park on horseback as well as Tollymore. A reminder to CTR and Pony Club riders to enter online or via post with the ride organiser, Kirsten Conly. Further ride details are available on www.enduranceridingireland.com or through ILDRA’s facebook page.
CTR Results
19km (12 miles): Tom MacGuinness on Horseware Iguazu, Mary Thompson on Horseware Positano, Dermott MacGuiness on Shinook
38km (23 miles): Jocelyn Willis on Sam, Jane Hobson on Glenoran Steps, Lorraine MacGuinness on Matutina
64km (40 miles): Helen McFarland on J St Jake, Tasha Anderson on Just C’Mall
More Details:
A 3rd visit the West and 2nd to Baronscourt for the year
Baronscourt Estate is Lord Abercorn’s magnificent seat….the great number of fine oaks and three long narrow lakes which ornament this place give it an air of great grandeur.” While you ride around the estate in spring and early summer you can enjoy the magnificent displays of bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas. The carefully tended woods along with the lakes create a truly enchanted location in which to ride away from the pressures of modern living.
This ride is not to hilly and suitable for accompanying younger children on foot or bike.
CTRs and Pony Club Rides of up to 80km available - remember you must enter in advance for ALL competitive rides now. Use the new for 2017 on-line system or good old Royal Mail - links to the system and form below - on-line payment will be by credit card, postal entries must be accompanied with payment.
