Baronscourt

Report & Results:

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) held their first ride at the magnificent Baronscourt Estate on the 10^th of March 2019. Dedicated endurance and pleasure riders turned out on the day despite the wintry forecast. Riders and horses were ‘treated’ to a spectrum of weather events, from warming sunshine to snow blizzards!

Baronscourt Estate is located near Newtownstewart and offers beautiful trails, which were perfect for a snowy canter through the forest. Lakeside views of the sprawling estate house awaited riders on their return, along with elusive red squirrels spotted through the woods. Several CTR riders turned out to complete endurance rides with distances ranging from 12 to 30 miles. David Nealon, MRCVS, was kept extremely busy with 11 horses to check over, all of which passed their respective distances. Vincent McAufield completed his first CTR with ILDRA on his horse ‘Darcy’ completing 24 miles, Alayne Wells on ‘Marina Star’ completed her first Pre-Novice CTR of 12 miles. Congratulations go to both riders. Another very dedicated ILDRA rider, Dermott MacGuiness completed his first 30-mile endurance ride in Ireland on his horse ‘Shinook’, congratulations to Dermott.

A notable achievement was gained by Helen McFarland’s horse ‘J St Jake’ who has now completed over 6000 miles in competitive rides and is the only horse in Ireland to do so. A huge congratulations must go to Helen for her dedication and training with ‘Jake’ to achieve this momentous milestone within their endurance career. ‘Jake’ is an Arabian x Connemara standing at 14.2hh rising 24 years old and has started his 18^th consecutive season of competing in endurance rides. Although only a small horse, ‘Jake’ is known for his big personality and is recognised across the endurance scene.  

Thanks must go to the ride organisers of Kirsten and Kathy Conly for marking and running the ride on the day. Thanks also go to the Duke of Abercorn for allowing access to Baronscourt Estate. ILDRA’s next ride is at Gosford Forest Park on the 24^th of March offering CTR and pleasure riders. A reminder to all CTR riders to enter online or via post. For further information check ILDRA’s website, facebook page or contact the ride organiser, John Anderson.

Results

19km (12 miles): Susan Hunter on Colour Cascade, Ruth Lyness on Autumn Whisper, Alayne Wells on Marina Star.

38km (24 miles): Emma Hayes on Yasser Arafat, Karina McVeigh on Cheyenne, Jocelyn Willis on Sam, Vincent McAufield on Darcy, Helen McFarland on J St Jake, Roseanna Andrews on Just C’Mall.

48km (30 miles): Dermott MacGuiness on Shinook, Martin McNamara on Horseware Positano.

More Details:

We visit the West and Baronscourt for the 1st time this 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 on-line system or good old Royal Mail - on-line payment will be by credit card, postal entries must be accompanied with payment.

Vetting from 9:30am - 10am for competitive riders

Pleasure riders can ride out from 9:45am - last start time 1:00pm