Mournes - (Based from Tollymore)

Report & Results:

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) headed to the Mourne Mountains for their latest CTR on the 10^th of June 2018. Beginning at Tollymore Forest Park, several CTR and pleasure riders enjoyed the spectacular mountainous views of the County Down landscape and coastline here, whilst other riders completing longer CTR distances ventured out of Tollymore Forest Park along bridleways to the summit of Slievenaslat.

The longer ride distances across two venues introduces the need for a mobile crew car to meet the riders at designated locations, namely road crossings to provide assistance and also to offer water and cooling sloshes to both horse and rider. The longer distances of endurance rides would likely be unachievable without a mobile crew and an endurance rider’s crew is a vital aspect of the sport.

Veterinary duties were performed on the day by Michael Duggan, BVSc, MRCVS. Given the longer distances being completed on the day, Michael was kept busy as longer distances of over 40 miles require a mid-ride vet check to ensure that the horse is fit to continue over the distance and allow for a rest period for both horse and rider.  Helen McFarland on ‘J St Jake’ successfully completed a 50-mile CTR. Congratulations to Helen for completing this ride on one of ILDRA’s more mountainous rides. The Gold Shamrock award in endurance is achieved by the successful completion of two 50-mile CTRs by both horse and rider. It is a prestigious and highly coveted qualification and is the aspiration of many endurance riders.

Many thanks go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to the forest park and to the ride organisers of the Ulster Branch Committee for marking and running the ride on the day. ILDRA heads to Woodburn Forest Park on the 22^nd of June for the next Ulster branch ride. Please note that this ride is on a Friday and is an evening ride starting at 4pm which offers Pleasure Rides only. This ride is also ILDRA’s annual BBQ, please note that you must bring your own meat for cooking. For further details please contact the ride organisers, Ruth Lyness and Karina McVeigh, or through ILDRA’s facebook page or website www.enduranceridingireland.com.

CTR Results

16km (10 miles): Dermott MacGuinness on Shinook.

32km (20 miles): Mary Thompson on Horseware Iguazu.

40km (25 miles): Jocelyn Willis on Sam, Karina McVeigh on Cheyenne.

80km (50 miles): Helen McFarland on J St Jake.

More Details:

This ride starts and finishes in Tollymore Forest Park

CTR Risders have the option, depending on distance, to leave teh park and do an extended lap taking in part of Castlewellan. Those chosing to do this MUST have a mobile crew and the crew MUST be present at the main road crossings, (4 in total, 2 out and 2 back).

The annual Mournes ride is a great venue to ride over and through. The ride takes in Castlewellan Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park for the longer rides, with great views and lovely trails in the parks and along the linking routes taking in lanes, St. Patrick's Way and a little road work.

This ride is organised by the Ulster Branch Committee