Gosford Forest Park

Report & Results:

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) turned out in force at Gosford Forest Park near Markethill on the 24^th of March. Several CTR (Competitive Trail Ride) and pleasure riders enjoyed the excellent riding conditions along the meandering woodland trails. Sunshine and warmer temperatures led to the feeling of spring in the air.

David Nealon, MRCVS, performed veterinary duties for the numerous CTR riders and their horses. All CTR riders successfully completed their respective distances with congratulations going to all riders. Experienced endurance rider, Martin McNamara, who has competed internationally at FEI level, completed a 20 mile CTR bringing ‘Sayel Al Khalediah’ to his first endurance ride. Another experienced endurance rider who has also completed FEI rides bought a new horse to compete in endurance with Nicola Boud Tighe on ‘Elan’ successfully completing a 20 mile CTR. Louise Lynn completed her first CTR with ILDRA on the experienced endurance horse of ‘Frandore Al Maury’, congratulations go to all new horses and riders.

Thanks must go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Gosford Forest Park and to John Anderson and the Conly Family for marking and running the ride on the day. ILDRA’s next ride heads to the scenic Clandeboye Estate on the 30^th of Marsh for a pleasure ride in aid of the Air Ambulance NI with amazing raffle prizes on offer, be sure to buy your tickets at the ride event or else purchase online through the dedicated charity ride page on ILDRA’s website. Please note that this ride is on a Saturday and begins at 10:30am, for further details contact ILDRA’s facebook page or the ride organiser, Helen McFarland.

Results

33km (21 miles)

Emma Hayes on Yasser Arafat, Jocelyn Willis on Sam, Helen McFarland on J St Jake, Roseanna Andrews on She Stoops to Conquer, Ruth Lyness on Autumn’s Whisper, Nicola Boud Tighe on Elan, Louise Lynn on Frandore Al Maury, Martin McNamara on Sayel Al Khalediah, Mary Thompson on Horseware Positano, Declan Lynch on Kildare’s Rebel, Rachelle Lynch on Heidi.

48km (30 miles)

Karina McVeigh on Cheyenne. 

More Details:

Gosford Forest Park is a lovely location to ride around, see all the wild life including Sheep, Deer, Rabbits, Goats, Hen, Ducks and more. Make it a day out for all the family and bring your horse.

We are running the usual Pleasure Rides along with CTRs and Pony Club Rides of up to 80km.

Ideal for accompanying younger children on foot or bike as it is a fairly flat route.

Once again remember all competitive rides, CTRs and Pony Club, must be pre entered with the ride organiser by post or using  the on-line entry system. All entries mut to accompanied by full payment,