23rd march 2020

It is with regret that ILDRA is suspending all public activity until at least end of June 2020. This suspension follows the latest guidance issued by the UK and Irish Governments in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. This position will be constantly reviewed given prevailing information.

We thank all of our members, organisers, riders, volunteers and their families to help to support each other during these unprecedented times. Please take this opportunity to check in on your friends and family near and far - let's give everyone the support they need over the coming months.

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This morning (16th March) ILDRA received communication from Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) to inform us that all endurance events scheduled from now to the end of the month (29th March) are "not sanctioned and as a resulting consequence should not run".

The directive from HSI means that we are unable to run our event at Gosford Forest Park on the 22nd of March.

ILDRA will issue refunds, in full, for all entries already made. Refunds will be processed by the original means of payment.

Having taken sensible actions we would hope that we can depend on all the enabling bodies, ABC Council, HSI and DAERA-NI , etc to assist us with establishing an alternative date once the present situation has passed.

Thanks for your understanding.

ILDRA Ulster Branch is running a Pleasure Ride in aid of the Huntington's Disease Association NI at Ballydugan House on 112th April 2020

We are also holding a draw for some really great prizes in the day.

For ride details and more on the draw

To buy draw tickets on-line

Check out the list or donations at either of the above links - don't miss out on the draw or the ride....

@ St. Patrick's Coast

ILDRA is delighted to have been asked to host the 2020 Home International and Celtic Challenge Championships at St.Patrick's Coast Ride on 5th/6th September. This proved to be a very popular and successful venue when Ireland last hosted the event in 2016

We look forward to welcoming both regular riders and visitors from the competing nations' teams to this prestigious competition in the beautiful part of Co.Down where the 'mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea'.

There is more information on the St. Patrick's Coasts ride Web site.

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association - 1990) is a long established Endurance Riding Organisation with representation throughout Ireland and is recognised by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

It organises a series of rides throughout Ireland. Most rides involve a Pleasure Ride for members and non-members, normally of about 8 miles, and a series of CTRs (Competitive Trail Rides) over a number of distances starting from 20 miles for members. Some events also feature ERs (Endurance Rides) - these normally start at 50 miles and are for experienced horses and riders only.

So what is Endurance Riding - perhaps it is useful to say what Endurance Riding isn't. It isn't a long pony trek, ambling through lanes, it isn't for the faint hearted, and it isn't for the rider who doesn't actually enjoy being in the saddle for long.

So what is it? It is a unique competitive challenge and a supreme sport for learning about equine fitness. Veterinary checks before and after competitive rides - and in the middle too for longer distances - ensure the best possible care is taken of your horse. Any problems can be picked up earlier rather than later.

You, the rider, learn more about the way your horse functions, with the importance of regulating your riding to suit conditions which will affect the way your horse behaves and how he presents to the vet. Key factors include:

• The terrain: is it hilly or flat, sandy or hard ground?
• The weather: is it cold, wet, foggy, or hot and sunny?
• The route: does it look to be difficult to follow on the map, or a more simple circular course?