ILDRA BARONSCOURT RIDE

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association held a Pleasure Ride and Competitive Trail Ride at Baronscourt near Newtownstewart on Sunday June 26. Organisers Kathy Conly and Kirsten Catterall had marked out several loops to make up the various distances on offer. The Pleasure Ride took in the best part of the ride; around the lake within Baronscourt Estate itself. The CTRs travelled further afield through surrounding forest trails.

Young riders Robyn Catterall, Elaine Burch, Hannah Catterall and Shona Burch discuss the day's events after their ride at Baronscourt.

The weather was excellent and the atmosphere relaxed. The venue was opposite The Hunting Lodge Hotel and Restaurant, and the owners kindly brought out a hose to help water and wash down the horses. Twenty-one Pleasure Riders took part and there were ten CTR completions.

Maeve Lunney on Sam and Lana Chaney on Angus finish a 20mile CTR at Baronscourt.

Paul O’Reilly, riding Damien, and Louisa Miller (Salvia) both completed 50miles to take their horses to Gold Shamrock level. Kelsie Erskine on Bertie Lad completed 40miles. Claire Sedgeman (Saoirse) and Dorothy Heath (Schoheen) completed 30miles each taking their horses to Bronze Shamrock level. Judith Hyndman on Ardkill Mo also completed this distance. Finally four horse and rider teams completed 20miles. Patricia McCarron completed her first CTR on her new horse Rasma. Other 20mile completions were Maeve Lunney (Sam), Lana Chaney (Angus) and Rosemary York (Akiel).

Patricia McCarron on her new horse Rasma at the start of their first CTR at Baronscourt.

Mark Hyndman - Mark Hyndman on Lucky start a Pleasure Ride at ILDRA's Baronscourt Ride.

ILDRA’s next ride will be held at Tollymore on Sunday 10th July. In addition to the usual Pleasure Ride, a Time Trial and Barbeque will also be held. More details from ride organiser Sally Burch. Tel 028 90812368. Everyone welcome.