| ILDRA RIDE AT CASTLEWARD 2005 | ||||||||||||
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ILDRA ENJOYS THE SUNSHINE AT CASTLE WARD. The Irish Long Distance Riding Association held a ride at the National Trust property, Castle Ward on Sunday June 12. The sun shone for the eighty-four riders who turned out to enjoy the day. The route, set by ride organiser Gary McKie and the Parker Family, took a clockwise circuit around the estate finishing with a stunning view of Portaferry in full sun on the way back home. The parking was unfortunately somewhat challenging. The usual field that ILDRA has used in the past was unavailable and the farmyard was the alternative. Many thanks to John Parker for stepping in to help co-ordinate the parking effort and also to the warden at Castle Ward for moving farm implements and opening up some additional space at short notice. While the day saw many familiar faces heading out on their usual mounts one of our youngest supporters rode on Sunday for the first time. Six-year-old Mark Hyndmann has attended most ILDRA events over the past year to help crew his mother, Judith, on CTRs. At the Castle Ward ride, Mark finally rode his first Pleasure Ride on his cousin’s pony led by his father Carson. Well done Mark! The day turned out to be a huge success and several groups brought picnics to enjoy afterwards. One group even laid a table and sipped glasses of red wine as they ate and mulled over the day’s events. ILDRA’s next Pleasure Ride will be held at Baronscourt estate on Sunday 26th June. CTRs will also be available for members. This is a particularly scenic ride and well worth the longer drive if you are not from the area. The ride organiser is Kathy Conly (Tel 028 3752 4809). A full ride calendar is posted on our website, www.ildra.co.uk along with photos and ride reports from recent events.
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Last Update: Sunday October 14, 2007