The Irish Long Distance Riding Association held their Junior Championships at Florence Court in Co. Fermanagh on Sunday August 28. This is the first year that these championships have been held separately from the National Championships and this proved highly successful. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were entered for the various classes, and for some young riders this was the first time they had taken their pony through the vetting process. Happily, all the ponies ‘passed the vet’ at each stage ensuring that every-one achieved success.

Evelyn Moore (Winner Novice Class) Shona Burch, Hannah Catterall, Alexandra Ryan, Katie Parker (Winner Horse Shoe Class) Jordan Patterson and Mark Hyndmann proudly show off their prizes at the ILDRA Junior Championships.

Entries were received for three classes.

The Intermediate Class involved a forty mile ride with three vettings.
The two entrants in this class; Robyn Catterall on Charlie Four Socks and Elaine Burch on Dunmore Diana; chose to ride together accompanied by Claire Sedgeman (who won this class last year, but is now too old to enter!). The girls made excellent time, riding at a full 8mph (the maximum speed allowed) over the whole forty miles. They both achieved the optimum speed window for the competition, and so the winner was selected on heart rate at the final vetting. Elaine became the winner by a single heart beat! Both riders should be commended on the fitness levels they and their ponies have achieved.

Claire Sedgeman rides with Elaine Burch (Winner Intermediate Class) and Robyn Catterall at the ILDRA Junior Championships at Florencecourt.

The Novice Class was run over a thirty mile track and this year there was only one entry.
Young Evelyn Moore travelled up from Carlow (a four and a half hour drive) to take part on her pony Gale’s Hill Zorro. Evelyn rode with her mother Terri and passed both vet checks to claim her trophy. Well done Evelyn. (Although perhaps the real test of your endurance was the travelling and not the riding?)

Evelyn Moore rode 30 miles with her mother Terri at the ILDRA Junior Championships

The Horse Shoe Class was introduced this year for the first time and attracted 6 entries.
The ride was over ten miles and ridden at 6 – 7mph with a vet check at beginning and end. Four entrants achieved the optimum speed window and their placings were decided on heart rate. First in this class was Katie Parker on her pony Jingles; 2nd Shona Burch; 3rd Hannah Catterall; 4th Alexandra Ryan; 5th Jordan Patterson and 6th Mark Hyndmann.

Hannah Catterall and Shona Burch were accompanied by Tim Burch at the ILDRA Junior Championdhips.

The competition organiser Kirsten Catterall had arranged rosettes and some excellent prizes in kind for every Junior rider. Everyone went home smiling and proud of their achievements. Thanks to both Kirsten Catterall and Kathy Conly for organising an excellent day.

PLEASURE RIDE AND CTR AT FLORENCE COURT.

As usual, the ILDRA ride at Florence Court attracted a good number of Pleasure Riders. The ten mile route took in some excellent scenery with forest trails and woodland paths. Eight CTR entries were received and the completions were as follows.

Rosemary York holds Akiel during his vetting at Florencecourt. Rosemary and Akiel have been riding with ILDRA since 1991.

Kerry Burch on Tory completed 50miles to achieve Gold Shamrock. Well done! Claire Sedgeman on Bedonia and Ian Gault on Be Merry both completed 40 miles. Lana Cheney on Angus and Maeve Lunney on Sam both achieved Bronze Shamrocks after completing 30miles. Also completing 30miles was Terri Moore on Gales Hill Boffin. Finally, Gail Baillie on I’m Not Quickly and Rosemary York on Akiel completed 20miles.

 Well done to all.