Florence Court 2005

A PERFECT DAY FOR ILDRA RIDE AT FLORENCE COURT in 2005

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA) had a near perfect day for their ride at the National Trust property of Florence Court. Over forty riders took the ten-mile Pleasure Ride that Kathy Conly and Kirsten Catterall had marked-out through the scenic grounds of Florence Court estate and the forest behind. A still cool day made for ideal riding weather; and the clear skies revealed a fantastic panoramic view of Co. Fermanagh and the Erne basin from the high paths behind Florence Court. On the lower woodland tracks the view kept changing, from babbling river fords to grassy paths and glimpses across local farmland to the front of the ‘big house’ itself. Philip Giles at Florence Court

ILDRA was delighted that a number of local riders came out to support this ride. In particular it was nice to meet members of the Erne Riding Club, the Fermanagh Harriers Pony Club, and the Foyle Riding Club who were all made most welcome.

Future rides near Fermanagh, include Killeter Forest Park (20th March), Slieveanorra (22nd May), Baronscourt (26th June), Crocknagrally (24th July) and Florencecourt again (28th August) so perhaps we’ll see our guests again – at one of these rides, or further afield!

The Glossop Family - Lucas, Roisin and Helen enjoy the ILDRA Pleasure Ride at Florence Court In addition to all the Pleasure Riders at Florence Court, there were also fifteen competitors doing longer distances. Competitive Trail Rides (CTRs) were held over 20, 30 and 40 miles. Horses competing in CTRs must all be vetted before and after the ride. Those doing 40 miles were also vetted at the half way point and rested for half an hour before continuing. Various parameters are checked by the vets; including soundness and heart rate. An increased heart rate is an early indicator of a stressed horse and so crews pay particular attention to the heart rate of their horse. (Heart rate monitors designed for human use work remarkably well on horses!)

CTR completions included: Roisin Glossop leads the way. Mum, Helen, and brother Lucas follow behind.

Forty miles -Helen McFarland on Phaymon, Claire Sedgeman on Ellanora, Robyn Catterall on Charlie Four Socks, Judith Hyndmann on Ardkill Mo, Philip Giles on Miller’s Light, Suzanne Perry on Savak, Helen Perry on Merry Dancer and Lorraine Sloan on Manning.

Thirty miles – Kerry Burch on Tory

Twenty miles – Kelsie Erskine on Mr. Bertie, Elaine Burch on Dunmore Diana, Maeve Lunney on Sam, Lana Chaney on Angus, Rosemary York on Akiel and Laura Allen on Hazkam. Well done to all.