ILDRA RIDE AT GLENARIFF 2005

ILDRA RIDE AT GLENARIFF Forest Park 2005

ILDRA RIDE Elaine Burch on Dunmore Diana with her grandmother Kelsie Erskine on Bertie

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association held a Pleasure Ride and Competitive Trail Ride in Glenariff Forest Park on Sunday 10th April. The riding conditions were excellent with a bright day and clear skies. In total forty-two pleasure riders enjoyed the 10mile route marked out by Kathy Conly and Kirsten Catterall which climbed up through trees and open land to the top part of the forest.

The return route brought riders out of the trees to a surprising view down the Glenariff valley, across the sea, to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland! An additional loop for the CTR riders went steeply down into the Glenariff valley and along the far side. Here in the sheltered part of the forest it was warmer. Numerous wild primroses and blackcurrant bushes were in flower adding to the feel good factor of the day! Gary and Valerie McKie tend to Bay Gale after her first CTR at the ILDRA

Twelve CTR riders completed Competitive Trail Rides.

Those completing 32miles were: Judith Hyndman on Ardkill Mo; Yvonne Maguire on MoJo; Kelsie Erskine on Bertie Lad; Elaine Burch on Dunmore Diana; Helen Perry on Turan; Suzanne Perry on Star; Helen Parker on Annie and Michael Parker on Woody.

Those completing 23miles were: Claire Sedgeman on her new horse Bedonia; Gary McKie on Bay Gale; Ian Gault on Be Merry and Helen McFarland on J.st Jake. Kerry Burch on Tory and Ruth Sedgeman on Prince finishing their Pleasure

Well done to Ian Gault and Be Merry for completing their first CTR. Also to Michael Parker and Woody for completing their Bronze Final to earn the Bronze Shamrock. Kelsie Erskine’s horse Bertie Lad also completed his Bronze Final.

Last but by no means least, congratulations to Hayley Gardiner who completed her third qualifying ride (on pony Jimmy) to earn the Pleasure Horse Shoe Award. (The Horse Shoe Awards are a series of awards for junior riders of six to twelve years old. More details on our website.)

The next ILDRA ride will be held at Rostrevor on Saturday 23rd April. Pleasure Rides and CTRs up to forty miles will be available (membership and advance entry required for CTRs).

Please contact ride organiser, David McFarland on 90651751 for more information.

You can also keep up to date with ILDRA news by visiting our website on a regular basis.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our rides.

Oh Charles!! why not me? I could be your Camilla!!	She ate my last Rolo and I want it back!!
Katie and Claire smile for Ireland.	But Gary takes his grumpy head off and wins outright!!