The Irish Long Distance Riding Association used a new venue for the ride on Sunday 26th February. Belmore Forest, near Belcoo in Co. Fermanagh, provided tracks with incredible views over the surrounding countryside. The event was well attended with twenty-four pleasure riders and twelve CTR entrants taking to the trails.

The route, marked out by organisers Kathy Conly and Kirsten Catterall, used the same tracks for parts of the outward and homeward legs. This made the ride more social as riders met while passing along these sections. It was encouraging to see several family groups out. In particular the Balfour family should get a mention for gathering such a good crowd!

The CTR completions were:

30 Miles: Helen McFarland on J.st Jake and Judith Hyndman on Ardkill Mo.

20 Miles: Robyn Catterall on Charlie Four Socks, Ruth Sedgeman on Questhill Endeavour, Gail Baillie on I’m Not Quickly, Alex Wallace on Be Merry, Suzanne Perry on Ishmal, Helen Perry on Prestige, Amy Lennon on Sperrin, Lorraine Sloan on Manning, Lana Chaney on Angus and Maeve Lunney on Sam.

The next ILDRA Pleasure ride will be held at Gosford Forest Park on Sunday 12th March. The organiser, Kirsten Catterall has for the first time arranged a CTR at this venue and this is sure to be well supported. Please phone Kirsten (028 3752 7049) for more details.