Castle Leslie Estate’s first hunter trials on Saturday proved lucrative for the Donegal riders who made the journey. Armstrong confirmed that he’s still at the top of his game by carrying off yet another red ribbon, this time with Libby in the saddle. Unlike riding club hunter trials which are judged under optimum time, this traditional trial against the clock suited the speedster down to the ground and he flew around the open galloping track to win the Novice individual class. East Donegal Pony Club members, the Haleys and Cuffes, placed 4th and 6th respectively.
In the Pairs competition the Haley twins took 1st, the Cuffe sisters finished 2nd and Tanya (enjoying her first ever pairs competition) and Libby came 5th. Not a bad day for the travellers! Fiona Haley has promised to send on some photos. In the meantime, you can try spotting everybody on the KGB Equestrian Photography website.
On Sunday, in Claregalway, Orla continued her mission to gain experience competing on different horses when she rode three dressage tests on two different mounts at Corrib Riding Club’s autumn show. There were no ribbons at the end of the day but a 23% improvement from the first to the second test on a green horse which was new to the game is testament to Orla’s good riding.
Letterkenny Riding Club 