The big day is approaching fast. On Saturday the traditional convoy of lorries and trailers will travel the long road from the four corners of Donegal to one of the finest cross country venues in the country, Flowerhill near Portumna in Galway. The AIRC National Hunter Trial Championship is by far the most popular national competition amongst the three Donegal clubs.
The horses will be stabled comfortably on site and most of the riders will be camping at the venue, in the luxury of lorries or the shelter of tents. Saturday evening’s camp meal will be a relaxed and enjoyable affair while Sunday morning’s breakfast will be swallowed with a sauce of butterflies and shakes.
Nine members of Letterkenny Riding Club are making the journey. Mick, Leo, Anne, Keary, Rachel, Libby and Marina have all been around before. Erica and Geraldine are this year’s freshmen. And there’ll be the usual entourage of foot followers who generously volunteer to help the competitors with the club’s fence stewarding duties on the day. That’s almost as much fun as riding the course.
Competitor times, the schedule and plenty of other information can now be seen on the AIRC website. You can keep an eye on the weather during the final countdown at Accuweather | Portumna.
Pictured below: Memories of Flowerhill 2010. All these suspects are going back for more in 2011.
Letterkenny Riding Club 