Blustery weather and cold showers couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm evident at Gordon’s Bay as riders squared up to Liz and Ryan’s testing course at the final of the 2018 North West Riding Clubs 2-phase and dressage league.
The dressage arena, set out in their spacious sand arena, was tough to ride good tests in as riders were constantly distracted by the stunning views, but some top class performances were produced. Notable from our own club was Francis and Bonzo, who produced an outstanding performance to win the highly competitive intermediate section on the day. This pair has made great progress over the past year and are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Also showing good improvement since the Lenamore outing were Suzanne and Jack, who were just put of the ribbons and would have benefited from a fourth leg in the league. Louise and her trusty steed Bob were in great form, given that Louise hadn’t sat on him for five weeks, and rode a test befitting of the sixth place rosette on the day. Rachel and Merlin were beaten into second place on the day by Courtney and Gortahork Brid. This pair were superb throughout the league and deservedly won the overall advanced intermediate title.
The cross country proved challenging on the day, as befits a league final, and our club was lightly represented on the field. Cliff and Shyla were unable to make the date, and unfortunately missed a chance to bag some loot, but Francis and Leo took to the battlefield to fly the black and Amber flag in his stead. Unfortunately their mounts just weren’t ‘feeling it’ on the day and they both fell prey to the tricky obstacles.
Results of the third and final leg of the league are shown below
Tir Conail came out victorious as the overall league-topping club, which was well deserved given the massive turn out from this vibrant and active club.
Full league results will be published very soon but in the mean time enjoy the following albums.
Letterkenny Riding Club 