The third leg of the North West Riding Clubs spring league took place in Greenacres Equestrian Centre on Sunday 3rd March. The day was a lovely bright day, though cool, and the classes were well supported. Stracomer riding club officiated for the day and ran the operation like clockwork, ensuring a cheerful atmosphere and efficient class changes. It was great to meet Tanya and young Alex, as well as Erica and Dave with Georgia, and to see the future club members being introduced to the game at an early age.
Suzanne represented the club at the advanced primary level, with her old campaigner Jack showing that he hasn’t forgotten some of his old tricks despite his advancing years. Our intermediates were out in force, with Cliff in flying form on both Shyla and Shadow. Shadow showed huge honesty in the jump-off, tackling an oxer off an unbelievably tight turn and would have clinched a well earned win if the dratted back pole had stuck to its job and stayed in the cups. Francis and Bonzo continue to progress and tackled the challenging course with aplomb. Marina put in a flying appearance with London Jen, who made the jumps look extremely small as she popped around.
In the advanced intermediate class Merlin hitched up the straps of his big boy trousers and pulled off the only clear of the class, despite his rider definitely being a bit out of practice when it comes to seeing a stride! This was the pairs third win in as many shows but with double points on offer at the final the league title is still very much up for grabs.
Next sunday sees the league move to the scenic venue of Gordon’s Bay Equestrian, before taking a short break for Paddy’s Day and returning to Templemore Equestrian for the final on the 24th (just before Brexit kicks in and Donegal is turned into an island).
Thanks to Magda Slusarczyk and Yvonne Fox for the photos of the Greenacres leg of the league. The league table is available on the following link
https://packie1.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/nw-spring-league-2019-points-table-sheet1-2.pdf
Life beyond the showjumping league continues to exist. Cliff has organised a series of flatwork/dressage lessons with Mary Devine on a friday evening and these are an ideal opportunity to polish your performance in advance of the Audrey Jacob team challenge and the annual dressage championship qualifiers.
Cormac and Jenny have been undertaking child protection training in order to ensure the club stays on the right side of the red tape.
The inter-club meeting held in the Glencar Inn was a peaceful affair by all accounts. The decision was made not to run a 2-phase league this year. Individual clubs may run events incorporating cross country but they will not be part of a specific league.
Tirconaill riding club is running a charity rideout from Harveys Point Hotel on Monday 3rd June (the bank holiday). This should be a very sociable affair and is in a beautiful setting. Definitely a date for your diary.
Finally our own club meeting will be on Monday 1st April and we’ll be organising the team challenge, which is one of our flagship events and is always a very popular outing for all.
Letterkenny Riding Club 