First and foremost I must apologise to everyone who arrived at Eglinton today and discovered that stables were not actually available. It was a genuine mistake on our part and we didn’t know that almost all the stables at Eglinton are now locked up and unavailable. That aside I think we can agree that the show ran pretty smoothly and was very enjoyable. Whilst our club didn’t win any red rosettes (though Rachel’s win in the best-turned-out netted her a very snazzy black and gold one) we certainly gave the other clubs a run for their money, especially in the dressage where we came agonizingly close to a win (apologies from Rachel and Tanya, who will honestly endeavor to remember their tests in future).
Huge thanks are due to the trusty core members who both competed and stewarded today and also a special thanks to non-members like Chloe McClafferty, Finbar Rafferty and Eoin Orr, who gave their time to help out on the day. One person who was absent, but who had done great work in the prize shopping department, was Suzanne Deeney-Wylie. Suzanne was at the NIF in Cavan and took the 4th place rosette on her new mount, Jimmy. Well done Suzanne.
Today was a day for firsts in other ways as ‘Bonzo’, aka Ballylennon Duke, produced his first double clear to keep his team in the running for the jumping prizes, while Regina Toland joined us for her first ever team challenge. I have a feeling that Regina may have bought her sat nav from the same shipment as Tanya and Rachel did….we’ll say no more! Today also saw Jayne Robinson join the Letterkenny ranks as a new member. You’re very welcome Jayne. Fortunately we know you of old and know your sense of humor will fit right in. A very special mention must be given to Cliff’s noble mare, Sally Clover Supreme, who rose above the indignity of being called Sally Clover Hill for the day, to jump four absolutely foot perfect rounds for two different teams, carrying both Cliff and Rachel without so much as a swish of the tail in complaint. I hope she got an extra scoop tonight.
Some photos of a great day.
Letterkenny Riding Club 