First off let me extend my sympathies to anyone who was unable to attend our first club meeting of 2023. It was an exceptionally enjoyable evening, with a super meal provided by Francis and Maura, delicious baked goods from Jenny (not ideal if you’re hoping to fit into a frock the following evening) and a great atmosphere. To maintain meetings of that quality will be a tough ask for the club, but we’ll do our level best not to let the side down too badly.
A hearty welcome to Anna Cathcart, who wasn’t put off by the caliber of club member, the juicy gossip shared (told ya ye should have come!), or the deplorable lack of dedication to actual horse-riding. Anna aspires to jump 1.20m (as do most of the club, after a couple of pints) but has joined at RC80 for SJ and XC, and RCP2 for dressage. As Anna lives in Ballyhiernan I reckon we can definitely call on her hospitality over the summer for a rideout in that stunning area. Anna is also keen that we hold an equestrian boot sale, which appealed to more than one of us. It should be an inter-club event and open to the general public. We’ll discuss this at the NW meeting and see if we can come up with a good date/venue.
On the subject of membership registrations could I ask people to renew as soon as possible. It can take 10 working days for membership to be processed and we don’t have much time before activities kick off. Many thanks to Marina, Enda and Shauna who have been quick off the mark. Check out the calender page for upcoming club and inter-club events.
There are lots of non-AIRC activities taking place at the moment, including lessons with Sonya McAleer on Monday’s at Greenacre’s Equestrian, lessons with Niamh McDaid on Thursdays at the same venue. Greenacres Stud and Equestrian Centre are also running their own series of showing shows, with the first on the 19th of February. See their Facebook page for details. Mulvin Stables, near Sion Mills, are starting their weekly training shows on Saturday 21st January. These are a very easy-going and welcoming way to get started at the show-jumping as Richard will always drop a back pole or create a wing where needed.
North Coast Riding Club have the following competitions to be held at Eglinton Equestrian Centre. All of their events are open to both members and non-members. Check out their Facebook page for details:
Sunday 29th January – Rachel Millar Memorial Dressage Show
Sunday 5th February – Showjumping
Sunday 26th February – Dressage
Dressage League: Sunday 16th, 23rd April and 7th May.
Lots to keep us all occupied. Roll on 2023.
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Letterkenny Riding Club 