The West region riding club calendar is filling up rapidly as clubs nail down dates for their annual shows and head-quarters confirm dates for the biggies…the National Championships. A lot of the dates can be taken as confirmed though, as with all events, it’s advisable to check with individual organisers before travelling. The uncertainties lie around the Team SJ Qualifiers, which are being held in Riverview Stables in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, and the Team Dressage Qualifiers, of which the West has two, due to the elongated nature of the region, with the Donegal District qualifier being held in Eglinton. Each region must submit two possible dates for each qualifier to HQ by February 5th and the powers that be will then sort out who gets what dates. Hopefully we’ll have final confirmation of dates by the end of February and can then focus our attentions on fine tuning our training.
On a more local level we have the first leg of the North West Spring League on February 4th. This league, which features both SJ and dressage for all levels, is hosted by the five clubs of the Donegal District and the running of the first leg falls to the combined efforts of Stracomer and Donegal Gaeltacht riding clubs. The first leg is being held at the beautiful Necarne Castle in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh and is the first of three legs that come before the league final on March 24th. In order to be eligible for league prizes a horse and rider combination must take part in two legs plus the final. If you haven’t got round to joining your local club yet you’re not too late. Get on the ball and you could be taking home some of the very generous (and genuinely useful) prizes that are up for grabs. You’ll find details of dates, venues and classes on the poster below.
Letterkenny Riding Club 