For the first time since 2015 Letterkenny has been awarded the title of North West Club of the Year. Saturday 10th February saw members of all five clubs in the Donegal district join together at the Villa Rose hotel in Ballybofey, to share a good meal, some great craic, a bit of a boogey and the presentation of the annual awards for 2023. The districts hard working points officers had kept meticulous records over the year, allowing them to determine both the show-jumping and dressage riders of the year, Stracomer’s Eimear Dunne and our own Rachel Carton respectively. In years gone past the club of the year was also determined by using a points system, with a track kept of how many members from each club participated in inter-club events and of how successful they were. The decision to change the system came about when it was agreed between the clubs that riding club should be, and indeed is, about much more than just competing. A club can have a large membership of very active riders who get great benefit from belonging to the association without necessarily competing, leaving that club pretty much out of the running for club of the year if a points system is the deciding factor.
Club of the year is now based on a voting system, with each club nominating the club they feel is most deserving, making our award all the more appreciated. We are a small club (currently just 14 members, with a 15th pending) and it’s not always easy to find the time or the manpower to organise events, but with great goodwill we pull together to make things happen. Different members offer up their various skills to help in the running of shows, social outings and training days, ensuring that it’s not always the same person carrying the load. Most importantly we have fun doing it! We may be small but we are mighty.
Letterkenny Riding Club 