2025 has arrived, with weather which can only improve (gotta be positive) and no doubt everyone has done the usual mental review of the past year. On the national stage we have seen big changes in the Association of Irish Riding Clubs, with long serving staff and committee members stepping down and new hands taking up the guiding reins of the massive organisation. Positive developments from HQ include the early announcement of national championship and festival dates, allowing the regions to start setting their local calendars in stone. Unfortunately all the national events are taking place well down the island again, but at the end of the day us Donegal members don’t really mind where we whip ass…!
In the West region, of which we are a part, the first regional meeting takes place on January 29th in Tuam, Co. Galway, and will see regional qualifiers discussed. Once the dates of the regional qualifiers have been decided, the individual clubs within the region can get stuck into scheduling their own year. The Donegal District, which is made up of the five clubs in Co. Donegal, will be nailing down dates and venues for the North West Spring League in the near future and in the meantime there are a number of non-AIRC events happening in the area.
Anyone who needs an official height measurment for their horse or pony might like to know that the closest measuring takes place this coming Saturday in Eglinton Equestrian Centre. Height matters for some showing classes, as well as registered pony show-jumping.
For anyone looking to get a head start on the show-jumping season there is a league starting in the Ecclesville Centre in Fintona. The heights are kept low and it’s an ideal opportunity to get started again.
If dressage is more your scene (which may be the case if you have your sights set on eventing later in the spring) you can kick off your outings with a little run to Coleraine on January 12th. The Causeway & Glens RC is running their Disco Dressage day and it’s open to all. I cant say I know why it’s called Disco dressage but I’m sure it’ll be a good day.
As any athlete can tell you, diet is crucially important for success. If you’d like some advice and information on getting your equine athlete’s diet tweaked for improved performance you could do a lot worse than attend the information evening being held at Drumanoo Equestrian, Killybegs. With expertise supplied by Niamh McElhenny of Connolly’s Redmills you can be sure of coming away with the most up to date advice available.
Letterkenny Riding Club 