AIRC Link-Up

Everybody is familiar with the AIRC members’ publication Link-Up. You may now change your preference as to how you wish to receive future editions of the newsletter. From this year it will be distributed to members by either post or email. The default delivery method is via post but if you’d like to change your delivery preference to email, you must access your membership on-line account and change your preference to email.

By choosing delivery by email, it will have obvious environmental benefits but you will also help to reduce the association’s printing and postage costs. For members who do not have access to email or internet or those who simply wish to receive theirs in the post, the AIRC  will continue to post it to you.

AIRC rule changes for 2011

HQ have sent through some information concerning rule changes for events in 2011. Here’s a synopsis of some of the important ones:

  • The Masters Series, sponsored by Connolly Red Mills, has been completely revamped with Intermediate riders now permitted to compete in the series along side Advanced Intermediate, Open and Advanced Open riders.
  • The series will now be separated into three separate divisions, one for intermediate riders, another for advanced intermediate riders while open and advanced open riders will compete against each other.
  • The format of the one day final has not been finalised at this stage but it is scheduled to take place on Sunday 21st August at a venue to be confirmed.
  • The prohibition on timing devices for advanced primary and intermediate riders has been lifted for horse trials competitions only.  The ban, however, will remain in place for all other cross-country competitions for these grades.
  • Competitors who leave their horse unattended when tied in an unconfined area will be subject to elimination or a fine at all AIRC activities.
  • Inter-club events may now take place on the same weekend as the Team Show Jumping Championship final and also the Masters Series final as both events are restricted by qualification.

Further details as well as the 2011 rule book are now available to download from the AIRC website.

Further details on upcoming Northwest League

Last night saw the Donegal riding clubs huddled together in productive discussion at Tir na nOg, ironing out the fine details of the forthcoming league. Thanks to Roisín for summarising as follows:

  • Shows 1 to 3 will consist of graded classes and training at cross poles, welcome stakes (50-60cm) and training at graded heights (70cm to 110-120cm). This is great for anyone bringing on young horses, wishing to jump above their own grade, etc. Shows 4 and 5 will have novelty classes for P/AP and Int. & Above, in addition to the training and competition classes. All graded classes will be run under AIRC rules.
  • Prize giving for the league (graded classes) will be at the final show. The prizes will be for 1st to 3rd and rosettes for 1st to 6th. There will also be prizes for 1st place of the graded and novelty classes for the final show. Training classes do not count for points in the league or in the Western Region points system. Any rider competing on more than one horse will only get the points for the best placing in that competition. This applies to both our league and the Western Region.
  • We depend on the help of our members and volunteers to run the shows. Francis McNicholl will be coordinating the volunteers. A volunteers sheet will be at the entries desk, for members to add their name to. If you see something that needs doing, please ‘chip in’ and/or let Francis know, whichever possible. Your help is very much needed and appreciated.
  • Correct headwear and footwear is essential. Members are reminded to observe proper dress, especially at the final. Riders should be mounted at the prize giving, if possible.
  • Details are subject to change.
  • If a show needs to be cancelled, due to weather conditions, etc. the Secretaries of the three clubs will discuss  it on the Saturday before the show, and members will then be contacted. If you haven’t heard from us by 6pm on the Saturday evening, you should assume that the next day’s show is going ahead, as planned.
  • AIRC membership cards and equine passports must be produced at each show.

Musical diversion with Bluestacks Jam Club on Sunday 23 January

The Bluestacks Jam Club are hosting a fundraiser on Sunday 23 January in the Voodoo Lounge, Letterkenny between 8pm and 2am. All funds raised will go towards the Daybreak Programme. Bands playing on the night are:
Jonathan Smeaton, Day Light Wobbly, The Duffy Brothers, Rainy Boy Sleep, Emily Whelan Band, Niamh and Her Band, Human Shield, Trip Switch, Flaming Castros, Strange Brew,Heads Of State and Red Light Inferno.

Bluestack Jam Club on Youtube
…and more on the club

Orla, who’s instrumental in organising the initiative in her civilian role as a youth worker, is asking everybody to come and support the club for what promises to be a great night! Contact her on 087 643 2458 for further details.

Monday Club back in action

The club is now firing fully on all cylinders. Following our first Friday session last week, Monday Club began its 2011 campaign this week. Last year this hotbed of novice activity was responsible for several members achieving memorable riding milestones:  a first dressage test, learning to canter or even learning to jump. Cyril’s famous round at our Autumn League Show in Eglinton is testament to Rachel’s accomplishments with the group.

Monday Club, our weekly session specially for novices, takes place at Cyril’s arena in Milford. Contact Rachel on 086 161 7087  by lunchtime on  Monday if you wish to attend. And remember, going to Monday Club doesn’t preclude you from participating in the rest of the club’s activities — it just gives you a big advantage over everybody else!

First Friday under our club belt

Rachel’s jumping lesson at Templemore on Friday evening saw a fine turn out from the club’s hunting enthusiasts. They and their horses are probably marginally less unfit than the rest of the club’s 2-legged and 4-legged members. Anne, Mick and Leo were joined by Marina and Enda, and new member Cormac McCormack. Anne rode Molly in one lesson and Joe in the second, while Keary sat on the sidelines nursing a hunting injury from Wednesday’s meet at Dunmore.

Enda was the star of the evening riding veteran Teldel. He expertly negotiated Rachel’s grid challenge, despite losing a stirrup at the first obstacle on one of his efforts. All memories of last year’s tortuous 11-mile treasure hunt experience have evidently been left in 2010 where they belong!

Book with Mick by Wednesday if you plan to attend next Friday’s lesson with Jackie McPherson.

Key dates for 2011 club shows confirmed

Orla attended a very constructive regional meeting in distant Tuam yesterday and succeeded in securing the four dates we hoped to get for our club’s shows:

Spring Show Sunday 15 May
Derby Sunday 10 July
Hunter Trial / Crossjump Sunday 4 September
Autumn Show Sunday 23 October

Dates were also confirmed for the region’s national qualifiers. The first one is:

Team Show Jumping Qualifier Sunday 1 May (at a central venue)