National Trails Day ride at Errigal Forest with Donegal Gaeltachts

The Donegal Gaeltachts have invited us to join them for a National Trails Day ride at Errigal Forest this Sunday, 3 October.

Errigal Forest (not Errigal!) is also known ar Learcas/Learachas. From Letterkenny, turn off in Termon for Glenveagh, after Glenveagh turn right for Falcarragh. It’s the forest on the left hand side, opposite a cream house (only house) just before the steep road up Muckish. Most people probably know it or have passed it. The plan is to be there for 12pm, to set off on or before 1pm.  There is a turning area inside forest for parking.

Further information on terrain, distance, etc. from Róisín McGee, 087 668 3987. Since the start time isn’t 100% specific, it would be wise to be there in good time. Otherwise let Róisín know in advance that you plan to ride so that she waits for you, if you get delayed.

Elaine enjoying days of motherhood

Even if some members aren’t spotted too often, it’s nice to know how they’re keeping. Elaine popped up out of the trees during the week and reported that she’s thoroughly enjoying her new career as a mother. Baby Shay was delivered in the aftermath of Ardara Show in July, allowing his mother complete one of her major annual undertakings. He’s thriving now and Elaine is relishing the time she has to spend with him.

Her young Connemara, Gus, has found a new home in England and Elaine doesn’t expect to jump back into the hothouse of horse-ownership all too soon. She is however greatly looking forward to getting back in the saddle and expects to be there in another month or so. Hopefully we’ll see her out with the club in 2011.

Pictured below: Elaine, in pink, at the Falcarragh Beach Show, June 2009.

Autumn activities at Cloncaw

Anybody who travelled to the Border Counties 1-day event or any of the 2-Phase competitions at Cloncaw Equestrian Centre will know what a (comparatively!) easy run it is to Glaslough. Cloncaw have published a calendar of activities for the autumn and winter. A couple of events may be of interest to our members:

Dressage Competition Sunday 17 October
Tests BD 7 BD 18 & Pre Novice IPC Dressage Test 2008
Entry Fee €10 for 1 class €15 for 2 classes
Pre Entry by 15 October

Go As You Please Sunday 24 October, 12:00
Weather permitting
€20 per horse/pony

Schedule for our Autumn League Show & Team Show Jumping Challenge, Saturday 23 October

Rachel has been working out the finer details of our upcoming league show. The date has changed from Sunday 24 to Saturday 23 October but the venue remains the same. The value of a completely indoor set-up was clear last year as the rain pelted relentlessly over the roof of Eglinton.

LRC 2010 Autumn League+Team Challenge | Provisional Schedule

The schedule is similar to last year with one important addition. Many of you will remember the night at Greenacres in March 2008 when our club won the Northwest Show Jumping Challenge, beating off teams from the Gaeltachts, Tirconaill and Benbulben. More importantly, perhaps, it was the night that saw us shake our reputation as the “Walking Club”.

The infamous challenge cup has been gathering dust on the team members’ mantelpieces ever since — the Northwest Challenge was a one-hit wonder. Now Rachel has hit upon the bright idea of bringing the competition back to life as part of our Autumn Show. There won’t be any additional jumping but teams will be entered in advance and competitors’ scores in their individual class will count towards their team’s total.

Now for the important part: Each team must consist of one Primary, one Advanced Primary and one Intermediate rider. The fourth rider may be from any grade. Given that we probably have at least 10 AP riders who would like to be on a team, we need as many Primary and Intermediate riders as possible to ride on the day so that the AP riders get a fair chance to be part of the challenge!

Autumn/Winter calendar highlights

Jumping seems to be the main focus of our Friday evening activities between now and Christmas, but there’s plenty of other action as well. We’re staying outdoors for another month and Patricia Warren will instruct us in jumping at Cyril’s arena in Milford for the next three Fridays. Book at latest by Wednesday with Liz on 086 831 3799.

Our own Autumn League show has moved from Sunday 24 to Saturday 23 October and that will be followed by a ride-out at Castleshanaghan on Sunday 31 October. The full schedule of activities is on the Calendar page but make a note of these particular highlights:

Saturday 23 October | LRC Autumn League Show at Eglinton
Sunday 31 October | Ride-out at Audrey & Tanya’s, Castleshanaghan
Wednesday 3 November | Strule Valley RC Team Show Jumping Challenge
Monday 15 November | AGM
Friday 26 November | Bowling at Arena 7
Friday 3 December | Course-building evening at Templemore
Friday 10 December | Christmas mounted games at Templemore
Sunday 19 December | Christmas ride-out at Sharon & John’s, Kilmacrennan

Multi-talented members in weekend action

Sunday saw the last flapping meet of the season take place at Manorcunningham. 2-legged and 4-legged riding club members were out in the sunshine!

Pictured below: Damien Dettori looking the part in the local trainers race (no, he hasn’t started training but he stood in for a trainer for the day) and Doolin, last seen doing a riding club dressage test with Libby and clear round jumping with Rachel, parading before the start of the local pony race with Oisín in the saddle. Neither of our club representatives passed the winning post in front!

Working hunter season in sight

The North West Working Hunter Association (NWWHA) last year extended its reach, running working hunter shows as far north west as Derry. The response was hugely positive and several of our members competed successfully. It looks like the experiment is going to continue this season. Shows are scheduled for Sunday 21 November and Sunday 19 December in Templemore. Full details and further information is on the NWWHA website.

Lancelot Awards 2010

It’s time to think about the Lancelot Awards and we should discuss any nominations at our club meeting this coming Monday. Nominations within our region have to be submitted at the regional meeting next Wednesday, 29 September, in Tuam. Each club attending the meeting is allocated two votes for the regional selection process.

See the AIRC’s mailing about the Lancelot Awards 2010 for further info.

12 yr-old thoroughbred available for long-term loan

Gareth Godfrey, for a short while a member of the club, is hoping to find somebody who might enjoy a 12 year-old ex-racehorse. He’s about 15.3hh, pleasant to work with and quiet to ride — and he has a very good jump. He’s available on loan as a riding horse only, not for racing. If you’re interested, contact Marina on 086 821 6335.