The Association of Irish Riding Clubs is an excellent organisation to be involved in. One of the services it provides is to give us a voice at national level in times of need. One aspect of equestrianism which appeals to almost everyone is hacking out, particularly if there is access to good off-road routes. Whilst the following link refers to Dublin forestry uses, I’m sure the more input there is from the equestrian community as a whole the greater the chance of forestry access being granted countrywide. Please try to take the time to read and respond;

Coillte, the semi-state body, has opened up a consultation process in respect of the Dublin Mountains Forests – A Woodland for our Future.

Horse Sport Ireland is currently engaging with Coillte on the matter.  However, clubs and individuals have the opportunity to put forward their views directly and we would encourage stakeholders to do so.  Should you wish comment to Horse Sport Ireland directly, please email mshea@horsesportireland.ie

Here’s a link to Coillte Natures plans

• https://coillte.citizenspace.com/dublin-mountains/dublin-mountains-forests/

We are also being asked to take a look at an AIRC survey regarding grading of riders within the organisation. Our club will be submitting feedback on the 23rd of October and each member’s input would be greatly appreciated. Have a gander at the proposed upgrading review and give your feedback to Hazel.

Club-Grading-Review-Survey-2019

With our Derby Show over us for another year we can look forward to getting out to lots of other club’s events over the coming weeks The following are a taster of some of the great shows coming up.

In Stracomer Stables, Bundoran:

Two day clinic – open to everyone. Pony club, riding club and individuals

Day 1 – flatwork/polework
Day 2 – showjumping
Both private and group lessons available.
Approx 4/5 riders in each group
Lessons will last 1.5 hours each day to ensure each rider gets plenty out of the two days. If you are unable to attend both days individual days can be booked

For more information please contact Sonya McAleer on +44 7874 350665

At Deanes Farm Equestrian in Bruckless:

All the club members who turned up to take part in or help out at the Derby were very glad that they made the effort. The weather gods were very kind and, once a morning shower passed over, the day was warm and dry. The venue was perfect for the event, with an impressive array of jumps available for Trish to use in designing the course. Kyle Hayes, of Aldertree Equine, was our dressage judge for the day. He was cheerful throughout and provided plenty of helpful comments on his judge’s sheets. Congratulations to all the competitors, particularly those who went away with a ribbons. A very sincere thanks to everyone who took part. We had a very good spread of clubs on the day and every club took home some rosettes or silverware. 

Grace Rogers claimed the Primary Derby winner’s rosette.

Caroline Shiels was the AP Derby winner, with Samantha O’Neill and Suzanne Deeny-Wylie coming in 2nd and 3rd .

Cliff did Letterkenny proud when he managed a 1st and 3rd in the Intermediate Derby, with Lynne Thompson coming 2nd, Marina Hamilton 4th, and Francis McNicholl 5th.

In the Advanced Intermediate class Stephen Greene took the top prize, with Derek Kane 2nd, Daire Diver 3rd, Vanessa 4th and Jodie Carr 5th. Rachel will be back in action soon to keep this lot on their toes!

The dressage arena saw Ann Keaney take first place in the Primary dressage.

Nicola Coxford took 1st place in the AP class, with Vicki Hopkins 2nd and Samantha O’Neill 3rd.

The Intermediate class had Francis take a well deserved 1st on the ever improving Bonzo, with Lauren McLaughlin 2nd and Erin Fergus 3rd.

Nadine Gallagher, back in an equestrian saddle after a summer on bicycles, took 1st place in the advanced intermediate class. Cassandra McGee was 2nd and Andrea Gallagher 3rd.

Finally, the worthy winner of the Orla O’Riley cup was Nadine Gallagher who in the words of the judge showed great partnership with her horse. It was wonderful to have Orla’s partner, Jimmy, and her parents Brian and Helen, at the show to present Nadine with the shield in memory of a young lady who was such a supportive equestrian in our community.

If anyone would like to get a top class photo as a memento of a great day they should contact Megan Coxford, who too some stunning shots on Sunday and is extremely professional to deal with. Check out Megan’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Photographer/Megan-Coxford-Photography-291334481465657/

Great to see such good support.

dressage-times-Derby-2019

Our recent club meeting had a very good turnout and arrangements for the impending Derby show were cemented. Greenacres Equestrian centre has been running it’s own jump-cross league recently and their jumps look fantastic in their outdoor arena. Entries are taken on the day for the jumping at our show but dressage entries should already be in. As always it would be great if our members could come and support on the day, whether by entering or by helping out. The weather forecast is good and a sociable day is pretty much guaranteed at riding club.

If you enjoy riding club life, and would like to spread your competitive wings a bit, you would be very welcome at any of the events run by our (distant) neighbors in the Western region of the AIRC. The regional calender are is as follows.

Apart from our own show we are spoiled for local competitive opportunities at the moment. The following are flyers from some local events which are open to all and sundry and afford us all with ample excuses to spend our time out with our horses.

Our annual regional training day, organised this year by the Donegal Gaelteacht  club, was a great success. The weather, barring one minor blip in the morning, was superb, and the company was excellent. Top marks to all who took part. The coaching was top class, with every rider being challenged as well as having their all-important confidence boosted. Thanks as always to Liz Potter for the photographic evidence of the day.

The AIRC show jumping championships  has just about wound up in Mullingar. Our club had just one representative at the championship, namely Rachel on Merlin, who finished 12th of the 56 entries in the AI championship. The venue was superbly presented as always and the weather was, if anything, too good. Donegal could be proud of the Donegal Gaeltachts Cassandra McGee, who won both the Open and Advanced Open championship and the young horse class, on Trish Warren’s Well Dun Welby.

The next national outing for our club is the national dressage championship in the 18th August. Before this we have our regional training day in Gordon’s Bay on the 28th July.

One of our closest clubs, the Border Counties Riding Club, is holding its annual one day event at Cloncaw Equestrian Centre. Many of our members are aware of how good a venue this is and Cliff in particular has clocked up many miles around it’s undulating cross country course. Details are on the flyer