Judy the queen on a day when the girls did us proud

Sunday’s Northwest League Final proved a banner day for the club and an even better one for the fairer sex. Between Liz, Anne, Claire, Molly and Judy we notched up an ultra-impressive haul of league titles on this most competitive of days.

We would have added a fourth in the Welcome Stakes had Louise not been jinxed by a morning well-wish from Libby — that was all it took to bring two poles crashing to the ground much to Louise’s disgust. After an otherwise faultless performance over the course of the league the blue ribbon these toppled poles spawned came up just a little short of the mark. Next time it will be the Primary class proper for Louise and Tutu, meaning the club will once again have some representation in the 70cm division.

Our representation in the different grades runs in cycles and our current strong suit is Advanced Intermediate. This class has been transformed from a predictable 4 or 5 entry affair to a cracking competition with entries consistently into double figures. Full marks to Claire Cuffe for her victory in yesterday’s class, deserved compensation for the unlucky timefault that kept her out of the previous leg’s jump-off. Her victory brought league honours with it crowning a wonderful day for the Cuffe family. Earlier in the program, Liz had clenched her league title (and overall NWL win) with a great second in the Advanced Primary class. How valuable a family mare is Judy?!!

Anne’s consistency paid dividends yet again as, not for the first time, she and Molly took the Intermediate title. Partner Keary on Arthur gave the spectators one of the biggest thrills of the day with his acrobatic clear round in the same class. Sadly he lost his way in the jump-off — no hounds to follow at Templemore…

Anne received her rosette and prize from Tanya on a day when memories of Audrey were to the forefront of many people’s minds. The fondness with which that memory is cherished was reflected by the generosity of contributions to the collection for Aware. Together with the E300 contributed from league funds, we were able to present a cheque to Tanya and Cecil for E750 on behalf of the participating clubs. We’re very, very grateful to Tanya and Cecil for coming on the day, joining us for an occasion which we all know must have been desperately difficult to face. Thank you.

Concluding the day, the very generous time allowed for the Topscore competition took a bit of the edge of this normally exciting contest but it nevertheless provided an enjoyable end to another highly successful league.

Thanks to everybody who contributed to making the league happen, particularly from our club’s point of view to Cormac. Congratulations to all competitors and particularly to the winners. You’ve really done us proud!

Table Quiz for Trec time again, Wednesday 16 April

Plenty of members enjoyed a great night out at last year’s Trec fundraiser for the young riders who headed for Belgium to represent their country at the European Junior Championships. Well this year you have a further opportunity to pit your knowledge against the best at Arena 7 on Wednesday 16 April. The young riders and their families would really appreciate our support.

Speed update: NWL final, club meeting, Flowerhill

All eyes at present are focused on the final of the Northwest League this weekend. Remember that we are jointly responsible for running the show along with the Gaeltachts, so make sure you contact Cormac and let him know when you’re available to help. The show is being run in aid of Aware.

As we move deeper into the year we need to plot out a further series of club activities. To this end we’ll have a general club meeting on Tuesday 1 April at Tir na nOg. Everybody is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Finally, everybody who’s planning to compete at Flowerhill should keep an eye on the entries deadline and check out the full schedule and details for the event on the AIRC website.

Flatwork and cross country opportunities for St Patrick’s weekend

Last Friday’s flatwork lesson with Mary Finneran proved a great success once again. There’s a quiet concentration and a focus on detail which lends the classes a particular atmosphere and the sense of achievement at the end of the evening is palpable. If numbers suffice at this bank holiday weekend, we’ll proceed with our next lesson on Friday evening. Contact Vera if you plan to attend.

On Saturday morning our cross country enthusiasts head for Castle Leslie where half the course has been reopened thanks to this week’s fair weather. Precise arrangements are still being firmed up but the provisional plan is to meet there at 10.30am. Contact Libby on 086 830 1392, if you’re interested in joining in. Neighbouring club members are welcome to join us.

Plenty of extra-curricular activity in the coming weeks

If the riding club calendar isn’t enough to satisfy your equestrian addiction, you might enjoy some non-riding club events:

St Patrick’s Day Show, Templemore
This annual event draws a huge crowd and is immensely popular. This year it runs as a non-registered event, making it more accessible than ever before. Bob and Mary Barrons at Templemore are always very supportive of our club activities so don’t be shy about turning out for their big day on Monday 17 March, beginning at 9am.

Trec Ulster PTV Championships and Drumlin Harriers Hunter Trials 
Many of our members are familiar with the wonderful all-weather cross country course near Cootehill in Cavan, home of the ever-popular Drumlin Harriers Hunter Trials. This year’s hunter trials take place the weekend after Flowerhill on Sunday 13 April. Those of you who prefer top experience the amenities at a steadier pace and who might appreciate a school before Flowerhill should consider the Trec event on Sunday 30 March. Full details on the Donegal Trec website.

Points table red hot after penultimate leg of NWL

Letterkenny riders are in with a shout for league honours in all but the Primary division of the competition after another successful show at Templemore.

Louise continues to occupy the top notch in the Welcome Stakes while Liz is similarly consistent and carries a slender lead into the final in two weeks’ time. At Intermediate level Anne is our brightest hope in a very tight contest. The now ultra-competitive Advanced Intermediate division sees Nadine, Damien and Claire all in with a healthy shout. Remember that double points at the final can have a big impact on the role of honour.

Well done everybody who competed yesterday and thanks again to Liz Potter for her efficient results service.

NWL 2014 Results | Week 3
NWL 2014 Points Table | Week 3

Cross country excursion pencilled in for Saturday 15 March

Plans for our pre-Flowerhill cross country excursion on St Patrick’s weekend are coming together in sketch format. Castle Leslie’s course is currently closed because of the wet ground but will re-open when conditions permit. the forecast for next week is fairly good so who knows what might be possible.

Dirraw Farm near Ballymoney is definitely available and is exactly the same distance away as Castle Leslie. However, since many of our cross country enthusiasts are heading that way two weeks later for the team hunt chase, it might not be ideal.

Plans will be finalised closer to the time. All suggestions are very welcome. Contact Libby on 086 830 1392, if you’re interested in going along.