Several of our members benefitted from Kelda’s tuition at Templemore earlier in the year. She is now restarting her Tuesday night fixture and you should contact her on 086 834 9406, if you’re interested in joining in. This is not a riding club session so is open to all ages.
AGM *and Awards* take earlier date this year, Friday 1 November
In an effort to comply with the western region’s wishes, our AGM will take earlier this year than in previous times. Friday 1 November is the date for this generally sociable get-together during which we reflect on the activities of the past 12 months and chart the course for the next riding club year. All club members are encouraged to come along to the meeting takes place in Tir na nOg.
The AGM also features our Club Member and Club Horse of the Year awards. Your votes will be needed for these so keep your eyes open for Cormac’s text inviting your nominations.
Bowls evening in Ramelton, Friday 18 October
It’s time again to leave the horses at home and head out for a purely social evening in Ramelton where Audrey has organised one of her much-loved bowls evenings. The cut-throat competitive session will take place at the Makemie Hall behind the presbyterian church beginning at 8pm. Feel free to bring a friend.
Let Audrey know on 087 285 3687 if you plan to go along.
Two new members welcomed to the club
It’s always lovely to see new faces amongst the ranks. Recently we’ve been joined by Vicky Gallagher and Deirdre MacGabhann.
Vicky rides a handsome big bay horse called Mr Ted who she keeps with Audrey in Castleshanaghan. Vicky joins us at Primary level. Deirdre too rides a very handsome bay — Suzanne’s pride and joy, Basil. She recently moved him to her homebase in Ballylin near Ramelton after a summer with Audrey. Having ridden all through her childhood in the south of England, Deirdre now shares Basil with her three daughters, all of whom are keen pupil’s of Mary Finneran at Glenleary. She rides at Advanced Primary level.
You’re both very welcome to the club and we hope you get great enjoyment from your membership.
Guaranteed enjoyment at Hillsborough Farm Charity Ride, Sunday 6 October
Nobody knows better than Mary Finneran how to organise a ride-out and barbeque. This Sunday’s event at Hillsborough Farm near Ramelton offers options for all levels of riders (and horses), as well as entertainment for the unmounted followers with their canine friends.
Depending on your level of ambition, the rides kick off at 12 noon, 1pm and 1.30pm. There’s a dog show with a difference at 3pm.
For full details see the Charity Ride flyer.
Jumping lessons with Jackie, Monday evenings, Templemore
Friday nights in Templemore are booked fairly solidly by one of the pony clubs so Cormac has had to think creatively about pre-league jumping lessons in the arena. In a change from routine, lessons will take place on Monday 7 October and Monday 21 October, and will be run jointly for ourselves and the Inishowen Riding Club. Primary and Advanced Primary riders will begin at 7pm with Intermediate and Above riders on at 8.30pm.
Jackie McPherson will teach the lessons and the first installment will be on polework. The second installment will cover strides and distances. If you’re interested in taking part, book in good time with Cormac on 087 251 4417.
Making the most of stunning September weather on a Sunday afternoon
Marina and Enda’s last-minute organisation of a cross country ride-out from their farm near St Johnston set spirits soaring for the eight riders who sallied forth on a glorious late-September afternoon.
Anne, Keary, Leo and Paddy joined the hosts, together with two welcome visitors from the Gaeltachts — John McDaid and Rosaleen Harkin. The group covered the extensive farmland and stubble fields at a leisurely pace with just one energetic uphill canter to get the hearts racing. Back at home base their warm-up was put to good use when Marina and Enda ran a spontaneous competition over a small course. Paddy and Leo nailed the Pairs contest while Anne took top honours in the Individuals, closely pursued by John McDaid.
In true Hamilton/McClafferty style, the party was treated to refreshments of the highest quality afterwards before horses and riders were sent on their way into a beautiful evening with smiles on their faces.
Many thanks, Enda and Marina, for a wonderful afternoon’s riding and entertainment. For Keary it was the highlight of the year to date. Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going now and maintain a healthy level of activity as we ride into autumn.
Pictured below: Happy cross country enthusiasts on Sunday 29 September.
Cross country hack with Marina, Sunday 29 September
With plans for Friday night’s jumping lesson in limbo, Marina has grabbed the opportunity of a free weekend to plan a cross country hack from her home in St Johnston. She’ll lead the run over her own land and across the road to the large stubble fields that are a feature of the hunt meet at Maggies each year.
If you’re interested in getting out into the fresh autumnal air, contact Marina on 086 821 6335. She’s thinking of riding out at 2pm but is open to negotiation with those who are taking part.
Equus Live at Punchestown
Anybody who hasn’t yet seen the Gaeltacht’s post on a proposed trip to Equus Live at Punchestown in November should check it out and express their interest, if they’d like to travel: Equus Live 2013.
Congratulations to Erica and Dave
Former members Erica and Dave returned to home shores at the weekend to tie the knot. Their celebration in Erica’s home county of Sligo featured a wonderful wedding cake which answered all questions about who occupies the top slot in the couple’s affections. Well done Britney and many congratulations to Erica and Dave. We wish you many years of happiness together.
Pictured below: Britney crowns the wedding cake. Thanks to Orla for capturing the creation.
Letterkenny Riding Club 
