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.

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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.

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.

Erica & Dave's Wedding Cake

Cormac realises long-held ambition at stormy Mullingar Masters

For the second time this year the club had just one solitary flagbearer at one of the AIRC’s major national competitions. On Sunday last Cormac and Charlotte stepped out into the arena at Mullingar to jump for Letterkenny at the finals of the Masters Series. The partnership were met by a deluge of rain which brought visibility close to zero as they started the round.

There may not have been a tangible ribbon on the dashboard for the long journey home but Cormac had achieved his own long-held ambition to compete at this prestigious event. As is so often the case, getting there is the real achievement. What transpires in competition is just luck.

Well done Cormac. Thanks for representing the club in such style. May you return to the Masters for many years to come!

Pictured below: Cormac and Charlotte competing earlier in the year at the team show jumping qualifier in Tubberbride.

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Quick update and dates for your diary

Our derby training day at Marina and Enda’s next weekend has been postponed on account of clashes with several other equestrian events. A new date will be worked out shortly.

Mary Finneran is organising a charity ride-out from Hillsborough Farm on Sunday 6 October. Funds will go to children’s cancer care unit who have cared so well for Gemma over the past couple of years. The ride-out coincides with the completion of Gemma’s treatment so come out and celebrate with the rest of the equestrian community. More details later.

Bundoran 2013

Despite the weather our club’s annual trip away was a very enjoyable weekend filled with adventurous routes through unknown territory though the sand dunes, beach rides, cross country, good food and great craic.

This year’s choice of venue at Stracomer Stables ensured we were not going to be beaten by the weather. As the weekend approached numbers were dwindling but we still had a keen group of eight riders: Damien, Nadine, Marina, Enda, Leo, Paddy, Francis, Maura and three spectators, Mick Carroll, Audrey and Tanya. Keary and Ann managed to join us for the Sunday.

On arrival at Stracomer Stables we were given a warm welcome with plenty of hot tea and biscuits while Jodie, Stracomer’s youngest assistant, made sure all the horses were settled and happy in their 5 star accommodation. When all the troops FINALLY arrived (Francis & Maura!!), we set off on a windy expedition on Tullaghan strand. Surf boards, steep ascents and descents kept all horses and riders on their toes. On our return Leo took time to enjoy the spectacular views of Bundoran’s finest peaks from the car park!!! When all horses were tucked up in their stables, riders headed back to their accommodation to make themselves presentable for what turned out to be a very enjoyable evening in Maddens Bridge Bar in the town. The evening continued back at the house with side-splitting laughter and a few civilised games of cards!

After a good night’s sleep Leo was on autopilot as himself and Mick cooked up a hearty breakfast for everyone to get us prepared for more sand dunes, beach canters and cross country challenges. After a final cup of tea and more banter, tired horses and riders headed off on the very manageable journey home.

A big thanks to Stracomer Stables for having us and we hope this is only the first of many more trips to come. Role on 2014!!

Pictured below: Well-earned relaxation after a windswept ride on the strand. More photos in the Gallery.

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