Pre-Derby practice and lots more, Castleshanaghan, Friday

Trips to Audrey and Tanya’s homeplace at Castleshanaghan are amongst the jewels in the riding club calendar. Cecil’s immaculate fields make the perfect play ground for summertime riding. The horses love it and the riders do too.

This year, with the Derby & Dressage Show just a week away, our hosts are going to conjure up a dressage arena and some derby and cross country style jumps to give us some scope to practice before the big day. The cross country hoodlums will also be free to enjoy a good stretch around the extensive silage fields. What more could a soul wish for on Midsummer’s Day!

The weather looks like being reasonably cooperative and with luck we’ll get to enjoy our unique position on the northern tip of the country on the day when it matters most. Let Audrey know on 087 285 3687, if you plan on coming along.

Pictured below: Previous club excursions to the Jacob ranch. Unmissable.

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Club meeting, Tuesday 18 June

Don’t forget: club meeting in Tir na nOg, Tuesday, 8pm. Come along and contribute your ideas for the next few months of club activity. Once our Derby & Dressage Show is behind us, the summer months will be a bit less active on the competitive front and the focus will switch to more casual and social events.

After a stunning ride to Grianán of Aileach, it’s time to explore the Finn Valley

Last Friday’s ride-out from Leo’s was a resounding success and glowing accounts have come in from Francis and Anne. Paddy reportedly took the initiative and decided that the party of five should tackle the target by the most direct route possible. After enjoying the view from Grianán of Aileach, Leo navigated a meandering route back to HQ where excellent food was served up by the hospitable Porter household.

This Friday Anne will take control of the compass, leading a ride-out from her home country near Stranorlar. The plan is to meet at Waterfalls at around 7pm, weather permitting. Contact Anne on 087 610 6796, if you plan to ride.

Updated schedule for our Derby & Dressage Show, Sunday 30 June

On a sunny day like this it’s possible to imagine that we might have good conditions for the rescheduled Derby & Dressage Show on Sunday 30 June!
The change in the date has necessitated a few changes to the show’s officials. Now that we’re facing into One Day Event season, we’ve changed the dressage tests to allow members get some valuable practice in on their eventing tests.

LRC Derby & Dressage Show 2013 | Updated

The tests for AP/I/AI/O are available to download here. The Primary test is available to download here.

Practice over freshly painted poles at Lenamore, Friday 14 June

The Inishowens have been hard at work preparing for their inaugural show this coming Sunday. Lenamore’s poles have been painted and are glowing brilliantly in the sun. If you’d like the opportunity to test drive your horse over them before Sunday’s big event, go along to the clear round jumping on Friday evening. The cost is €5 for two rounds.

A stalwart supporter’s report on Stradbally 2013

Audrey has penned an excellent account of her emotions and experiences as Libby and Fenway’s chef d’Equipe. In her own words……

The Morning After…….Stradbally!

Oh boy! What a fabulous weekend I had. The words ‘You just needed to be there’ spring to mind as I try to express the fabulous time that I had. I enjoyed every minute from the moment Libby and Fenway pulled in at Moorefield till we got back. Of course it was no surprise when you have such lovely travelling companions. They gave me no trouble whatsoever and would highly recommend them. I know by Lbby’s kind words before we went that my gesture to accompany them was appreciated but believe you me I was the lucky one. Can you imagine… no travelling expenses,no stress, fabulous weather and lounge about all day watching horses. What more could you ask for!!. The only shadow on the whole weekend was I missed not having Tanya and Al. As I watched the classes that might have suited them I couldn’t help but wonder where they would have been in the final line up. Of course they would have always been first in my eyes! Needless to say I got the same thrill and proud feeling with Fenway and Libby’s achievements. They were a credit to themselves and the Club. To qualify for the Working Hunter Final out of 78 entries was something to be proud of. Just a very unlucky pole down (Fenway being cautious of the ground and rightly so, as there were a few nasty falls due to the hard and very slippy going) stopped them from getting into the showing phase where I’m sure they would have definitely come away with another ribbon.

And finally……. I would like to thank 3 guys before I go. To Ed and Gary …. thanks guys for cleaning my room for the weekend. I had bought a proper camp bed thinking of my old bones, but, as soon as I had popped out my tent I realised that either my head of my feet would be very cold during the night. To Cecil for feeding and keeping an eye on the stock at home.

Back to reality now so must go. Thanks again Libby and Fenway.

Audrey

Spaces available on First Aid Course, this weekend, 14–16 June

East Donegal Pony Club has organised a first aid course for this coming weekend, Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June. Some spaces are available for non-pony club people. This is a great opportunity to learn the essentials or refresh your knowledge. You’ll never regret the time you invest in the course.

If you’d like to take part, contact Marina on 086 821 6335.