Countdown to the Derby begins

Last Friday evening’s sociable meeting to plan for our derby show on Sunday 22 July was productive and enjoyable. Gathering first at Conways, John worked his way through a lengthy list of tasks and responsibilities until just about every detail of this major operation had been discussed and delegated. Jobs were delegated to members who weren’t present as well as those who were, so if you missed the meeting, you can probably expect a phone call.

The schedule will run in reverse order to normal, with the combined Open/Advanced Intermediate class getting things underway when the show starts at 1pm. They’ll be followed by the Intermediates and then the Intermediate & Above Speed Pairs class. Ground permitting, there’ll be 70cm clear round jumping over 6 or 8 of the fences in the main arena before the Primary class begins. The Advanced Primaries will take up the rear with the P&AP Pairs as the final class of the day.

Petra Kucklick is our dressage judge for the day so make the most of this opportunity to be assessed by one of the most constructively critical eyes in the flatwork world.

After hammering out the nuts and bolts of the show organisation, it was time to hop in the cars and visit the site. Wow!!! This Derby Show will be worth attending for the view alone! The field the Edwards family are providing for 2012 is a beautiful gently sloping mature pasture dotted with daisies, looking out over Aughnish island and on up the Swilly towards the distant Atlantic. There can hardly be a nicer Derby venue in Ireland this year.

LRC 2012 Derby & Dressage Show | Schedule

Pictured below: Site visit to Hillsborough Farm.

 

Friday evening Derby planning with pints

Our inaugural summer derby last year was a great success despite the worst of luck with a passing half-day’s rain. The course was long and challenging and proved a real experience for most of our club members who had never tackled such an event before.

Needless to say, the preparation of such an event on a greenfield site demands a HUGE amount of work! This year John Kelly is cracking the whip and orchestrating the entire operation. He’ll be looking for physical effort from as many members as possible. More importantly, he’ll appreciate active brain cells, resourcefulness and willingness to take responsibility.

The show is in the heartland of our membership area so, for once, there won’t be an hour-long journey for most people. Those who do live further away should contact John to see when they can best be deployed to avoid unnecessary miles on the road.

It all kicks off with a site visit this Friday evening followed by a meeting in Conway’s Pub in Ramelton. If you’re prepared to put your shoulder to the wheel, come along and find out how your energy can best be harnessed.

Pictured below: Setting up the field for our 2011 Derby. What a pleasure to be out in the local green fields of Hillsborough Farm.

Calendar plotted until end of September

Last Thursday’s club meeting successfully plotted a path through the next three months of this flying year. The focus for the next few weeks will be firmly on our Derby Show on Sunday 22 July. A planning meeting takes place in Conway’s Pub in Ramelton this Friday evening. There’ll be a bit of social life to knock the corners off the informal formalities and it won’t seem like work at all.

August is the month when various national and international events like the Horse Show and Olympics take centre stage. Our low key, relaxed schedule for the month bows to this distraction and we’ll enjoy some easy-going ride-outs and some not-so-easy-going-but very-rejuvenating formation riding with Valerie.

In September we hope to travel to Millers Hill in County Armagh for another famous weekend away. After the disappointment of last year’s last minute cancellation, all eyes will be glued to the weather forecast in the weeks approaching the big weekend.

September’s second highlight will be our Treasure Hunt. This year we move to new territory and Francis will bamboozle us with clues in the Ramelton area as we depart from Nadine and Damien’s HQ in Killycreen.

Check the Calendar for a full overview of activities.

Three show jumping opportunities in the west of Donegal

Our pals in the Gaeltachts, Tommy, Packie and Stephen, are busy with their now annual schedule of community shows, all of which are geared at families and have no riding club or pony club restrictions.

Saturday 21 July
Falcarragh Gymkhana (day before Derby)
Show jumping on grass.  Kids in the morning, adults in the afternoon.
Part of FestiFál, An Fál Carrach 19–22 July 2012.
Contact Tommy 087 202 4123 & Packie 087 617 1689

Saturday 28 July
Keadue Strand, Dungloe (day before Beach Show)
Show jumping on sand. Kids in the morning, adults in the afternoon.
Part of Mary from Dungloe 28 July – 6 August 2012.
Contact Stephen 087 285 5689

Sunday 12 August
Maghery Show, Dungloe
Show jumping on grass.  Kids in the morning, adults in the afternoon.
Part of Maghery Family Fun Festival 9–12 August 2012.
Contact Stephen 087 285 5689