Opportunity to school cross country at Castle Leslie

With a view to preparing for the National Hunter Trial Championships at Flowerhill on Sunday 15 April, Anne Chambers has been making enquiries about potential schooling opportunities. She has discovered that Castle Leslie will offer a 2-hour cross country schooling session with instruction over their complete course at a cost of €30 per head.

The first weekend in April (falling between the final of the NWL and Easter) seems like the obvious time to go to Castle Leslie. In order to judge whether the numbers add up, Anne would like to hear now from anybody who is interested in participating. Members of our neighbouring clubs are more than welcome to join the group. You may of course head to Castle Leslie even if you’re not planning on going to Flowerhill.

Contact Anne as early as possible on 087 610 6796 if you’re interested in this schooling opportunity.

Chance to change your grade at regional meeting

The North West League is a great opportunity to test the waters at a higher grade and several of our members have been pushing their limits over the last few weeks. Now is the time to formalise your grade change if you’ve decided that the higher jumps are really for you.

But remember that you may also downgrade. If you feel that through lack of experience or shortage of time for schooling and practice you’re not confident of jumping at your current grade, you may move down. Again, the North West League is the perfect opportunity to do this. To downgrade you must be observed by a grading officer at two competitions. With three league shows under our belt, this has now been accomplished by anybody who has taken part.

Contact Orla today, Wednesday, if you wish to change your grade in either direction. Grade changes will be approved at tonight’s regional meeting.

Very enjoyable visit to Mary Devine

Last Friday evening’s expedition to Glenswilly to visit Mary Devine’s facilities proved most enjoyable and educational. Mary’s facilities are unparalleled in the region and her expertise as a qualified practitioner of Equine Touch, a highly regarded method of physical therapy, is very sought after. Her new solarium will shortly be commissioned and will add a significant new dimension to her work.

It’s much nicer to be at a yard like Mary’s as an observer than in the company of an injured or ailing horse. We all know that the care Mary offers her own horses and others is second to none. On Friday evening she demonstrated that she’s equally meticulous in her care of 2-legged visitors. She generously provided a wonderful table of refreshments to round off a very enjoyable armchair evening. We’re very grateful to her for her time and hospitality.

Back by popular demand: Gary Marshall

Gary Marshall’s coaching has proved very popular over the two sessions of show jumping lessons organised by Rachael McCrossan last year. Demand for Gary’s tuition hasn’t diminished and Rachael has now announced that a further set of lessons will begin on Monday 12 March, at either Templemore or Lenamore.

The lessons cost €25 and, as non-AIRC events, are open to non-riding club members. To book, please contact Rachael straight away on 087 212 8031.

More new blood for club ranks

This week sees the arrival of another new club member. Pauric McCrory is a good friend of Ann Chambers who left his home turf in Porthall for the love of a Ballybofey woman. He has a lovely black cob called Blackie and really enjoys hunting him with the Donegal Harriers during the season. He’s also been a regular competitor at leagues at Greenacres and at Richard Smyth’s shows. Pauric has even been known to attempt a puissance wall and is looking forward to the Flowerhill experience.

You’re very welcome to the club, Pauric, and we hope you get great enjoyment from our activities.

Visit to Mary Devine, Friday evening, 2 March

With the North West League back on the agenda on Sunday next, we’re having non-mounted activity this Friday evening. Members are invited to visit Mary Devine’s equine health and rehab facilities in Glenswilly.

Beginning at 8pm, we’ll have the chance to see her horse solarium, her equissage equipment and her Equine Touch skills. She’ll present one detailed case study which promises to be fascinating and she’ll share her vast knowledge of equine physical therapies.

If you’re interested in coming along, please let Marina know in good time on  086 821 6335.

Select few benefit from top class tuition with Patricia Warren

Anybody who has experienced Patricia Warren’s instruction won’t lightly miss one of her classes and there are several members (one in particular) who regret not being able to get to Lenamore for Friday evening’s lesson. Cormac, Liz, Hazel, Ruth and Rachael McCrossan were the clever ones who made it their business to be there when it mattered.

Patricia was as generous as ever with her time and each pupil received ample tuition on a beautiful evening in a well-prepared arena. Comparative novices Liz and Hazel had their confidence boosted and happily tackled a course of obstacles they might previously have considered well beyond their means. Even a seasoned pro like Cormac finished the lesson with the feeling that he had learned something new.

This was a once-off lesson but hopefully we’ll have the opportunity in the near future to benefit again from Patricia’s knowledge and expertise.