Teams take shape for defence of cup

Francis has worked his magic again and has drafted four teams from the riders who have made themselves available for selection for Saturday’s Team Show Jumping Challenge. There might be a bit of chopping and changing yet but this will give everybody a rough idea. If you’re placing a bet, place it on the club rather than on a specific team — we don’t mind which one wins!

Team 1  Marina, Paddy, Leo, Dave
Team 2  Damien, Anne, Keary, Enda
Team 3  Erica, Francis, Mick, Christopher
Team 4  Tanya, Libby, Annette, Karen

The best news of all is that our club talisman, Armstrong, will be competing on the day.

Hands up: Volunteers for Saturday please

Many members have already been in touch with Martina to offer their services for Saturday’s show at Eglinton. If you haven’t done so yet, expect a call from the chief of operations. It’s always better to take the initiative yourself — that way you might have some choice in what job you land!

As always, it’s worth pointing out that helping run the show is not only your responsibility as a member of the club, it’s actually great fun!!!

Time for teambuilding **change to team formats**

Just ten days to go until our Autumn Show at Eglinton on Saturday 22 October. Last year’s event was a mighty success with the biggest ever turn out of riders from our own club. Our Donegal neighbours turned up in numbers also and we welcomed a few visitors from as far afield as Galway and Clare.

The Team Show Jumping Challenge is the main feature of the day and all eyes are fixed on the P. Mulrine & Sons Northwest Challenge Cup. You don’t need to do any additional jumping to be on a team — your round in the individual graded class counts towards the team competition.

**Teams of four must comprise two riders from each of the two lower grades (Primary, Advanced), and an Intermediate rider. The fourth member may be of any grade.** Francis is the chief team selector and he needs to know as soon as possible whether you plan to compete on the day. Contact him on 086 372 2542 to let him know whether he can include you in his plotting and scheming.

Pictured below: The team that kept the Challenge Cup in Letterkenny Riding Club’s trophy cabinet in 2010: (Paddy on Lizzie standing in for) Keary (AP) on Joe, Libby (I) on Armstrong, Francis (I) on Zak and Annette (P) on SonnyB.
(Photo courtesy Gamble Photography)

Working Hunter in Omagh RDA, Sunday 16 October

‎Omagh Riding for Disabled Centre is holding a working hunter show on Sunday 16 October. Classes to suit everyone including those wishing to qualify for the Northern Ireland Festival 2012. Classes will commence at 10am with a cross pole competition, followed then by a cradle stakes qualifier, and will then move up the heights. Further details on the schedule can be found on the NI Festival website.

Knock-out reappearance from Mick and Angel

Friday evening’s clear round jumping evening at Glenleary was notable for the quality of the simple but challenging course as well as for the helpful and instructive advice provided by Mary Finneran. But it will be remembered best as the evening when Mick was reunited with Angel. The pair flew around the course with energy and enthusiasm and Mick’s smile reached from ear to ear. Suzanne watched with pleasure with Basil from his stable door and she looks forward to getting back on board sooner rather than later.

While Mick has retained all his riding skills despite the 4-month break in equestrian activity, some other skills seem to have deteriorated slightly. Between untacking Angel and returning her saddle to the tack room, he succeeded in plunging the yard into total darkness. Desperate efforts were made by several able-bodied men to resuscitate the electrical system but it all came to nought.

This week we move to Templemore for some indoor clear round jumping in anticipation of our show at Eglinton the following weekend. Full details shortly.

Pictured below: Friday evening’s crime scene, Glenleary.

Hallowe’en fun day with the Donegal Gaeltachts

Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club are holding a Halloween Fun Day on Saturday 29 October at Killult Stables in Falcarragh. All our members are invited.

There’ll be show jumping for all grades and novelty competitions with a single entry fee for the day. Along with prizes and rosettes, some BBQ/home baking will be provided. Make the most of this chance to introduce our horses to the Gaeltacht’s scary new jumps!

Full details to follow.

News of another type of club

Riding clubs, pony clubs, …  In today’s Irish Times there’s an interesting report about a new Horse Owners Club in Dunsink, County Dublin. The club formed as a result of Fingal County Council’s horse welfare intervention, helped by skilled input from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. It sounds like a success.

Read “Horses outside: Fixing the pony problem” in the Irish Times.