ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association - 1990) is a long established Endurance Riding Organisation with representation throughout Ireland and is recognised by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).
It organises a series of rides throughout Ireland. Most rides involve a Pleasure Ride for members and non-members, normally of about 8 miles, and a series of CTRs (Competitive Trail Rides) over a number of distances starting from 20 miles for members. Some events also feature ERs (Endurance Rides) - these normally start at 50 miles and are for experienced horses and riders only.
So what is Endurance Riding? It is a unique competitive challenge and a supreme sport for learning about equine fitness. Veterinary checks before and after competitive rides - and in the middle too for longer distances - ensure the best possible care is taken of your horse. Any problems can be picked up earlier rather than later.
You, the rider, learn more about the way your horse functions, with the importance of regulating your riding to suit conditions which will affect the way your horse behaves and how he presents to the vet. Key factors include:
ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) headed to Castle Ward Estate near Strangford for the second time this year on Saturday, October 19 for a day of pleasure riding. With fine weather on the day, the attending riders enjoyed making their way around the Hoof Trail at Castle Ward, which takes in a wide variety of scenery including woodlands, open parklands, the shores of Strangford Lough and views towards the main Castle Ward mansion house.
Thanks go to the National Trust for allowing access to this venue and to the Hayes family for marking and running the ride on the day.
ILDRA’s final ride for 2024 took place at the remote and rugged Cam Forest, located near Limavady, on Sunday, October 27. Despite the damp weather on the day, the riders enjoyed taking part in pleasure rides, vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs) on the mountainous trails of Cam Forest, which offers stunning views across the Binevenagh landscape.
Thanks go to attending veterinary surgeon Julie Dauncy MRCVS for checking over the horses taking part in vetted rides. Thanks also go to Kirsten Conly and John Anderson for marking and running the ride on the day. Thanks also go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Cam Forest.
Thanks go to Bailey’s Horse Feeds and Judy Maxwell for their support for ILDRA rides throughout 2024, with their kind donation of a bag of feed at every ILDRA ride as a prize for a lucky rider. The winner of a bag of feed at Castle Ward was Jane Bruce, with Evelyn Meharg the winner at Cam Forest.
Any ILDRA members wishing to apply for trophies or mileage rosettes must complete their award application and send copies of their log books by November 20 - see ILDRA’s Facebook page or website for further details.
Keep an eye out for ILDRA’s upcoming calendar for 2025, you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the fabulous venues offering safe, off-road riding in a variety of locations across Northern Ireland and distances suitable for all.
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