Endurance Riding Ireland Ltd

Welcome

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:

  • The terrain: is it hilly or flat, sandy or hard ground?
  • The weather: is it cold, wet, foggy, or hot and sunny?
  • The route: does it look to be difficult to follow on the map, or a more simple circular course?

Next Events

Date 2025
Event/Venue
Sun 03 Aug
Shane's Castle
CTR, Vetted Pleasure Rides and Pleasure Rides
Sun 31 Aug
10th Annual St Patrick's Coast Ride
ERs, CTRs, Vetted Pleasure Rides & Pleasure Rides
NOTE DATE CHANGE
Sun 14 Sep
Glenariff Forest Park
Pleasure Rides Only
Sun 28 Sep
Scarvagh House
Pleasure Ride Only
Sun 05 Oct
Castle Ward
Pleasure Ride Only
DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

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Latest News

Shane's Castle

Competitive Endurance Season Kicks off at Shane’s Castle: ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) returned to Shane’s Castle near Antrim for their second visit in 2025 on Sunday 13th of April with a spectacular turnout of horses and riders. Offering pleasure rides (PRs), vetted pleasure rides (VPRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs), several riders chose to take part in a vetted ride. With dry weather on the day, the riders enjoyed the good-going on the variety of trails which wind through the estate at Shane’s Castle and for those opting to take in a longer route, the forested trails of Randalstown Forest Park were once again available. read more

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