Shane's Castle

Report & Results:

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. 

Attending vet, Julie Dauncey, MRCVS, was kept busy by the numbers of horses undergoing vet checks pre- and post-ride as part of the endurance process. Karina McVeigh, who has previously competing up to the Silver Shamrock Level in endurance on her horse “Cheyenne”, completed her first CTR on her horse “Cococabana” who Karina has had several recent successes with competing at Eventing Ireland Northern Region events at Tyrella. “Cococabana” gained the first stage of her Bronze Shamrock Qualifier. Hannah Wilding on her horse “NWF Financial Bouncer” also successfully completed their first CTR together, with both gaining their Bronze Shamrock Qualifier. Congratulations go to all horses and riders completing endurance rides. The ILDRA Shamrock System offers a safe way to build both horse and rider fitness and the knowledge on completing longer distance rides. Some lucky riders on the day benefited from Judy Maxwell from Bailey’s Horse Feeds kind donation of several bags of Tasty Treats to be handed out as spot prizes by the ride organisation team. Thanks go to Judy and Bailey’s Horse Feeds for their continued support at ILDRA rides and events over the years. 

ILDRA also offer the option with membership to have a log book for your horse, even if you are only completing pleasure rides this is an opportunity to have your mileage recorded at each event you attend. As you build up your mileage, there are several cumulative pleasure ride rosette mileage awards available which are awarded each year at ILDRA’s annual AGM, dinner and awards evening. There are also a variety of trophies available to be won for horse and rider combinations. Why not sign up for a log book-you might be surprised how quickly the miles can add up with rosette awards starting at 100 miles. 

Thanks go to the ride organiser of Ros Morcombe, assisted by Ashley Morcombe, Kirsten Conly, the McFarland family, John Anderson, Mary Letch, Claire Walker and Pip Holmes for their hard-working before, during and after the ride for marking the trail and ensuring smooth running on the day. Thanks go to the O’Neill Family and Shane’s Castle Estate Staff for allowing access to Shane’s Castle, thanks also go to the Forestry Service for allowing access to Randalstown Forest Park. ILDRA’s next ride takes place on Sunday 11th of May at Baronscourt Estate near Newtownstewart offering CTRs, VPRs and PRs. All entries must be in advance and online via ILDRA’s website. For further information contact ILDRA’s Facebook page. 

Results Shane’s Castle 13 April 25

32km (20 miles) CTR

Helen McFarland on Chalima de Gueyte,
Bree Rutledge on Clovermount Rhinestone,
Karina McVeigh on Cococabana,
Roseanna Andrews on Puzzle Piece, and
Hannah Wilding on NWF Financial Bouncer. 

32km (20 miles) VPR

Emma Hayes on Almaz’ Asham

More Details:

Our 2nd visit this year to the ever popular Shane's Castle and this time we are fortunate to have use of the tracks Randalstown Forest as well.

Available on the day will be Competitive and Pleasure Rides to suit everyone. By now maybe you will be ready to up the distances a bit and start to see the benefits of early season fitness training and to accumulate the miles.