Donegal Gaeltacht RC member Ruth McCrossan is selling her fabulous coloured mare ‘Sioux Indian’. Sioux is a cracking riding club horse who has done a bit of everything and would make an ideal horse for anybody looking to compete this year, she would also suit a competent and competitive teenager for Pony Club or as an All-Rounder . Full details can be found on her DoneDeal advert.
Sioux Indian
The sudden loss of Audrey Jacob earlier this month leaves a hole in the very fabric of amateur equestrian activity in North East Donegal. In her varying roles as supporter and friend of riders and horse-lovers from all walks of life, Audrey left a deep imprint on the local equestrian community.
Born at Ray near Rathmullan in a place and an age where pony clubs and riding clubs were the stuff of fiction and fairytale, Audrey’s life-long love of horses rooted and thrived on her family’s farm. A keen breeder with a particular passion for the Irish Draught, Audrey started producing stock while still in her teens, her father alongside to lend a hand and an eye.
Moving a few miles down the road to Castleshanaghan near Letterkenny after her marriage to Cecil, Audrey continued to breed good stock on a small scale while rearing her three children, Tanya, Jonathan and Lee. Tanya’s inherited passion for horses led Audrey to the East Donegal branch of the Irish Pony Club where she threw herself into the organisation with passion and commitment, serving for several years as Secretary, remaining deeply involved even as Tanya graduated from Pony Club ranks.
Audrey’s joint love of children and horses made her a natural volunteer for the East Donegal branch of Riding for the Disabled. Throughout years of support she was appreciated as a volunteer but equally valued for her encouragement of others to become involved.
In 2006 Audrey helped establish Letterkenny Riding Club and served loyally in varying roles as club Treasurer, Safety Officer and, above all, stalwart and ever-present supporter. She was the club’s social anchor and countless friendships were fostered and stories shared on Friday nights around her legendary tea and biscuit stand. Visits to her farm for cross country evenings were amongst the best-loved events on the club calendar. She particularly loved overnight excursions — memories of trips to Miller’s Hill, Flowerhill, Gurteen, Stradbally and, above all, Carrickfinn will linger long in the memories of those who witnessed her side-splitting laughter and lasting delight in simple pleasures.
In recent years she provided sought-after livery for short and longterm equine visitors whose owners enjoyed peace of mind knowing that their horses were in the safest hands in the county. Knowing that she could offer a secure home for horses in need, she made the long journey south to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, returning with Sparky whose welfare and happiness were thus safeguarded forever. She had few spare minutes in her long full days but whenever she did pause for a moment, Audrey enjoyed nothing more than appreciating her four-legged guests enjoying the freedom of their paddocks on the shores of Lough Swilly.
Supported in her struggle over years by her wonderful family, Audrey finally lost her long and spirited fight against an insidious illness on 7 February this year. The guard of honour formed by her fellow members of Letterkenny Riding Club and East Donegal Pony Club was a moving tribute to an irreplaceable friend who embodied all that is good about club and community spirit. May she rest in peace.
Audrey Jacob
Written by Libby Carton of Letterkenny Riding Club.
The third and final leg of the Saoirse Saddlery Dressage League took place on Sunday February 16th in Creagh EC. This league was hosted by Dalysgrove RC with some superb prizes on offer for the final.
Primary
1st – John Kelehen & Lelani of Corrib RC
2nd – Christine Rohan & Sweet Callows Gale of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Assumpta Shannon & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
4th – Carol Gaffney & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
5th – Assumpta Shannon & Bailey of South Roscommon RC
6th – Geraldine Donouhue & Lucky Cosmo of Castle Carraig RC
Advanced Primary
1st – Donna Murray & Kikos Temple of Dalysgrove RC
2nd – Donna Murray & Temple Lady of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Evelyn Coyne & Temple Troy of Corrib RC
4th – Fiona Fenton & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
5th – Mary McEntee & Carlough Match of Mosstown RC
6th – Tony White & Casper of Dalysgrove RC
Intermediate
1st – Ximena Lister & Max of West Coast RC and Kevin Clogher & Sin e Sham of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Valerie Asple & Argentum A of Corrib RC
4th – Bernadette Flaherty& Cheeky La Belle of Corrib RC
5th – Paul Naughton & Temple Lady of Dalysgrove RC
6th – Ximena Lister & Coco of West Coast RC
Advanced Intermediate
1st – Tracy Murphy & Nino Manoso of Dalysgrove RC
2nd – Jean O’Connor & Leilani of Corrib RC
3rd – Grainne Kelly & Gilly from the Block of Springmount RC
4th – Gillian Dunlop & Little Mishap of Springmount RC and Georgie Spain & Shin e Sham of Dalysgrove RC
6th – Georgie Spain & Merrymountain Sassella of Dalysgrove RC
Open
1st – Mary Mitchell & Westernn May of Tonabrockey RC
2nd – Mary Mitchell & Creemully Western William of Tonabrockey RC
Advanced Open
1st – Elaine Murphy & Eurisco of Dalysgrove RC
In the North of the Region the North West Spring SJ League also got underway with members from the four Donegal clubs out in force. Results of week 1 are as follows:
X-poles
1st – Nicola Coxford of Inishowen RC
2nd – Pamela White of Inishowen RC
60cm Training
1st – Louise Edwards of Letterkenny RC
2nd – Lauren Griffith of Inishowen RC
3rd – Emer Hannaway of Inishowen RC
Primary
1st – Veronica Lafferty of Inishowen RC
2nd – Aileen Tougher of Inishowen RC
Advanced Primary
1st – Liz Potter of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
2nd – Liz Cuffe of Letterkenny RC
3rd – Paul Curran of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
4th – Enda McClafferty of Letterkenny RC
5th – Denis Kelly of Letterkenny RC
6th – Lawrence Smyth of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
Intermediate
1st – Clodagh Barry of Inishowen RC
2nd – Anne Chambers of Letterkenny RC
3rd – Carmel Ferry of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
4th – Carla McGinley of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
5th – Rudy Schneider of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
6th – Charlie Vial of Tirconail RC
Advanced Intermediate
1st – Patricia Warren of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
2nd – Jodie Carr of Inishowen RC
3rd – Emily Schneider of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
4th – Nadine Gallagher of Letterkenny RC
5th – Marina Hamilton of Letterkenny RC
6th – Rosaleen Harkin of Donegal Gaeltacht RC
The second leg will take place on Sunday 2nd March with the third leg on March 9th and as a tribute to Audrey Jacob, it has been agreed that the Final show of the league on 23rd March shall be a fundraiser in memory of Audrey. All proceeds from the Final show shall go to the Charity AWARE.
The calender of events for the next few weeks is as follows:
MARCH
APRIL
The Western Region had 4 nominees for The Lancelot Awards, which were presented folowing Annual General Meeting of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs on Saturday 15th February 2014 at Racket Hall Country House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The Lancelot Awards are presented annually by the Association of Irish Riding Clubs to recognise the sterling efforts of its members who regularly go beyond the call of duty in organising or helping at club, regional or national level.
Tynagh RC were nominated for Club of the Year, Thomas Daniels of Tynagh RC was nominated for Club Member of the Year, Christine McWillams of Corrib RC was nominated for Secretary of the Year & Paul Hughes of Tonabrockey RC was nominated for Person of the Year.
Well done to all!
Round Tower RC are holding a Training Show on Sunday March 2nd in River View Stables, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo.
There will be Clear Round Jumping and Dressage to dust off the competition cobwebs before the West Clubs Mini Show Jumping Derby & Dressage Leaguegets underway!
Show Jumping includes 2 rounds of jumping with the option to test your ‘optimum time’ and ‘against the clock’ skills in your respective grade – a great chance for new members and recently upgraded members to get some practice in!
Classes starting from 10.30am sharp. Entries €10 per class
Primary
Advanced Primary
Intermediate
Advanced Intermediate
Open
Advanced Open
This is a training event, not a competition. Note there are no placings or prizes – Clear Round rosettes only.
Course Builder: Padraic Corcoran
Dressage by pre-entry only. Ride your test and get personal feedback from the judge with the opportunity to re-ride lowest scoring movements to improve your dressage score.
Judge: Lizzy Naughton
Dressage classes starting from 10.30am sharp. Entries €10 no later than Friday, February 28th.
Primary: AIRC 2 (2007)
Ad Primary AIRC 7 (2008)
Intermediate AIRC 10 (2008)
Ad Intermediate DI N26 (2012)
Open AIRC 25 (2009)
Ad Open BD 50 (2007)
If you wish to ride a different test, this can be accommodated!!
Dressage Entries and Queries to club secretary Catherine Meenaghan on 085-7647029
Safety Officer: Laura McLoughlin
Dressage Judge: Lizzy Naughton
Course Builder: Padraic Corcoran
Don’t forget your 2014 riding club cards and horse passports!
It was with great sadness that we learned of the sad passing of Letterkenny Riding Club member, Audrey Jacob recently. Audrey was well known and active member of Letterkenny RC, always on hand offering help to everyone, and will always be remembered for her friendly, kind and helpful nature. She will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy is with the Jacob family, and they shall be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Rest in peace Audrey.
Audrey Jacob
Benbulben, Castlecarraig, Corrib, Roundtower, Springmount, Tonabrockey & West Coast Riding Clubs are uniting to hold the West Clubs Mini Show Jumping Derby & Dressage League 2014 during the month of March as an informal way of getting rusty riders and rested horses prepared for the year of hunter trials, cross country, show jumping and dressage ahead.
The League is sponsored by Berney Bros Saddlery & will take place over 3 dates in March, with competitors having to do a minimum of one leg (March 9th and/or March 23rd) and the Final (March 30th) to qualify for the League prizes.
The Show Jumping Starts at 9.30am sharp each morning and classes are as follows:
Primary/Adv Primary Clear Round from 09:30 to 10:30 sharp
Primary Show Jumping Derby
Advanced Primary Show Jumping Derby
Intermediate & above Clear Round jumping
Intermediate Show Jumping Derby
Advanced Intermediate Show Jumping Derby
Open & Advanced Open Show Jumping Derby
Dressage League starts at 11:00am daily with entry on the day
Dressage tests for March 9th & 23rd are the same & then change for the final on March 30th. Tests follow the RC Festival schedule 2014 and are as follows:
Primary AIRC 2 (2007) & FINAL AIRC 13 (2008)
Advanced Primary AIRC 7 (2008) & FINAL AIRC 5 (2013)
Intermediate AIRC 10 (2008) & FINAL AIRC 18 (2010)
Advanced Intermediate DI N26 (2012) & FINAL BD 24 (2010)
Open & Advanced Open AIRC 25 (2009) & FINAL AIRC 40 (2010)
The 1st Leg will be held on March 9th in Hanley’s Equestrian Centre, Claremorris, Co. Mayo in Sand Arenas. SJ Derby Judge – Charles Hanley, Dressage Judge – Roseanna Ryan and Safety Officers – Alan Chambers, Catherine Meenahan & Darragh Ruane.
The 2nd Leg will be held on March 23rd in Duffys Equestrian Centre, Claregalway, Co. Galway in Sand Arenas. SJ Derby Judge – Mark Duffy, Dressage Judge – Angela Taylor and Safety Officers – Mike O Boyle, Monica Hegarty & Martin Corry.
The Final will be held on March 30th in The Parks Cross Country, Moycullen, Co. Galway on Grass. SJ Derby Judge – Liz Scott, Dressage Judge – Helen Nolan and Safety Officers – Ciaran Ridge & Monica Kenny.
Attendance = 1 point
1st place=8 points
2nd place =7 points
3rd place=6 points
4th place=5 points
5th place=4 points
6th place=3 points
Enquiries to:-
Benbulben benbulben@airc.ie
Corrib corrib@airc.ie
Castle Carraig castlecarraig@airc.ie
Roundtower roundtower@airc.ie
Spring mount springmount@airc.ie
Tonabrockey tonabrockey@airc.ie
West Coast westcoast@airc.ie
Don’t forget your 2014 riding club cards and horse passports!
The second leg of the Saoirse Saddlery Dressage League took place on Sunday February 2nd in Creagh EC and again it attracted large entries especially in the Advanced Primary & Intermediate classes.
In the Advanced Open Elaine Murphy of Dalysgrove again took the honours riding Eurisco, while in the Open Mary Mitchell of Tonabrockey also again secured 1st place on Westernn May, Emma Jane Dawson Stanley from Bridge took 2nd spot on Michelle while Mary was 3rd on her 2nd horse Creemully Western William.
In the Advanced Intermediate Grainne Kelly of Springmount took top spot on Gilly from the Block while Tracy Murphy from Dalysgrove was 2nd on Nino Manoso, Jean O’Connor of Corrib was 3rd on Leilani, Dalysgrove’s George Spain was 4th & 5th with Shin e Sham and Merrymountain Sassella while Gillian Dunlop of Springmount took 6th place on Little Mishap. Sin e Sham also made an impression in the Intermediate class scooping 1st prize this time ridden by Kevin Clogher of Dalysgrove, 2nd prize went to Valarie Aspie of Corrib riding Argenyum A, 3rd was Ximena Lister on Max for West Coast, 4th was Paul Naughton of Dalysgrove on Temple Lady, Ximena also took 5th place this time riding Coco while 6th place went to Bernadette Flaherty of Corrib riding Cheeky La Belle.
In the Advanced Primary Donna Murray of Dalysgrove again took the top 2 spots with Kikos Temple & Temple Lady,Evelyn Coyne of Corrib was 3rd with Temple Troy, Fiona Fenton was 4th for South Roscommon on Dandy’s Boy, Sinead Fenton of Bridge was 5th with Cotterstown Levi & Mary McEntee of Mosstown was 6th on Carlough Match. Christine Rohan of Dalysgrove took the honours in the Primary riding Sweet Callows Gale, John Kelehen of Corrib was 2nd on Lelani, Assumpta Shannon of South Roscommon was 3rd with Dandy’s Boy & 4th with Bailey and Dandy’s Boy was also 5th this time ridden by Carol Gaffney.
The Final will be held on Sunday 16th February and you must have attended one leg plus the final to qualify for prizes in the final.
AIRC Western Region 