Shetlands to Arabians at St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Event
Robyn Catterall Helen Mc Farland Michelle Carthy enjoying the beach trail Photo: Gilly Wheeler
The inaugural St Patick’s Coast Endurance event was judged by all to be a grand success. Over 100 riders from juniors to pensioners competed in a wide selection of competitions from FEI to pleasure rides. Indeed it was very much a family affair for Kelsie Erskine who rode along side her daughter and three grandchildren and Irene McDowell who had four grandchildren riding in three different school teams. The competing horses ranged from Pure bred Arabians to Shetland ponies. This was indeed an event that appealed to a very large selection of riders.
Photography supplied courtesy of Gilly Wheeler; www.photogilly.com
Not only was this the first edition of St Patrick’s Coast Endurance but it was also the first time that Downpatrick Racecourse had hosted an endurance event and it was the first time that Riding Disabled in Northern Ireland had tackled this equestrian discipline.
Regent House School William Girvan, Anna Brown and Amy McKeown setting off Photo: Gilly Wheeler
The ride organizer David Cunningham had the support over 45 farmers and land owners who had allowed the course to go over their land, opening gates and moving stock which included a very independent bull who needed some encouragement to leave his home patch. Cunningham had left no stone unturned as he had gathered together an international group of officials whose expertise ensured the event ran smoothly.
The longest ride was over 75 miles, the shortest 10 miles, with the route travelling along forest tracks, three different beaches, lush green fields, gravel tracks and a little roadwork.
June Close of the RDA enjoying the scenery at Downpatrick Racecourse Photo: Gilly Wheeler
Kerry Burch and Gail Baillie crossing the bridge Photo: Gilly Wheeler
In the FEI 80km is was a gallop up the finish straight to capture first place for Michelle Carthy riding La Rousse by a mere 17 seconds from the event Treasurer Helen McFarland on She Stoops to Conquer. The schools event was won by Regent House Grammar School, Newtownards, represented by William Girvan, Anna Brown and Amy McKeown. The award for riding in a Bitless Bridle went to Hannah Catterall. Jenni Cunningham won the Western Riding trophy and the Barefoot award went to Katlin McKibbon riding Tango.
One of the main sponsors was Horseware Ireland whose founder Tom MacGuinness was competing in one of the FEI classes. McGuiness will represent Ireland at this years World Equestrian Games, as will two others Robyn Catterall and Helen McFarland who were also competing.
Emily Stewart and Minty Dromara Primary School Photo Gilly Wheeler
Another sponsor was Al Aaasfa 2 Endurance Stables Dubai owned by HH Sh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum owner of Kildangan Stud in Co Kildare .His Endurance Stable Manger and trainer Mohammed Al Sabouse flew over from Dubai, just two days after his honeymoon, to be at the St Patrick’s Coast Ride. He was delighted to present and sponsor the Riding for the Disabled awards and the construction of two new bridges on the course.
