Ballycastle and Rural RidingCommunity events

HORSE riding remains popular in the Ballintoy/Ballycastle area.
Horse riding is popular in north Antrim.Horse riding is popular in north Antrim.
Horse riding is popular in north Antrim.

Ballycastle and Rural Riding Community are pleased to announce details of their winter program following two highly successful events in recent weeks.

Horses and riders descended on the village of Ballintoy last month to take part in a pleasure ride, gathering in the carpark of the Carrick-a-rede Bar.

While some participants had simply trotted down the road to take part, others came from as far away as Cookstown, keen to experience this little section of the Causeway Coast on horseback.

Despite torrential rain, the group of 15 horses and riders made the journey through the village, along the roads and over private ground, by kind permission of a local landowner.

They returned to the bar, hitched up the horses and warmed up beside the turf fire with tea, coffee and refreshments laid on by the club.

Another successful outing was held at Dirraw Farm, Finvoy, who kindly accommodated 12 horses and riders, as well as vehicles and spectators.

Everyone enjoyed this wonderful cross country complex, with jumps suitable for beginners as well as the fearless and more experienced.

The farm is a favourite venue of Eventing Ireland.

Ballycastle vet and club Treasurer, Sonia Serramia Ruiz, was very pleased with the turnout at both events and the interest that the group has generated to date.

“We hope by doing events at least once a month that everyone will have the chance to come a ride with us, and maybe even ride some routes that they didn’t know existed,” she said.

Spurred on by the success of their recent gatherings the riding club has released a program of events for the coming months.

Events will take place at Glentop, Armoy on Sunday November 10th, off-road trekking in Carrickfergus on November 24th, and a scenic trail near Fairhead, Ballycastle on December 8th.

Please ring Marissa McLaughlin, Vice-chair, on 07718611300 or Paddy Traynor, Club Chair, 07719 677361, in advance of meetings to clarify details.

See Ballycastle & Rural Riding Community Facebook page for more pictures.

The club wish to thank local councillors, particularly Donal Cunningham, for their ongoing support too,