Glenariff and Slieveanorra Forests will host the Irish Long Distance Riding Association’s Endurance Festival, from Friday 8 August to Sunday 10 August. The event incorporates the Home International and Celtic Challenge, an annual endurance competition, open to riders from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and France.
Outlining the efforts to get the festival underway, Steve McCartney, Forest Service’s Recreation Manager, said: “We are very proud to facilitate this competition at Glenariff and Slieveanorra forests. Over 200,000 people visit our forests in this area every year. The forests offer viewpoints, trails and Glenariff’s famous waterfall, this competition offers us the opportunity to open them to many more visitors.
“Ahead of this weekend’s show, we have extended the existing horse riding facilities at Glenariff through moving fences and enhancing roads to improve safety for riders and spectators. Also in addition to the site’s existing caravan park, we will be able to accommodate over 60 temporary stables. Many local landowners and farmers are supporting the Festival and we wish to thank them for allowing access over their land and offering water provision for the horses.”
Discussing the competition, Liz McKimm, Chairman Ulster Branch, Irish Long Distance Riding Association, said: “We are confident this event will be a great success and will be a showpiece, not only for horse sport in Ulster, but will also portray the facilities available to riders, and the general public, on the Antrim Plateau. The visitors from all parts of these islands will enjoy the spectacular scenery in what has become a competitive, but friendly, event. We are indebted to the hard work of the Forest Service for their assistance in hosting this major event.”
Over 100 miles of competition routes are being prepared for the tournament combining tracks over Slieveanorra, with the intricate pathways along the two rivers in Glenariff. Both the Forest Service and the organisers believe the Festival offers the international riders one of the best challenges available in Ireland.
Information on the event can be found on the ildra website
Notes to Editors
1. Both forests are located in north Antrim outside Ballymena. Slieveanorra Forest is located at Newton Crommelin between Armoy and Cushendun. Glenariff Forest is located at Waterfoot between Ballymena and Cushendun. You can access more information on both forests on the forest service website: http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/index/forests-in-northern-ireland/forests-in-the-north-district/
2. Glenariff is one of several forests where horses are welcome once a Permit has been purchased. For more information visit the website
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
