Ballindenisk International Horse Trials 2010: Fences Part 3

 

This series looks at a small range of fences, created for the Ballindenisk International Horse Trials 2010.  By no means are all the fences covered.  That would require a blog a week for about 30 weeks at least.

A variety of fences

Below you will find the Bullfinch and the AB ramp bank to Skinny.

The Bullfinch

Located three quarters the way round the course, this challenging fence tested every team that went round.  Fitness and stamina were tested here. 

This fence really brought out the best in all the horses.  It required a bold leap, to cross this element and precise skilled placement by the rider to give their horse the best opportunity to take this fence. 

Certainly not for the faint hearted!

 

AB Ramp bank to Skinny

Cantering collected up this ramp and in some instances, down to a trot, a leap to the ground below.  Collect yourself and horse to move forward to the skinny.  Again another fence series where collection and accuracy were required. 

As you may see, different ways to clear this bank.  Note the tree to the side.

Heres a side profile of the skinny, a narrow upright fence with a rolling front.

Part 3 of 4: Ballindenisk cross country fences.

All content & images are copyright 2011 by Richenda Barrett

All rights reserved.  Content may not be duplicated or reproduced in any form without express written consent.

Louisburg Hunt

The day dawned clear & dry with a crisp feel in the air.  An excellent team of assistants were in attendance throughout the day to deal with every eventuality & there were quite a few.  As they say what happens away, stays away!

You had to be there… some secrets we are not privy to divulge.

Hunting in Louisburg was certainly an adventure & now I will let the pictures tell their own story.


Eager Chestnut asking the question, “What are you signing us up for now?”

“Are we ready to go?”

“The kettles are boiled, the tea made & we are ready for them when they arrive”




The Reek, Croagh Patrick a fantastic backdrop to these set of pictures.








What was amazing about this hunt, was the range of terrain covered, in many ways comparable to Duvillaun’s Hunt.

Down on the beach.


Home ward bound.

A feast of soup & sandwiches were to be had in McNamaras after the hunt, which went down mighty well - so much so, seconds were had by many!

All content & images are copyright 2011 by Richenda Barrett
All rights reserved.  Content may not be duplicated or reproduced in any form without express written consent.

Ballindenisk International Horse Trials 2010: Fences Part 2

 

Initially when I composed this post, it was to place all these fence elements together in one single post.  However, I realised that each of these fences could be a blog all onto themselves, so that led to the division of the blog into 4 parts.

In this part 2, you will find the triple brush and the triple bar.

Triple Brush

 

You may be forgiven for thinking the triple brush is a simple element.  However it is an exacting fence, where accuracy of your approach line is crucial.  If you are in any doubt approaching this fence, you could find yourself out to the side.

It is an a narrow element which requires a confident rider and horse, where direct steering really pays off.  Narrow and wide, deceptively simply but essentially a difficult fence.

Triple Bar

The triple bar a deceivingly straight forward fence.  On the approach you begin to realise that there is a drop off on the far side.  You may notice the spectators head just peaking over the top of the fence to the middle left.  This is indicative of the drop off at this fence.  An solid fence with a wonderful drop off.

 

Please note the excellent ground conditions throughout the course.  These pictures were taken in the afternoon.

Ballindenisk International Horse Trials 2010: Fences Part 1

 

Ballindenisk hosted a series of Horse Trials competitions between the 15th – 19th September 2010.  The range & scope of fences created for the eventing element were fantastic.  As I walked the course, got a few pictures which no doubt will be a source of inspiration to those of you who like to re-create your own fences for practices sessions.

Therefore, decided to create a number of collages of fence pics for people to see.

Please note this is simply a taste of the large range of fences which incorporated the CCI*, CCIJ*, CCNP**, CIC**, CIC*** & CCI*** Competition courses.

Check them out below.

Screen Combination part B

 

The Keyhole

 

Andrews Ask

 

Part 1 of 4: Ballindenisk cross country fences.

All content & images are copyright 2011 by Richenda Barrett

All rights reserved.  Content may not be duplicated or reproduced in any form without express written consent.

Glorious Hunt in Enniscrone Co.Sligo

 
Given the weather, one would be forgiven for assuming the Enniscrone Hunt would have been cancelled, but no a determined bunch turned up early, to prepare an exciting course of fences on the beach. 
The Hunt gathered in Enniscrone at the fire station and proceeded down the town, turning left to ride down to the pier and return through town, to the beach road.

What a course it turned out to be.  Here are a few pictures from the day.







A team of volunteers cleared the beach and no evidence remained by days end.
A clear beach with only tracks in the sand, which the waves  washed clear with the returning tide. 

North Mayo Harriers ride out in Bonniconlon

New Year – the first day of 2011



& North Mayo Harriers turned up with horses, ponies & followers to cover as much ground as possible around the environs of Bonniconlon. 



This they certainly did.





A fantastic route was laid out, with an array of fences set out for every level.  Natural fences were also available for the brave of heart & there were certainly a number of riders well capable with their mounts of tackling those challenging fences.

 

Again another favourable day, with weather cool & dry.