Cleo Murphy – Silver Spurs Assessment

Cleo has been busy taking part in the Silver Spurs Assessment day as well as working towards getting a new bridleway open for riders in Beara

“So, the clocks have gone forward which is just fantastic! I can now ride out after work during the week, as I think my horses are sick of seeing the sight of the arena light!”

“My first one day event was suppose to take place on Sunday April 3rd, but due to the horrendous downfall of rain that was forecasted it was cancelled! Thankfully, there is an event at Kilguilkey House the following week, so we will be aiming for that.  Aladdin is feeling full of beans ahead of the event, but our main aim is to get around both show jumping and cross-country confidently. We had a few hiccups last year in both phases so as long as we get around I will be very happy!”

“I had the Dressage Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland Silver Spurs Assessment day at Castlefergus Equestrian Centre in Clare on the 24th of March, with my steed Danu. It was a very long day of a total of 8 hours driving! Living in Beara has its drawbacks, sometimes! I had a 45 min lesson with Leanne Wall, who is a British Dressage Junior and Young Rider British team selector and former Chef d’Equipe. I was in the lesson with good company, two riders who have qualified for the Dressage Ireland Winter Finals at Cavan later this month. Leanne watched us all warm up and we had a chat about our horses, strength, weaknesses and what areas that need to be worked on. We were asked to complete an exercise on both reins and we spoke about it afterwards. At the end we all received a score sheet, this score will be put on a national leader board later on. There will be more assessment days in June in which I will take my instructors horse Issy.”

“On the area of the Beara Bridle Paths, we had Susan Spratt from BHS down to walk to trails that we wish to make official bridle paths a few weeks ago. She was very pleased with the route and the wonderful breathtaking views we have on offer here in Beara. We had a meeting with her that night, and a meeting with the council the following day. Representatives from Failte Ireland were also at the meeting with the council. We are just awaiting a last report and the council will get cracking on doing up some areas of the tracks. All going well we will have an official opening at the end of May/ start of June! ”