Pass Wide and Slow Ride from Laois to Curragh a ‘great success’

This weekend’s PASS WIDE AND SLOW Ride from Portarlington to the Curragh, was a great success for raising awareness in motorists and other road users, regarding the necessary consideration needed when encountering horses on public roads.

Our group of riders set off last Sunday morning, covering a total distance of 27km along the Old Dublin Road. A total of 25 riders and 1 carriage, travelled the full distance/or sections of it, highlighting the ever-growing number of horses and their handlers on our Irish roads.

These riders travelled from counties such as Dublin, Kilkenny, Laois, Kildare and Offaly, to join the Pass Wide and Slow Campaign across the Midlands, which was organised by the Three Counties Hacking Club. This demonstrates just how strongly horse riders and carriage drivers feel about their safety and the fact that we are resorting more and more to public roads, while accessible off-road riding trails disappear by the minute! 

The ages of participants, ranged from 11 to 80 years of age, hereby proving the incredible age diversity within this sport and it’s continuous popularity across all generations.  It also highlighted the fact that we are all the children, parents and grandparents of someone. 

Ireland is the country of the horse and therefore has a long-standing history, of horses playing a big part in Irish life over decades. 

Besides the turnout of participants, an incredible number of supporters and by-standers watched the convoy of horses making their way, and reminded us, that the horse still holds a very special place in people’s hearts!

Minister Pippa Hackett and Offaly County Councillor Mark Hackett, who have a very keen interest in breeding horses, met us in Portarlington and spoke to some of the riders about their reasons for participation and their views on the decline of off-road riding spaces across the country. 

Within minutes the ‘happy hackers’ had won both their hearts, and just before wishing us a safe ride and seeing us off, Minister Hackett took to the saddle herself for a quick spin on one of Irelands most traditional and trustworthy breeds. 

An Garda Siochana provided us with full escort along the route ensuring the safety of all of our riders and handling the growing number of participants along the way extremely well. We would like to give a special thank you for the support of both Laois and Kildare divisions, as well as the Garda Mounted Unit who joined us for parts of the route.

We were delighted by the number of motorists who took note of the ride’s purpose and the message on our signs as they passed us and kept the noise levels low, adhered to our riders hand signals and understood that animosity towards riders benefits no one. 

Curragh RaceCourse Limited kindly provided us with ample parking and a safe space for our ride to conclude. The final furlong, across the plains and past the gleaming new stand of the racecourse, was a special treat for all our participants, as non-pedigree horses are normally restricted on the Curragh. We are extremely grateful to have had this opportunity, and would like to thank 

Evan Arkwright, Pat Kelly and Robbie Moore of CRL, for supporting our campaign.

And we were delighted to be officially welcomed by Shane Foley at our finishing line!

This ride was only one of a total number of 15 held all across the country – raising much needed awareness for the safety of riders and motorists alike!!!

Many thanks again, to all the drivers who were patient and considerate on Sunday. Mutual respect is incredibly important, especially on the roads. And not forgetting, of course, the great team of volunteers and supporters behind this ride!

No rider or carriage driver intends to be a nuisance to any motorists. 

We too would rather like to share an off-road trail in peace, then to compete with you for space and time in traffic. 

In this regard it is incredibly good news, to know that we now have a designated working-group, diligently negotiating for better off-road access for equine activities across the country.  

We therefore would appreciate the support of the general public, just as much as any horse enthusiast, in integrating horses back into Irish life and maintaining Irelands image as the country of the horse internationally and for future generations.

Facebook: Three Counties Hacking Club or TREC Trails Ireland for more information. 
Three Counties Hacking Club