CAMPHIRE International Horse Trials take place this weekend (August 18-21) on the Camphire estate, which is located in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Blackwater close to Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.
Over 190 competitors will take part during the weekend, competing in both national and international classes. The programme includes CIC**, CIC* and CIC* five and six year-old classes.
Horse Sport Ireland has provided €1500 in prize money to be distributed amongst the three highest placed Irish-bred horses in the Bucas CIC* five and six year-old class.
This class coming at this time of year attracts the cream of Ireland’s six year-old Event Horses, who will be out to impress the selectors in order to improve their chances of being selected for the squad going to the annual World Breeding Championships in Le Lion d’Angers in France.
Ireland has for many years topped the leader board at Le Lion, but did slip to second place last year, making the 2011 competition even more important.
Riders competing at Camphire International this weekend include Ciaran Glynn and Michael and Patrica Ryan, who are regular senior Irish team members.
The Irish Junior squad who will represent Ireland in Portugal are having their final run at Camphire International.
Main sponsors include HSI, Eventing Ireland, Bucas, Goresbridge Horse Sales and Gain Horse Feeds.
The organisers report that preparations have gone well and the going is perfect. They are hoping to develop a country fair type tented village over the next few years in parallel with developing the horse trials.
There will also be a number of trade stands, food stalls and family entertainment. There is expected to be a high attendance on the Saturday and Sunday with Sunday being the main cross country day. The organisers say they want very much like to encourage a family day out at the Horse Trials in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
They have also managed to secure an offer of Leader funding from the Waterford Leader Partnership which will help them to further develop the Horse Trials and promote the very beautiful area of the Blackwater Valley.