THE ANNUAL exodus of Irish riders and horses to sunnier climes begins this weekend when the first contingent arrives in Portugal for the two-star show at Comporta tomorrow (Thursday).

A total of nine riders with 43 horses - many of them Irish-bred - will take part in the two-star Portuguese event. Other Irish riders and horses also head to Vejer de la Frontera for the Spanish Sunshine tour, which runs through March, and which helps competitors and horses achieve experience and fitness ahead of the main outdoor jumping season.

In Germany, meanwhile, Ireland's Denis Lynch lines out with four horses at Neumunster's three star show, where the Grand Prix takes pace on Sunday, while in Vestfold in Norway Swedish-based Clonmel rider John Hickey is the sole Irish competitor, with three horses. Vestfold's two-star Grand Prix is also scheduled for Sunday.