AIRC Riding Clubs Festival returns to Mullingar after two-year break

The AIRC Riding Clubs Festival makes a welcome return to Mullingar Equestrian Centre this weekend (11th & 12th June) with almost 1,500 entries across 70 classes in dressage, show jumping, showing and working hunter.

There are just over 600 riders, representing almost 90 clubs from around the country, due to line out over the two-days.

The TRI Equestrian sponsored show jumping highlights include the wild card qualifier for the Dublin Horse Show along with other team events and individual competitions including power and speed, table a speed, young horse and clear round jumping.

There are four main championships on offer in the Horse Sport Ireland showing rings this year while the dressage programme includes The Irish Field Team Dressage Challenge along with competitions in dressage to music, long arena, and a musical ride.

The three main sponsors of the AIRC’s flagship event have committed to the show which marks its 30th anniversary this year.

TRI Equestrian’s managing director Brendan Murphy said, “TRI Equestrian has been associated with AIRC since 2003 and we are delighted to be title sponsors of show jumping at this years AIRC Riding Clubs Festival. TRI Equestrian is the leading retailer and wholesaler of equestrian products in Ireland while AIRC is one of the most respected equestrian associations in Ireland and we are thrilled to collaborate together with this sponsorship. We would like to wish all competitors the best of luck throughout the weekend.”

The Irish Fields managing editor, Leo Powell, who sponsors the dressage, said, “The Irish Field is thrilled to again support the AIRC Festival at the Fagan’s Mullingar Equestrian Centre. The event is one that I personally enjoy each year, and as honorary president of the Association now it takes on an even more special meaning for me. I know that many competitors and members of the AIRC are our weekly readers, and we love to afford coverage to the Association as it is one of the most important grassroots organisations in the equestrian world.”

Meanwhile, Horse Sport Ireland’s acting Director of Breeding & Programmes, Sonja Egan, said; “The whole of Horse Sport Ireland welcome the return of the much heralded AIRC Riding Clubs Festival after a turbulent few years. The Festival caters for all areas of best in breeding, production and competition for the vast network of Irish riding club members and always serves to be a calendar highlight.”

“Horse Sport Ireland would like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for providing the support to the Festival through the breeding grant initiative. I would like to wish the AIRC and all of their members the very best of luck for a most enjoyable Festival return.”

Association of Irish Riding Clubs chairman, Tony Ennis said, “We are so delighted to be able stage our flagship event after a two year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This years show will see over 600 riders and horses taking part from 89 of our affiliated clubs from around the country. The

weekend gives everyone a chance to meet up and relax while enjoying their sport after what’s been a difficult time for many.”

“I also want to thank our loyal sponsors for their continued commitment as it would be impossible to stage this event without their support,” he added.