Dates and venues confirmed for 2020 Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series

The dates, venues and criteria for the 2020 Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series have been announced, with many of Ireland’s top riders excited at the chance to once again compete at the highest level with their top young horses.. The series, for five, six and seven-year-old Irish Sport Horses, is now in its 16th year in existence and for 2020, there will be €80,000 in prize money on offer from the Irish Sport Horse Studbook.

The Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series has been key to the development and preparation of Irish horses for the future and in particular for the World Championships for young horses, held each year in Lanaken, Belgium. In 2019, a stunning performance saw Irish horses and riders claim four of the nine World Championship medals on offer at the Championships.

Alison Corbally, HSI Director of Breeding and Programmes said:

“It’s a great boost for the breeders and producers to have a calendar of events from early July through into late Autumn. We have adjusted the first leg in Galway Equestrian to a one-day competition, rather than the normal two days (qualifier day 1 and final day 2). We were mindful that the hotels would only have only recently reopened and the jumping competitions will have just recommenced. The remaining legs of the series will run in the normal format. We wish all breeders, owners and riders the best of luck for this year’s competitions and look forward to meeting you all again.”

Kildare’s Mikey Pender, who won the 2019 ISH Studbook Series final with the Marion Hughes owned and bred HHS Fast Forward (ISH) said:

“It’s always a pleasure to jump our young horses in the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series. It gives great experience to the young horses as they get to jump over two days in the best venues around Ireland with the top course designers. Last year in particular, the venues were varied and it gave horses a chance to compete in front of larger audiences in different venues. This in turn prepares them to compete on the world stage in the future.”

Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan added:

“The ISH Studbook series has given me a great platform to show my home-bred BBS McGregor (ISH). This series gave us the opportunity to produce him from a 5-year-old through to the 7-year olds over the best young horse courses in Ireland. He was always consistently in the placings and I am excited by his future potential. As a breeder and producer it’s always great to see the breeders being recognised for their commitment to the sport.

Each leg of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series will take place under strict Covid-19 protocols and will run behind closed doors unless there is a change to Government restrictions over the coming months.

Full criteria for this year’s series is now available by clicking HERE

Riders and owners should ensure they familiarise themselves with the criteria. Particular attention should be paid to information on entries for these classes.

Dates and venues for the 2020 Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series are as follows:

Galway Equestrian – 5th July
Barnadown – 18th & 19th July
Mullingar – 1st & 2nd August
The Meadows – 22nd & 23rd August
Coilog Equestrian – 19th & 20th September
Wexford Equestrian – 3rd & 4th October
Cavan Equestrian – 17th & 18th October