HORSE Sport Ireland has announced the dates and venues for the 2015 Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series. The Series, which is made up of classes for 5, 6 and 7 year old horses, celebrates its tenth year in existence in 2015.
Over the decade, the Series has gone from strength to strength with entry numbers building year on year. The Series is now open to all Irish Sport Horses and last year the total number of entries for the Series across the eight legs was 1,156.
Results at international level are testament to the success of the Series, with graduates having gone on to achieve medal successes at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken.
Speaking on the Series, Irish showjumper and winner of both the 5 Year Old Final and League in 2014, Ger O’Neill said; “Ard Ginger Pop (ISH) and Arraghbeg Clover (ISH) are proof of the success of the Series. Both have brought home medals from the World Championships after coming through these classes. The standard of jumping in the classes is improving every year and we are seeing horses being produced to a much higher level.”
Arising out of recommendations in the new industry strategic plan, ‘Reaching New Heights’, a meeting was held between HSI, Showjumping Ireland and the RDS with a view to having a better spacing of young horse class dates. As a result, the final leg of the Series will take place later this year, on 23rd August in The Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan Co. Armagh.
For 2015, there will be €80,000 on offer in prize money from Horse Sport Ireland for the young horse series. Full criteria for this year’s Series is now available on www.horsesportireland.ie Riders and owners should ensure they familiarise themselves with the criteria, as there have been several changes since last year. Dates and venues for 2015 are detailed as follows:
Dates/Venues:
· Louth County Show – 25th & 26th April
· Barnadown – 9th & 10th May
· Cavan – 16th & 17th May
· Mullingar International – 30th & 31st May
· Galway County Show – 20th & 21st June
· Cork Summer Show – 11th & 12th July
· Tattersalls Rolestown Show – 25th & 26th July
· The Meadows – 22nd & 23rd August