Hats off to the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) – they know how to put on a show. Last weekend, Mullingar Equestrian Centre played host to the 31st Riding Club Festival.

The festival is one of the biggest amateur sporting events held on the island of Ireland, with 600 riders representing 90 riding clubs around the country, and holding just shy of 1700 entries across the weekend. There were over 70 classes for those competing in dressage, show jumping, showing and working hunter competitions. Three main sponsors were on board this year: The Irish Field, TRI Equestrian, and Horse Sport Ireland. Riders who won or placed in their competitions were rewarded with fabulous rosettes, and beautiful engraved glassware trophies.

Success stories

The AIRC is surely one of the greatest success stories for equestrian enthusiasts in Ireland. This organisation moves with the times, and listens to the needs of the clubs and the members. Every year, generous training bursaries are awarded to each region. In recent times, the implementation of open classes, which allow members to compete outside of their grade, has proven hugely popular. The riding club movement truly caters for everyone, and fosters an environment of enjoyment, community and progress for all. The excellent facilities at Mullingar and the spectacular weather made this year’s festival an event to remember for a long time to come.

Prizes

Our own Mullingar Riding Club was out in force over the weekend, with many competitors and volunteers taking part. Club members took home a great haul of prizes over the two days, none more so than our club secretary, Niamh Macken. Niamh won or placed in all of her classes, riding her RID gelding Diamond King Henry. The duo then took the Horse Sport Ireland Irish Draught Dressage Award, capping an unforgettable weekend.

I had a lovely weekend myself, taking home a fourth place rosette in The Irish Field Elementary Dressage class. I then teamed up with our club training co-ordinator Judi Goor and her horse Portability, for The Irish Field Pairs Dressage competition. Our practice earlier in the week made for some hilarious Instagram videos, but it was alright on the night and we finished in third place. Club member Tina Fagg won the Horse Sport Ireland Introduction To Showing class, with her young horse Moneyglen Rolo. This was Tina’s first ever showing class, and the achievement meant everything. The AIRC made plenty of dreams come true in Westmeath.