Kilmacanogue Horse Show

The 43rd Kilmacanogue Horse Show is drawing near and will take place on Saturday (30th) July at Mon- astery Cross, Enniskerry (just follow the signs from Enniskerry if you’re not familiar with the venue).

Founded in 1972 the main purpose of the Show was to raise money for charity and in the beginning the funds were targeted towards the purchase of a mini-bus for Duffcarraig House in Wexford. Having achieved that goal proceeds were then directed to mainly local charities. Recently the show has supported Newcourt School in Bray, the Charabanc Enniskerry – a caring resource for the elderly, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Riding-for-the-Disabled among others. Due to the generosity of the show’s sponsors, spectators, exhibitors and friends well over €100,000 has been raised for these local charities.

The Kilmacanogue Show itself is a great family day out. The Pony classes are the highlight of the year for many local children as they struggle to show the judges how obedient their ponies are. Entries come from near and far for the Showing Classes which this year includes all three of Ireland’s national equine breeds – the Irish Draught Horse and the Connemara and Kerry Bog Ponies. Come to watch the powerful Hunters perform over fences. See the elegance of the Dressage Riders perform perfectly in tune with their horses. Pick out the winners as the Race Horses that have become Riding Horses, the Cobs, Donkeys and the ever-popular Miniature Horses show off their paces.

The Carriage Driving class is also a real treat. Find out all about the Sheep in Wicklow and ‘Guess-the-Weight of the Lamb’. Best of all is the ever popular family Dog Show where many children show off their dog-handling skills.

For artists there’s the Photography, Art and Scarecrow competitions. There will be Pony rides and face painting for children. A wonderful selection of trade stands full of unique goods and crafts from local enterprises to browse through. Finally a great selection of food and drinks including the famous local raspberries – a lovely treat to go with the whippy ice-cream.

All-in-all a memorable summer day out that will leave you tired – but very happy. Please visit the shows website on kilmacanoguehorseshow and they hope to see you all on Saturday, July 30.