Halloween return for Green Glens spectacular
EQUESTRIAN-ORIENTATED families will journey to Millstreet for the Owners Pony and Young Riders Charity Show in the Green Glens Complex over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
This is the 32nd autumn show within the spacious Millstreet venue, with previous Pony and Young Rider Shows outstanding successes. It confirms the growing interest in equestrian sport as a recreation amongst children and teenagers, with almost 4,000 entries for the three-day hosting commencing on Friday and continuing through Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from the event go towards a series of charities, and amongst those to benefit over the past number of years from more than €300,000 generated were Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; the Riders for the Disabled Organisation; Temple Street Hospital; Irish Cancer Society, ISPCA; and Autism- and Duhallow-based groups
“This show really has something for everybody. It’s the family show event on the showjumping calendar and helped enormously by the Duggan family providing the venue free of charge”, said an organising spokesperson. “Many of our young riders will be able to jump for their country without having the expense of travelling overseas. We are extremely grateful to the Duggan family, who have never charged for the use of their excellent facilities at Green Glens”.
The concept originated in Cavan at the start of the early ‘90s, and in 2000 it moved southwards and met an overwhelming response in Millstreet.
Though some of the entries are from Northern Ireland, the majority come from pony and horse owners in the southern half of the country.
From the Starter Stakes to the Sunday Grand Prix competitions, patrons will never be bored, and the proceeds will help fund a number of worthy causes.
The Green Glens Complex reports a brisk demand for families seeking accommodation, and many will reside in their owner transport carriers but boost the coffers of local businesses. The traditional highlight is a fancy dress on Sunday evening, with retiring pony riders donning various disguises in a fitting finale to the hectic weekend programme.