Impressive entry for popular pony show

HUNDREDS descended on Millstreet’s Green Glens Complex over the Bank Holiday weekend for the International Owners Pony and Young Riders Charity Show.

Dubbed as Europe’s biggest pony show, Millstreet has garnered a deserved reputation as the friendliest equestrian showcase and the latest staging rubberstamped the status of the North Cork location.

Extending the warmest of welcomes for visitors drawn from all over the country, the organisers were boosted on the complex, donated free of charge by the Duggan family.

The 33rd hosting confirmed the ongoing interest in equestrian sport as a recreation amongst children and teenagers evident by close on 4,000 entries accepted for the three-day hosting that commenced on Friday and continuing through Saturday onto an extended programme on Sunday that concluded a memorable staging.

Proceeds from the three-day event went towards a series of charities with this year’s event expected to reach a cumulative total of close on €380,000 from the show since its founding.

The show really featured something for everybody in the 75 strong programme.

From the Starter Stakes to the Sunday Grand Prix competitions, patrons were never bored and the proceeds helped fund a number of worthy causes.

Completing the schedule, the traditional highlight saw those retiring pony riders don various disguises in a fitting fancy dress finale to the hectic weekend programme.

The Green Glens Complex reported a brisk demand for families seeking accommodation and many berthed in their owner transport carriers yet boosting the coffers of local businesses.