Horse show draws near

The show date of Saturday, July 22, is getting very close and plans have just finalised for a very exciting programme. Riders are requested to do a show check on kilmacanoguehorseshow.com where the programme will be posted very soon.

It’s almost time to start getting your ponies, horses and dogs at the ready, or if you’re a much appreciated supporter of the show, to mark the date in the calendar for a day of fun-filled activities where all the proceeds go to charity. So what’s new for this year?

To accommodate the young and old of all riding ability at this year’s show, the committee have two Rings where they are running Working Hunter and Performance Hunter Classes. Both of these classes involve natural rustic fences. In one ring, they will have Working Hunter competitions for the rider who enjoys jumping – but only over small fences. Competitions in this Ring will start at 10 a.m. with fences kept to a maximum height of 60cms. While most people could jump this on their own, it’s much better fun doing this course of fences in partnership with a horse. Two later competitions in this ring will involve fences at 70cm and finally at 80cm.

In the second Ring, they are running Performance Hunter competitions at the usual high standard starting off with rustic natural fences of 80cm to test the ability and style of two of Ireland’s favourite horse breeds – the Connemara and the Irish Draught. This will be a delight for spectators and will be followed by competitions at the highest standard where fences will be 90cm and 1m.

The Kilmacanogue Horse Show will start at 10 a.m. and separate from the jumping, there is a full day of activities to delight all ages including pony rides, guess-the-weight of the lamb competitions, carriage driving and the best dog show in Ireland. Come to see a farrier at work and sample some of Ireland’s best raspberries grown locally.