Kilmacanogue Horse Show draws crowds as rain returns
AFTER a long, hot, dry summer, the wild and stormy rain as the 45th Kilmacanogue Horse Show dawned was hard to contend with. But ‘Kilmac show people’ are tough, all-weather souls and soon the car parks were full of animal trailers and the boisterous sounds of competitors getting ready for their classes. The worst of the weather was over before the show began when a watery sun appeared and stayed all day.
The usual wonderful mix of people and animals were all there last Saturday. Humans of all ages and ability, teamed up with horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, dogs and geese to perform at their best. Half the human competitors were children – from three-to-five-year-olds in the ‘ Obedient Pony’ class, to teenagers showing off their ‘Style and Appearance’. Judges were kept busy picking winners from strong competition in each class. Besides the horses, there were competitions to find the best among the renowned Wicklow sheep. The friendliest dog show in Ireland took place where every kind of dog was welcomed. Displays included international Polo Cross players demonstrating how ball-to-lacrosse co-ordination is shared by riders and their ex-racehorses. A parade of carriages from times-gone-by made up the finale. Everyone was happy after a day that went very well and where all money raised will go to support local charities.