Green Glens is set for a classic week
THE Millstreet International Horse Show opens on Tuesday with horse enthusiasts, riders and buyers far and wide expected to attend the six days of action in the Green Glens Complex. It’s a terrific boom to the Millstreet economy, and the picturesque complex is looking better than ever, as the energetic Duggan family and team have combined to develop further improvements within the grounds.
More than €190,000 in prize money is up for grabs, and the staging promises to be bigger than ever given its international status, with entries exceeding all expectations. The show’s statistics are impressive: stables will cater for more than 1,500 horses and ponies, and tarmac roadways are in place together with hard court for trade stands and parking. Of course, Millstreet’s reputation as a shop window for the promotion of Irish horses will again be enhanced in the national threeand four-year-old classes. The show welcomes the continued initiating of new classes, showcasing all the best in equine talent. Classes that originated in Millstreet return, much to the delight of owners and buyers. The usual indoor classes scheduled include the threeyear-old Young Irelander Loose Jumping Class; loose jumping for small horses and ponies; and the National Discovery class for horses and ponies.
Major investment in new facilities in the Green Glens over recent years include upgrading eight all-weather jumping arenas and eight warm up arenas; three indoor arenas; 1500 stables; free parking for 1000 horse boxes; and sites for 200 caravan and motor homes.
Apart from the jumping and showing classes, patrons can avail of restaurants, bars and food stands, in addition to musical entertainment. Potential stars of the future are being encouraged to attend, the Grand Prix designated for riders aged under 25. The 2018 show will feature in excess of 100 competitions, including derbies for horses and ponies, loose jumping, and national discovery classes. As always, Millstreet is committed to providing opportunities for young riders to develop and gain experience in a series of promoting classes.
Proceedings open on Tuesday with a preliminary round for the National Discovery at 5pm. Wednesday’s programme operates from 9am, with qualifiers in horse, six-to-seven-year-old Boomerang, four-to-five-yearold National Eventing Discovery, Young Riders, and much more. Thursday’s schedule is up and running from 8.30am, with a full itinerary continuing to Sunday afternoon.