THE Association of Irish Riding Clubs returned for a second year to the Mullingar Equestrian Centre for its annual two-day festival and what a difference a year makes as organisers, competitors and spectators alike sought out extra clothing while, in 2018, it was a case of discarding same to bask in the sun and heat.

Following complaints last year from those competing in the dressage section, two fields in a neighbouring farm were utilised at the weekend. While some of the arenas may not have been the flattest, the extra space provided was a huge improvement on year one.