Championships rescheduled

THE Connolly’s Red Mills National Hunter Trials Championships, which were postponed last Sunday, have now been rescheduled for September 27th, 2026, at Nuenna Farm.

The decision to postpone was taken in the interest of safety due to a shortage of volunteers, along with concerns surrounding horse transport amid ongoing protests and fuel availability at the time.

Information will be available leading up to the championship on the AIRC website.

In other AIRC news, with entries for the Riding Clubs Festival opening next week, riders have been reminded of the AIRC’s Introduction to Showing (D74/12) guide, a great place to start to help you feel confident and ready. It includes helpful tips on preparing for the season, understanding the different classes, turnout of horse and rider and what to expect in the ring. It can be found at: airc.ie/app/uploads/d74_introduction_to_showing.pdf

Welcome Tour rescheduled

THE Millstreet Welcome Tour was postponed last week due to uncertainty affecting competitor travel arrangements, but has been rescheduled and will now take place from April 28th to May 1st. Entries will remain valid unless Millstreet is otherwise notified. A new date for pony classes was also issued for Sunday, April 26th, for which entries will open this week.

A statement from Millstreet confirmed that: “The schedule will incorporate the Eventing Ireland Combined Training, the DAFM Studbook Series, and Connolly’s RED MILLS Millstreet Spring Grand Prix and a full programme of national classes. We hope that this adjustment provides greater certainty and flexibility for those currently making travel plans.”

New format at HOYS

HORSE of the Year Show (HOYS) has announced a new format for the Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship for 2026. Whereas in previous years the class was divided into two sections according to height, with only the first and second-placed animals from each section progressing to the final judging in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, this year’s revised format will see all 20 entrants come forward for the final judging, after the initial pre-judging in the TopSpec Arena. The organisers hope that giving every qualified animal the opportunity to appear in both arenas will create a more inclusive and exciting atmosphere for competitors and owners, while also giving the audience a greater chance to witness this showcase of the best of breeds and types.

Noel Phelan farewelled

RENOWNED course builder Noel Phelan died last week, surrounded by his family at University Hospital Waterford. Noel made a huge contribution to the sport horse industry through many decades, both in his role as a course builder throughout the south east and particularly at Ballinamona Equestrian Centre, and as a valued member of the Waterford/Tipperary and Munster committees of ShowJumping Ireland. He was predeceased by his wife Maria, and is survived and sadly missed by his children Lorraine, Gabrielle, Nick, David and Mark, his extended family and his many friends in the equestrian community.