THE All Ireland Interschools Hunter Trials has been running for over 20 years and attracts competitors nationwide. This year it will be hosted by Borris Vocational School, Borris, Co. Carlow, on March 25th at Fenlon’s, Curracruit, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. This venue has previously hosted the All Ireland Hunter Trials and this year competitors will notice alterations to the course.

Borris Vocational School, nestled in the foothill of Mount Leinster, has 512 students attending from the South Carlow and East Kilkenny regions. The school has a large dedicated team of equestrian competitors ranging from first to sixth year and is the proud current holder of the All-Ireland School Show Jumping title.

International event rider Sam Watson took time out from his busy schedule to launch the hunter trials in Borris. Sam is also the co-founder of Equi Ratings, which is the first dedicated equestrian data science company which analyses information thus helping teams all around the world to improve their performance.

Watson said: “Cross-country is the heart of eventing and it is something that Irish riders have a flair for. Like any sport, starting young is very important and it is great to see Borris Vocational School fostering their students love of the sports.”

Also present at the launch were the title sponsors Gain Horse Feeds, represented by Gain Irish Country Manager Joanne Hurley, Flynn’s Nissan Carlow, represented by Adrian Brennan and Shires Equestrian, represented by David Kane.

Joanne Hurley, Irish Country Manager of Gain Horse Feeds, said: “The competition is growing every year and it is fantastic to see so many young people competing in equestrian sports, some of these bright young riders will go on to represent Ireland in the years to come.”

Principal John O’Sullivan estimates that over 500 students from across the country may descend on Carlow to compete in the event. Equestrian co-ordinator Maria Dagg wrapped up the afternoon by thanking Sam Watson for launching the event and the title sponsors for their generosity. Entry forms can be found at www.borrisvocationalschool.ie. and email mdagg@borrisvocationalschool.ie for more information.