THE green fields of France are in sight for four Co Meath riders who have been selected to represent Ireland at this year’s World Club Tournament. Taking place in Generali Open de France in Lamotte Beuvron in the Loire Valley, the riders and their horses will be competing from July 25th to 27th.

Representing Kilrainy Riding Club, the riders who were selected by the AIRC (Association of Irish Riding Clubs) include:

  • Claire Leahy from Navan who will be riding her eight-year-old mare Diamond Discovery
  • Aisling Dargan from Ballivor. Aisling’s mare is Sky Starlet
  • Peter Dargan from Ballivor. Peter’s mare is Temple Cruise
  • Mary Gilsenan from Fore, Co Westmeath, just outside the Meath border and her horse is CJ’s Quest
  • Substitutes include Patricia Farrell and Gordon Bye, both from Ballivor

    • The trip embodies the spirit of the riding club movement which is designed for amateur horse riding enthusiasts to compete against each other at their own level. It is the only section of adult equestrianism in Ireland that revolves around a club structure. Up until recent times, clubs only competed against each other within Ireland, the highlight being qualifying for the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS. Now however, the World Club Tournament has opened up a new avenue for members.

    Kilrainy Riding Club is extremely honoured and excited to have been chosen to represent Ireland and the Association of Irish Riding Clubs at this international event. As such, 18 members of the club are travelling to France to support their fellow team members.

    Horse riding is an incredibly expensive passion. Therefore, the team is looking for businesses that would like to come on board as a team sponsor.