WITH full steam ahead for the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair on the June bank holiday weekend (June 1st-5th 2016), the final closing date for applications for the €15,000 George Mernagh Memorial Fund bursaries is next Wednesday, May 25th.
Three bursaries of €5,000 each are up for grabs and anyone involved in the three equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross-country, from riders to instructors and course builders can apply.
Innovative applications which embrace the core bursary objectives are especially welcome.
The bursaries will be awarded to the lucky recipients at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, June 1st next.
Last year’s recipients were Aaron McCusker, aspiring FEI international jumping course designer, talented young event rider Cathal Daniel, who is listed for the Rio Olympics, and dressage rider and coach Rachel Dowley who used her bursary to help with the education and development of other Irish riders.
Bursary objectives which include supporting youth participation in equestrian sports; fostering national and international sporting competition in Ireland and contributing to the education and development of all participants involved in any aspect of Irish equestrianism to the highest possible standards.
Applications can be submitted by sending the standardised application form which is available within the information heading on www.tatts.ie and a cover letter limited to 300 words to Tattersalls Ireland either by post to ‘The GMMF Limited Bursary Applications 2016’, C/O Tattersalls Ireland, Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath, Co. Meath or by e-mail to info@tatts.ie noting Subject: ‘The GMMF Limited Bursary Applications 2016’.
COUNTRY FAIR
Olympic royalty may be among the 300 confirmed entries for Tattersalls International Horse Trials but it is the Country Fair side of the event that will keep many of the visitors enthralled for the weekend.
The event is supported by Failte Ireland and the charming country fair is tailored especially for families with free admission for under 12s.
The Kids Zone is getting bigger every year and the family highlight is the Tractor Ted Experience which along with the Tayto Toddler Zone, Petting Farm, Traditional Carnival Rides, Bucking Bronco, Bungee Trampoline and much more is sure to capture the imagination.
If that is not enough, there are also the ever popular novelty dog shows, pony rides and miniature pony puissance.
The shopping village is a treasure trove of country chic brands; Tatts 2016 is part of the Boyne Valley Food Series and includes an artisan and craft market and a range of delicious local food producers.
New to the event are Mitsubishi who are creating the Mitsubishi Picnic Square, an interactive fun area by the famous water fence.
Visitors can still bring their own picnic and park in the picnic car park and watch all the cross-country action.
Tattersalls Country House will be open throughout the week serving delicious food and drink in the restaurant and bar and tickets can be purchased for the Jaguar Members Lounge overlooking the main arena.
Another new attraction to 2016 is the Irish Horse Welfare Trust Thoroughbred Club Show for retired racehorses and once again the Traditional Irish Horse Society will host a parade in the main arena.
This year the hound parade will feature the Ballymacad and Kildare Foxhounds and the Goldburn Beagles, always one of the highlights of the weekend.
VAlue for money
Event co-ordinator Amber Byrne said: “We strive to put on the best show possible for visitors. Tatts offers amazing value for money with so much of our entertainment free to visitors and free entry for children. Our online ticket sales are ahead of last year and with up to 20% off tickets online we encourage people to book in advance.
The competition is shaping up to be spectacular with leading riders and Olympic hopefuls from all over the world descending.. We hope the competition combined with Tractor Ted and all the additional activity taking place over the few days will help create the best event yet and an amazing visitors experience.”
Under 12s go free. Adult tickets start at €15 with up to 20% discount off tickets online. For more information including ticket prices, go to see www.tatts.ie, follow @TATTS2016 on Twitter or like Tattersalls Horse Trials on Facebook.