AS we head into a great international weekend of show jumping and eventing at two of the country’s flagship venues of Mullingar Equestrian Centre in Co Westmeath and Millstreet’s Green Glens in Co Cork, the need for a properly funded circuit – capable of offering world ranking points to Irish riders on their home soil across the various equestrian disciplines – has been brought into sharp focus.

Heruclean efforts have been undertaken by the Fagan and Duggan families and their teams of workers – buoyed up by a broad wave of industry support, including Horse Sport Ireland – to stage this weekend’s events.

Some of the world’s biggest international names in eventing are competing at Millstreet International. The importance of Mullingar International, with almost €100,000 in prize money, truly marks a milestone achievement that will help galvanise the industry forward this year.

With international travel woes spoiling the Luhmühlen plans of many riders, it is apparent that all elements of the Irish Sport Horse industry must work together towards the development of a properly funded competitive circuit to showcase our industry from our home shores.

Also this week, we pay tribute to Judy Reynolds and her great ‘JP’ and sincerely thank them for all the joy and excitement they brought to Irish dressage. More to come Judy!