HORSEWARE Ireland has committed to sponsoring the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) team show jumping championship for the eighth year in a row, it was announced this week.

The popular series, which culminated in the final at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show last July, saw almost 150 teams take part in 2016, with the Cork-based Highland Lodge club securing the title after a nail-biting contest.

This year’s qualifiers get underway on April 30th at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, where teams will contest the Midlands qualifier, with the remaining qualifiers taking place throughout the month of May. A team must win its respective regional qualifier to qualify for the final, while the runners-up will have another opportunity at the Riding Clubs Festival in June.

Members must be registered with the AIRC before the April 30th in order to be eligible for this championship.

Speaking of the continued sponsorship, Tom MacGuinness of Horseware said: “Horseware is delighted to once again support the RDS team show jumping championship. As past competitors, this is one of our favourite events on the calendar and is a wonderful and very exciting championship for amateur riders in Ireland who continue to be our very important loyal customers.

“We look forward to once again follow the hotly contested action throughout the year at the regional qualifiers and of course, will be there waving the flag at the RDS. We wish all those competing the very best of luck with their preparations.”

AIRC chairman, Tony Ennis, added: “Horseware have been fantastic supporters of our team show jumping championship since 2010 and on behalf of our members, I would like to thank Tom and everyone at Horseware for their loyalty to this highly competitive championship.”

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