LOUTH County show have confirmed the popular show will not run in 2018. The top show, which traditionally opens summer show jumping, had run for 18 years and will be missed from the top-level schedule.

Spokesperson for the show Tom Holden thanked all those who worked hard for many years to make Louth County a great success, including the committee members, volunteers and sponsors. Held by kind permission of Tom MacGuinness on his grounds at Dromiskin, the show over the years has attracted top riders and has played host to the many top classes on the show jumping calander.

It held the first ever Premier Series and each year hosted the opening round of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series classes. Run on a voluntary basis, it raised €150,000 for local charities.

On a positive note, this year sees the return of Ballivor Show in Co Meath, which will play host to a National Grand Prix.

The TRM/Horseware New Heights Premier Series, will kick start on April 21st and 22nd at The Meadows, followed by a further seven rounds at Portmore, Ballinasloe, Galway County, Omagh, Tattersalls, Maryville Stables, Mullingar and the final will once again take place at the Irish Breeders Classic in Barnadown in early September.

Missing from the schedule for 2018 is National Balmoral, which is not listed to host either a National Grand Prix or a New Heights Champions Series round. Cork will host a round of the National Grand Prix, but not the New Heights Champions Series. On the National Grand Prix Circuit, JAG Equestrian will now host a round in July.

On February 11th, the Connolly’s Red Mills Spring Tour will commence at JAG Equestrian, followed by a further nine rounds and the final at Coilog on April 11th. In a change to previous years, Ravensdale will not host a round and their date in February (25th) will now be filled by Broadmeadows, who have moved to run earlier in the year.

The Make A Wish Charity show, which was due to take place before Christmas has also now been rescheduled. The show will be split into two, with the horse classes taking place on Saturday, February 17th and the pony classes taking place on Sunday, March 4th, both at Cavan Equestrian Centre.