THE excitement is building among event riders and connections as the Munster Eventing ball is just a week away. Taking place next Saturday, November 3rd in the Great National Hotel near Tipperary town, the growing guest list includes members of the silver medal-winning Irish squad from the World Equestrian Games in Tryon.

Their achievements will be honoured on the night along with the traditional Munster Eventing Awards, where the stand-out performances of the last 12 months will be celebrated.

This year, the Munster Eventing Ball has an added significance. In addition to raising money to provide training initiatives and improve event venues in the Munster Region, the committee have decided that 50% of the proceeds from the night will be donated to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund – the preferred charity of the family of Jonty Evans.

The charity auction has an impressive range of items, including lessons with leading Irish dressage rider Judy Reynolds, event entries for all of Ireland’s international horse trials, travel vouchers, feed and bedding, and a trip for four to the Irish Army Equitation School.

A days hunting for two with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt in Britain, including two nights livery and accommodation, is sure to attract plenty of interest.

For the first time, those not able to attend the ball will be able to support the auction by submitting their maximum bid online beforehand.

Tickets for the ball are still available via the Eventing Ireland website (eventingireland.com) where information regarding online bidding can also be found.