THE Wicklow branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association announced Spruce Lodge as their new venue for their upcoming 10th anniversary show which will be held on bank holiday Monday, June 6th next.

Facilities are top class at Spruce Lodge Equestrian Centre (Ballyrogan Stud), near Redcross, Co Wicklow, located just off the N11 at junction 19 (Jack White’s).

With both indoor and outdoor arenas and also a permanent derby course, Spruce Lodge will host the busy programme which includes classes both in hand and ridden for Irish Draught horses and traditional Irish-bred horses (TIH). This year, the show committee has also introduced three performance classes for Connemara ponies that are open to adults and young riders who have attained their 10th Birthday on January 1st.

New for 2016 is the introduction of three derby classes to be run over the state of the art derby course. These classes will be for Irish Draughts, TIH and Connemara ponies.

For those who wish to make the journey the day before, stabling is available and can be booked directly through Spruce Lodge and the Keogh family.

As in previous years, the judging panel will include judges from England.

PRIZE MONEY INCREASED

Show PRO, Paula Cullen, said: “The committee wish to thank the Keogh family for their generosity in holding this very prestigious show and hope that it will be well supported by the breeders and Irish Draught enthusiasts.”

Prize money has been increased in all classes with the total exceeding €5,000. The supreme champion will receive €500 with the reserve receiving €200. All class winners will receive a 10th anniversary memento and each champion will be presented with a horse rug.

Cullen added: “Once again our main sponsor Grange Fort Equestrian Enterprises is sponsoring the supreme championship. The show could not take place without our loyal supporters over the years. They include Bloomfield Stud who have kindly sponsored the foal section for the past 10 years. Our other main sponsors include Kevin Lawlor, Cullen Communications, FBD Insurance, Honda Ltd, Gain Horse Feeds (Glanbia) and Deirdre Lynch and Frank Payne. We look forward to a great show.”