THE Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) has 125 affiliated clubs, eight regions and almost 3,500 members nationwide.

The primary focus of the AIRC is for members - beginners right up to experienced and dedicated riders - to enjoy equestrianism.

The number of activities available for members to take part in has increased with championships now held annually for individual and team show jumping, individual and team dressage, hunter trails, and horse trails.

Events are also held occasionally for trec and cross-jump.

The Association also holds Ireland’s biggest equestrian amateur event, the Riding Clubs Festival.

This two-day event features up to 70 competitions and has attracted in excess of 2,500 competitors.

Competitions are held in show jumping, dressage, showing and working hunter. The event is designed to cater for everyone as no qualification is necessary to enter the majority of the competitions.

Are you interested in joining a local riding club?

  • You must be aged 17 years or older to be eligible to join a local riding club.
  • Contact one of your local club secretaries to discuss membership. Membership fees may vary from club to club. You can find a club near you by visiting the AIRC website.
  • When you join a local club, they will assess your riding ability to ensure you are graded fairly.
  • Web: airc.ie

    MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

    Dermot - Anvil Riding Club, Co Tipperary

    I joined the AIRC shortly after learning to ride at the age of 22. With no background in horses, the AIRC provided me with a way to learn and develop my riding skills. I joined as a primary rider, progressed up the grades to advanced intermediate and have now won an individual and team national title in eventing. I have taken the AIRC exams in both course design and show jumping judging - through this I can give something back to the association which has provided me with the platform to pursue my hobby.

    Lawrence - Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club, Co Donegal

    I was ‘joined’ as a non-riding member of the AIRC as a present. For a couple of years I went to AIRC shows in various parts of the country with my wife. I then learned to ride and began to do show jumping at primary grade at the age of 67. I think the membership present was one of the greatest presents I ever got. Now, at age 76, I intend to remain a member for as long as I can and if I make it to 80 I may upgrade to intermediate and jump 90cm.

    Fiona - Cill Dara Riding Club, Co Kildare

    The riding club festival is the highlight of the AIRC calendar and really helped me prepare my horse for the Dublin Horse Show. The festival was one of the first big shows I took part in with my five-year-old mare Jazz. There is a great atmosphere and lots of classes to choose from. It offers riders and their horses an opportunity to showcase how they have improved throughout the year. My mare was novice show champion, intermediate working hunter winner and third in the small hunter at the festival before going on to place sixth at the Dublin Horse Show.