LOOKING ahead to next weekend’s June bumper equestrian weekend on these shores, we are in for a real feast of eventing and show jumping as Millstreet and Mullingar throw open their gates to two massive events on the Irish equestrian calendar.

Some of the world’s top eventing riders are set to descend on Millstreet International Horse Trials in what is the largest single overseas gathering of event riders ever to come to Ireland to compete.

Once again, Thomas Duggan and the Duggan family have pulled out all the stops to make it happen. The stunning Co Cork venue will be absolutely buzzing for the massive event. (Please see Sally Parkyn’s Millstreet preview on pages 102-103).

Likewise at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Robert Fagan and the Fagan family have been working non-stop to deliver this year’s Mullingar International Horse Show CSI2*, with a massive €120,000 in prizes, across a packed national and international schedule planned for the June bank holiday weekend.

Lifeline

The entire Irish sport horse industry is in their collective debt - both of these flagship events require year-round work to make them happen and represent a vital lifeline for equestrian sports as a national and international showcase for breeders, riders, owners and producers. You simply can’t buy what Millstreet and Mullingar are doing for our industry, coupled with the enormous ancillary spin-off support in bed nights, food, drink and fuel.

We look forward to top sport at Millstreet and Mullingar and bringing readers indepth coverage from both.

The iconic ‘The Millstreet Wheel Keeps On Turning’ sign on the stunning cross-country course at Drishane Castle simply sayes it all.