WRAPPING up a busy month at the Green Glens arena, the team at Millstreet are now focusing their attention on eventing, and the International Horse Trials, which open on Wednesday. Big changes have taken place in the schedule since the inaugural running last year, and most notable is the exciting introduction of the long format two and three-star classes.

Much to the delight of the Duggan family, and despite an unenviable date clash with the Event Riders Masters series at Blair Castle in Scotland, the interest from overseas has exceeded expectations. A massive British entry includes several senior international riders, among whom is Izzy Taylor, together with compatriots Harry Meade and Laura Collett. These crowd pullers head a further impressive group of foreign riders, which in some classes outnumbers the home side. Others taking part are representatives from seven countries, namely Australia, Finland, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand and America.