STAGING what is their 29th anniversary show, the Fagan family and their hard-working team at Mullingar Equestrian Centre have truly pulled out all the stops for their annual spectacular showcase this June bank holiday weekend.

With over €100,000 in prize money on offer across the five busy days of the Mullingar International CSI2* Show, there was already 480 horses and ponies on site by Thursday morning.

Enormous work has gone into the showgrounds since last year with a massive improvement in facilities including new surfaces, new stables and the flagship new pavillion.

With two world ranking international classes on the schedule, with the required minimum prize fund of €25,500 in place, Mullingar International CSI2* offers riders the invaluable chance to rack up international points in Ireland.

“Last year we introduced the second ranking class which is very important to give our riders, who are out in Europe and around the world, competing every weekend for ranking points, the chance to put up some here at home in their own country. Unfortunately, while we got the support of Horse Sport Ireland for the second international class last year, we did not get it this year which was disappointing. However, we made the decision to keep the two international classes on the schedule and I’m glad to say we have got great support throughout the schedule from the industry.

“You can buy a brick in the wall for €100 or €500 and that goes to support our ranking classes. You can buy a brick right up to the end of the show. I’d like to sincerely thank all in the industry for the massive support we have received. We can’t run without the support of the industry, SJI were very supportive I must say. Between Mullingar and Millstreet International this weekend, there’s classes for everyone from tiny tots right up to international riders. There’s classes for everyone and every level and that’s what makes it so atmospheric and welcoming for all,” said Robert Fagan.

The Show kicked off at 8am on Thursday with 600 horses and ponies set to compete that day alone across the big array of classes scheduled, backed up by a small army of 120 people working across all areas from the gates to the office, catering and ring duties.

“We have lots of trade shows as well. What’s unique about Mullingar is we have lots of families here with ponies and horses. The 12.2s final for example is right before Monday’s International Grand Prix, all get their chance to compete in the main ring. That’s very important to give the future of the sport that opportunity to display their talent,” said Robert.

Facilities boost

“It’s been a 10-year project for us here to improve on our facilities and we are nearly at the end of it now. Our new pavillion is a massive plus for us, people can come in and sit in down comfortably, enjoy food and wine. It’s a nice relaxed atmosphere and everyone can assess all areas throughout the show grounds.

“Our team is brilliant, it would be impossible for us to run a show as big as this without them. We have 120 people working flat out over five arenas with stewards, judges - each arena has about 8/9 people assigned to it. After the Covid, it’s great to be back in action with our International Show this weekend. It’s the support of our team, family and friends that got us here.

“Many thanks to all our sponsors, we could not say enough about them and the support they have shown us - Robert Glen from Glen Wood kitted out our pavillion, he had about 30 lads working there around the clock for the last week and they made it. It looks spectacular, we are delighted.

“From companies, familiies and individuals, everyone who buys a brick in our wall, we are delighted to be back in action for our International Show which was first held in 2008.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Mullingar International Show CSI2* this weekend,” concluded Robert Fagan.

National showcase

FIRST held in 2008, Mullingar CSI2* International Show is synonymous with bringing forward talent on the show jumping scene. Combining both a national and an international show together, there’s 50 classes on the packed schedule across the five days.

Mullingar’s International Grand Prix Hall of Fame is graced with graduates who have made show jumping their professional careers including Alexander Butler, Clem McMahon, Francis Connors, Greg Broderick, Scott Brash, Vicky Tulloch, Capt David O’Brien, Joan Greene, Jordan Coyle, Sophie Dalm and Mikey Pender among others.

As well as the FEI CSI2* International Classes, there is a full schedule of national Show Jumping Ireland classes for horses and ponies, Horse Sport Ireland Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series for five-, six- and seven-year-olds, Dublin Horse Show Puissance qualifier, the Coolmore Ballyowen Maybell Molly 148 Pony Grand Prix, the Mullingar International ‘Future Stars’ Championship, the Derravarra, Midlands Classic, Lilliputt, Lake County Ladies and the amateur qualifiers.