THE Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders are looking forward to their annual show at Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday, July 28th, to which all are welcome.

The show has grown considerably since the group held their first event at Annaharvey Farm 14 years ago. Entries close online on Wednesday, July 17th and early entry is advised due to strong interest.

As 2018 had a record number of entries both in-hand and performance classes, it is thanks to main show sponsors Willows Ingredients Ltd that their flagship class, the All Ireland Broodmare Championship for registered mares with foal at foot, has a prize fund of €1,250. In addition, there is an added travel bonus of €50 per mare with a foal at foot that participates in this class on the day. The same sponsors have also generously supported the foal classes to the tune of €950.

Connolly’s Red Mills are kindly underwriting both the ridden and supreme champions, while Glenisk take over the junior championship. The Midlands Connemara Pony Group underwrite the four-year-old and over stallion class.

The performance rings are all on outstanding sand surfaces with a total of 24 classes, including partbred and equitation.

First and second prize winners in the Working Hunter Challenge (85cm/95cm/1m) are eligible compete for the Willows Ingredients Ltd Working Hunter Championship for a prize of €1,000 to the winner and €500 to the runner-up.

Other features are the Sarah Miller Future Performance Connemara Pony, sponsored by Devenish Nutrition.

Ridden stallions, side saddle and members’ classes add to the overall portfolio including the Irish Connemara Green Hunter qualifier for Clifden, the Clifden High Performance class four-year-old and over, and the four-year-old High Performance Mare plus the three-year-old Loose Jumping qualifier.

The Midlands group are indebted to the local business community and friends that have made it possible to provide sponsorship for every class.

Chairman Reggie Mitchell and his hard working and united committee are looking forward to welcoming many friends and exhibitors on the day.

Entries online via the plain sailing website https: www.itsplainsailing .com/club/mcpb

Please note that the number of entries is restricted in the working hunter/jumping performances classes and classes may fill before closing date.

For more information, contact secretary Irene O’Sullivan at 086-3043039 or email: mcpbshow@gmail.com

For any performance queries, contact Lorli Higgins at 087-2343913 or email merveldthiggins@gmail.com