Underage showjumpers in European action

Team Ireland Equestrian’s Young Riders, Juniors and Children On Horses are in action this week in the European Showjumping Championships 2016, which are taking place in Millstreet (IRL). 28 nations from across Europe are represented at the County Cork venue this week. On Thursday at 15.30 GMT, the Children On Horses Team Final will take place. The Junior Team Final and Young Rider Team Final take place on Friday, as 12.00 GMT and 16.30 GMT respectively. The Children On Horses Individual Final takes place at 14.00 GMT on Saturday, with the Individual Finals for the Young Riders taking place at 12.00 GMT on Sunday followed by the Junior Individual Final at 16.00 GMT. You can follow the action live on Clip My Horse TV and FEI TV.

Speaking about the Championships, Irish Chef d’Equipe Comdt. John Ledingham said; “Congratulations to all riders selected for this year’s European Championships in the Green Glens arena,  Millstreet. There will be almost 30 nations from all parts of Europe travelling to the fabulous Equestrian venue in Millstreet, a big thank you to the Duggan family for hosting such a huge event. This is the first time that Children on Horses, Juniors and Young Riders compete in one location in Ireland, we can promise you a very high standard of competition. These riders are the future Olympians, the next generation of superstars in the sport. Come and support our young Irish riders in their home Championships.”

Ireland plays hosts to not one but two home internationals this weekend, with Camphire (IRL) kicking off on Thursday. There are huge entries for the international classes at the County Waterford event, with Irish riders alone accounting for in excess of 150 entries.

In showjumping, 5 star Hickstead (GBR) takes place this week, with the final leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Series taking place on Friday at 14.15 GMT. Ireland are currently lying in second place in the Series, with the top seven nations qualifying for the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in September.

Elsewhere on the showjumping circuit, action takes place at Dinard (FRA), La Coruna (ESP), Lier (BEL), Crans-Montana (SUI), Ommen (NED), Varberg (SWE), Bromont Quebec (CAN), Courlans (FRA) and Donaueschingen-Immenhoefe (GER). Ireland will also be represented in eventing at Alnwick Burgham (GBR).

Irish riders compete in ten separate countries this week, with over 230 entries being made in international competition. Over 150 separate riders will represent Ireland this weekend in FEI disciplines. All Irish international entries for this week’s shows are now available to view by clicking on the individual shows under ‘FEI Entries & Results’. Live links to results from this week’s shows are also available. Follow your Team Ireland Equestrian riders on the HSI website, Facebook (Team Ireland Equestrian) and Twitter (@TeamIRLEq).