With Millstreet International Horse Show in full swing this week, visitors to the Co. Cork venue may be unaware that work is gathering pace just 500m away as the Horse Trials team continue to prepare for Millstreet International Horse Trials which take place from 23rd – 27th August.

Now in it’s third year, the 2017 event follows on from the recent successful hosting of the FEI European Eventing Championships for Young Riders and Juniors presented by Connolly’s RED MILLS. Course Designer Mike Etherington-Smith visited the site last Monday and Tuesday and is satisfied with progress for this year’s event which includes a CCI1* competition for the first time.

With an attractive prize fund in excess of €35,000 on offer, the schedule includes CCI and CIC classes at one, two and three star level, together with a CIC Young Horse class for 6 year old horses to cater for those preparing for the FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers.

Entries for the International Horse Trials remain open until Thursday 10th August and in addition to the anticipated strong Irish entry, applications have already been received from competitors representing Great Britain, the USA, Italy, Finland and Japan.

Millstreet has firmly established itself as the shop window for the Irish equestrian industry and the Duggan Family are renowned for their commitment to the production of young sport horses. In addition to the International action, the popular National Eventing Discovery classes for four and five year old horses return with generous support from the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Breeders’ Fund. A prize fund of €1,500 will be on offer in the Four Year Old class while Five Year Olds will be competing for their share of a €2,500 pot. The breeders of the top three horses in each section will also be rewarded. Applications for the National Eventing Discovery classes can be submitted here ahead of the closing date on Friday 18th August. All horses will compete in the preliminary round on the evening of Saturday 26th August in the Main Indoor Arena with the top eight four and five year olds making it through to the Final in the International Arena the following afternoon.

The Irish Sport Horse Studbook have also supported this year’s ‘Coral Cove Six Year Old Championship.’ Bred by Noel C. and Thomas Duggan, ‘Coral Cove’ became one of the best known event horses of his time; amassing 1,293 British Eventing points over a career which included completions at 12 long-format three and four-star three-day events.

Over 150 volunteers will be required to stage the event, which features two days of Cross Country on Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th August with showjumping for the CIC classes taking place on Thursday and Friday and the feature CCI classes on Sunday. The organisers are welcoming applications from those interested in joining the Millstreet team. If you are interested in watching the sport of eventing from the position of dressage scribe, cross country fence judge or general volunteer, we would love to hear from you! Applications can be submitted by completing the registration form.

Competitors and their connections can look forward to the world-class facilities that Millstreet has to offer. The dressage and showjumping phases will take place on an all-weather surface in the Green Glens Arena which also offers permanent stabling, bar and catering facilities. The Drishane Castle estate provides unrivalled panoramic views, allowing visitors and spectators to follow the action of the Cross Country phase against the backdrop of the spectacular Clara Mountain.

View the Provisional Timetable and find out more here!