In 2014, work started on the construction of a state of the art Cross Country track on the grounds of the adjoining Drishane Castle. The appointment of internationally renowned designer Mike Etherington-Smith created great excitement ahead of the hosting of the 2014 FEI European Championships for Ponies which received global acclaim. The following year, the venue went on to host its inaugural International Horse Trials at CIC (short-format) level. The event attracted riders from 7 nations and riders and their connections were full of praise for the new 2* and 3* courses that had been added to the existing facility. Millstreet went on to host long-format competition the following year and in 2018 hosted the Irish leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series.
Since then, Millstreet Intl Horse Trials has become world renound among the eventing community hosting officials and competitors from around the globe. The Horse Trials became the largest event to ever be held on Irish soil in 2019 while hosting the first and only Event Rider Masters Series leg in Ireland. 2023 will see the return of the Eventing Nations Cup Series as well as a regional qualifier for nations seeking a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Today, Millstreet hosts competitions for riders of novice level right up the ranks to CCI4*L.
The Cross Country at Millstreet in Ireland would have to rank amongst the best presented tracks worldwide. Spectacular water features, bold timber and superb footing meant horses just grew in confidence the further they went.”
BLYTH TAIT (NZL), Olympic & International Event Rider