This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Riding Clubs Festival, a special milestone in our history. To mark the occasion, some of our past committee members will be joining us in Mullingar this Saturday.

Among them are some very special guests — including founding members of both the Association and the very first Festival: Helen Mangan, Tony Ennis, Maire Quinlan Pluck, Bob Thompson, and Jean Fitzsimon — as well as a few of our long-time sponsors and friends.

Below, you’ll find an article from The Irish Field covering that very first Festival.

It’s fantastic to see the Festival still going strong, with members travelling from all over the country. There’s a great buzz in the air as people catch up, share barbecues, party into the night — and of course, compete!

Long may it continue — and here’s to the next 35 years!

If you see any of our special guests around the grounds, feel free to say hello and share a story or two. It’s a great chance to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate everything the Festival has come to represent.