The Association of Irish Riding Clubs is delighted to announce something new and exciting for our members this year. Thanks to the generous support of Equipeople, each region will host a Table Quiz Competition, with the top three teams from each region qualifying for the National Final.

This promises to be a fun, sociable event, offering members the chance to come together in a different setting while celebrating the true heart of our sport – our volunteers. Without their tireless work, our championships and competitions simply could not take place.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Caroline Lane, Managing Director of Equipeople, said:

“Equipeople is delighted to sponsor the regional and final table quizzes. In particular, we wanted to recognise the unsung heroes of the Riding Club movement, the volunteers. They are the people who make it all happen because without volunteers there would be no competitions. So to all of you who willingly give your time week after week so that others can compete, we would like to say a big thank you.”

Equipeople has been placing young Europeans in equine and agricultural work experience placements throughout Ireland since 2003. They have a network of over 400 hosts who share their way of life with students who work on the farm as part of the family, while learning and experiencing the Irish way of life and its culture. Students should go home with a comprehensive understanding of Irish farming and our agricultural way of life. They also expect that their host farmers will have learnt from the students, both agriculturally and culturally.

We hope this new initiative will be embraced by clubs and members across the country. Not only will it be a chance to test your knowledge and enjoy some friendly rivalry, but also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the community spirit that makes Riding Clubs so special.