Ross House Riding Club, who were selected to represent the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) at the World Club Tournament Open de France Generali which begins later today with the draw of nations.

The Cavan based club arrived at the French Federation Parc for the four-day tournament which is a friendly international competition for riding clubs and schools from all over the world on Monday.

https://www.facebook.com/ridingclubs/photos/a.10150280137933210.377117.137311933209/10155544513663210/?type=3&theater

Yesterday (Tuesday) they got an opportunity to meet their horses for the first time, as they will be riding hired horses for the tournament.

The Irish team includes Stephanie Fitzpatrick, Mary Govern, Lisa Noble, and Lorraine Connon.

They are only the second team from Ireland to represent the Association at the World Club Tournament after Donegal Gaeltacht narrowly missed out on a podium finish last year.

Robert Murdy, who operates Ross House Equestrian Holidays, is the team Chef d’Equipe.

A.I.R.C. chairman Tony Ennis said earlier today that,

I know the team representing our Association will do us proud and I wish them the very best of luck. I’d also like to thank Robert Murdy for acting as the teams chef d’equipe.

“This tournament is a friendly competition but it’s also a wonderful chance for our members to compete on the world stage,” he added.

This tournament takes place every summer during the Generali Open of France at the Parc Equestre Federal, 41600 Lamotte Beuvron, France from 26th to 28th July 2017. Lamotte Beuvron is in the Loire Valley, about 140kms south of Paris.

Each team of 3 or 4 riders compete in two show jumping rounds and a final. The competition will be run over two days: 2 rounds and a final. The final is reserved for the five best teams after the first two rounds. Each rider has to participate on the same horse throughout the competition.