The Association is delighted to see returning sponsors and new sponsors to this year’s 35th anniversary of the Riding Clubs Festival. The first ever Riding Clubs Festival took place in 1990 at Punchestown Racecourse in Co. Kildare.
TRI Equestrian, The Irish Field and Horse Sport Ireland have committed themselves as sponsors for another year with new sponsors Equipeople who are sponsoring the ridden showing classes.
Premier Performance is sponsoring the RDS Team Show Jumping Wildcard qualifier on Saturday and Foran Equine is sponsoring the RC 70/ RC 80 team Show Jumping Championship with the final on Sunday of the festival.
The two-day festival takes place at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co. Westmeath on Saturday 7th, and Sunday 8th of June where clubs will attend to compete in over 70 competitions in dressage, show jumping and showing.
TRI Equestrian are title sponsor of the show jumping competitions. TRI Equestrian has been a loyal sponsor since 2003.
The Irish Field came on board as title dressage sponsors in 2012, Mark Costello, Editor of The Irish Field, said: “We are proud to support the AIRC Festival. Riding Clubs and their members are the backbone of Ireland’s horse industry, bridging the gap between professionals and the wider public. Their passion and participation give equestrianism its social licence, ensuring a strong future for our sport and industry.”
The Riding Clubs Festival was recently announced as a recipient of a 2025 HSI Breeding Grant after an application process. The breed showing classes are funded by the Breeding Grant Initiative under National Breeding Services with thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.
Horse Sport Ireland’s Head of Breeding, Development and Innovation, Sonja Egan, said: “Horse Sport Ireland recognises the growth and value of the AIRC festival for its members and the native breed classes it provides. Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to deliver this Department of Agriculture funded breeding grant Initiative to support the festival again in 2025.
“This is undoubtedly a highlight of the calendar for the almost 3,000 members registered and 120 clubs affiliated to the AIRC. I would like to wish the AIRC and all associated members, breeders, producers, and competitors the very best of luck.”
“Horse Sport Ireland wishes to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for funding the support to the Festival through the Breeding Grant Initiative under National Breeding Services.”
Equipeople are new sponsors this year for the ridden showing classes at this years Riding Clubs Festival.
Caroline Lane Managing Director Equipeople Ltd. “Equipeople is delighted to sponsor the ridden horse classes at the Riding Club festival. I have a very soft spot for riding club horses and we are very happy to help provide the recognition they deserve. They are the unsung heroes giving so many people such enjoyment and pleasure.”
Louise Duffy Chairperson of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs said “Preparations are well underway for the AIRC Festival and we are looking forward to a weekend of fun and competition in June. With the hospitality provided by Mullingar Equestrian Centre and the generous sponsorship from long-standing supporters TRI Equestrian, the Irish Field, HSI and new Festival sponsors Equipeople, there is a full program of competitions for all our members to enjoy. The RDS team SJ wildcard qualifier on Saturday (kindly sponsored by Premier Performance) and the final of the RC70/RC 80 team SJ championship on the Sunday (kindly sponsored by Foran’s), this is sure to add to the excitement of the weekend.”
You can find details and the schedule on the website at this link – Riding Clubs Festival 2025
