Two clubs achieved the gold standard of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs Club Excellence Award scheme for 2017.
Castle Leslie Riding Club in Monaghan and Cheval Riding Club in Dublin achieved the top standard while Brooke Lodge in Wicklow was awarded the silver standard on this occasion.
A total of €2,000 was awarded this year between the three clubs, who applied to the scheme earlier this year, when submissions were sought.
The scheme recognises the vital contribution affiliated clubs make in the development of the sport while providing outlets for participation and promoting equestrian sports at grassroots level. It also provides a road map for clubs to ensure they are operating at the highest standards possible.
Each applicant is assessed under 35 different criteria in areas such as club management, club development, education and training, volunteer management, competition participation, community development and health and safety.
The clubs will each receive a grant of €750 (Gold), €500 (Silver) and €250 (Bronze), depending on the standard they attained.
A.I.R.C. chairman Tony Ennis said,
This years applicants achieved very high standards across many of the categories under scrutiny . It is fantastic to see our clubs developing along the right path and well done to this years gold awards recipients.
These applications require a lot of work and I want to thank them for taking the time to see this through during the year.
Club Excellence Award Results 2017:
Gold Award
- Castle Leslie Riding Club (Monaghan)
- Cheval Riding Club (Dublin)
Silver Award
- Brooke Lodge Riding Club (Wicklow)
