THE Irish Field, Horse Sport Ireland and TRI Equestrian have confirmed that they will once again be title sponsors at this year’s Association of Irish Riding Clubs’ annual Festival, which takes place at Mullingar Equestrian over the weekend of June 7th and 8th, being joined for this 35th running of two-day fixture by Equipeople, who are sponsoring the ridden showing classes.

The Irish Field began sponsoring the dressage section in 2012 and will continue to do so in June. “We are proud to support the AIRC Festival,” said editor Mark Costello. “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 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.

The latter body’s Head of Breeding, Development and Innovation, Sonja Egan commented: “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.”

Show jumping

A loyal supporter of the Festival since 2003, TRI Equestrian will continue as title sponsor of the show jumping section, with Premier Performance sponsoring the RDS team show jumping wildcard qualifier on the Saturday, while Foran Equine is to sponsor the R70/RC80 team show jumping championships on the Sunday.

Equipeople are new sponsors this year for the ridden showing classes, but the company’s Managing Director, Caroline Lane, would have been aware of the Festival for many years. She commented: “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 AIRC, 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 and HSI plus new Festival sponsors Equipeople, there is a full programme of competitions for all our members to enjoy over the weekend.”

Further details and the Festival schedule can be found on the AIRC website.