A DATE clash has emerged on the 2025 show jumping calendar with the ever-popular Tattersalls Ireland July Show confirmed for July 26-27th, the same dates allocated for Millstreet International CSI2** 2025 (July 23rd-27th).

Both events are well-established fixtures on the Irish equestrian calendar, with Tattersalls offering both show jumping and showing classes, as well as usually featuring the DAFM Studbook Series final.

In a Facebook post, Tattersalls made the following statement but has declined to comment further: “The Tattersalls Ireland July Show committee is very disappointed that Millstreet International Show has been allowed to clash with this year’s Show, a scheduling conflict entirely beyond our control. However, the show will proceed as planned and the committee looks forward to delivering two fantastic days of competition at Tattersalls Ireland. Competitors have consistently supported this weekend, and we remain confident of its ongoing success and popularity among riders and spectators alike”.

Asked about how this conflict occurred, a Showjumping Ireland spokesman said: “International dates were allocated this year by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), without any consultation with SJI. In past years, the protocol was that a show would apply to HSI for a date for an international event, and a piece of paper would find its way down the stairs to be signed by the SJI national competitions committee and the chairman of the relevant affiliate, approving that there was no date clash or no issues with that event running. In the last two years in particular, that process has not been followed. HSI was contacted directly by SJI last year about this and we never got an answer. We feel it’s a shame and could have been sorted out way in advance.”

Asked also how the date clash came about, a Horse Sport Ireland spokesman said: “As the National Federation, HSI is responsible for submitting international calendar dates and applications to the FEI. The National Federation’s position is that international dates take priority, as they play a crucial role in supporting FEI athlete development and assisting in reducing the costs of international travel for athletes and owners.

“In some disciplines, such as eventing, HSI has delegated the review of international calendar dates to the relevant affiliate where feasible and appropriate. However, in show jumping, HSI must ensure that conflicts of interest do not arise in the review of international calendar dates.

“In the case of SJI and Millstreet, there is documented High Court litigation between SJI and Millstreet over an event-related matter. Given this ongoing dispute, it would not be appropriate for SJI to impartially review international calendar dates where Millstreet is involved. As a result, HSI, as the National Federation, has retained oversight of the process to ensure fairness and transparency.”

Asked if the clash would affect Tattersalls’ hosting of the DAFM series finals, HSI said: “HSI issued a call for applications in December 2024 for venues to host a leg of the Studbook Series and Development Series in show jumping. Applications were assessed under a published scoring rubric, which considered competition facilities, date and location, level of show, and entries. HSI met with SJI representatives twice to agree on the final dates and venues. Only venues that submitted applications were considered. As Millstreet did not apply, they will not be hosting the final of the Studbook Series. With regard to the DAFM classes, any potential changes in venue were reviewed in consultation with stakeholders. The finalised dates and venues will be released in due course.”

All proceeds from the Tattersalls event will be donated to St Francis Hospice, a cause that has benefitted from the Show’s support for many years. St Francis Hospice provides exceptional palliative care, offering comfort and support to patients and their families during difficult times. In 2024, €25,000 was raised, contributing to a total of approximately €200,000 donated over the past 11 years.

For further information on the Tattersalls event, follow the Tattersalls Ireland July Show Facebook page or contact Gladys Graham: ggraham@tattersalls.ie