THIS is going to be a very hectic weekend with the Mackey/Irish Pony Club national hunter trials championships taking place today at the Furnell family’s Ballycahane Equestrian in Co Limerick while, all weekend, members of Area 17 of The Pony Club will converge on Castle Irvine, Necarne for the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival.

The huge team of organisers, officials and volunteers involved in running the hunter trials championship will be in place early as the first tack inspection at the Crecora venue is due to commence at 8am.