THE crowds are flocking back to Cheval’s Showgrounds in Jordanstown, North County Dublin, just as they did throughout the 80s. The committee of the popular Riding Club were the first to admit that the grounds near Oldtown had fallen into somewhat of a time warp over the last two decades, as competitors came to expect more of their equestrian venues. With show jumping on grass becoming less popular over the years, the large main grass arena was only seeing activity once or twice a year and the majority of events were being hosted in the old 30mx50m sand arena.

The Cheval committee, led by Chairperson Nuala Stafford and Treasurer Ger Dempsey, set about changing this. With a clear vision in mind, they set about securing a Sports Capital Grant to the value of €118,000 from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This funding, coupled with countless hours on the turf raising funds through show activity and securing advertising income from local businesses, made the dream a reality. Through this fundraising, Cheval managed to raise in excess of €25,000 to complete what is now a 65mx48m state of the art sand/fibre surface arena.

Local groundwork contractor DM Groundworks won the tender for the work, which was overseen by JP Ennis of another local company, Sportsworks, in delivering what is a breathtaking facility to anyone’s standards. Pauric O’Neill of Premium Show Jumps designed and built the lovely judges’ huts.

Achievement

Cheval Treasurer, Ger Dempsey, who was the club liaison with the project manager and contractors, says: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved here, we have an amazing facility, which is now a hub of equestrian activity for amateur and leisure riders in the greater community”.

Cheval now has over 100 members with experience across all equestrian disciplines. “The growth of the membership base not only makes the grounds more accessible to more people, but also provides a local network of equestrians, where people can access support, tuition and advice whenever needed.”

The Showgrounds at Cheval are now in consistent use and, in addition to member use, the club also hosts regular training clinics, AIRC and ‘Open to All’ shows across all disciplines. International Course builder and HSI Level 2 Coach, Tom Holden, who is a regular at the facility, commented: “Congratulations to Cheval on their new arena. It is a welcome addition to the area. It is roomy and sheltered. Well done to all who worked hard to make it happen”.

The facility has been revived thanks to the vision of the committee and the support of the Sports Capital Grant programme. This venue will continue to provide hours of enjoyment for equestrians of all ages, just as it did when first established back in the late 1970s.