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Press Releases
25th July 2007
FUTURE EVENT HORSE LEAGUE
QUALIFIER
BALLYGRAFFAN, Comber, Co. Down - 25TH JULY 2007
An interview with Ronnie McMahon, organiser and one of the founders of
the event.
Q. How long has the event been running?
This is the 8th year of the event, and heats are held across Ireland in
8 locations. Each event host is given freedom to make it’s own mark
on the competition by the design and layout of the course. But, although
the courses may look different, the horses are tested in exactly the same
way.
Q. What is the aim of the Future event horse league?
This is the kindergarten of eventing, basic training and challenges for
young horses. We want the horse to have fun, but also go away having learnt
something. Each year we see an improvement in the young horses entering
the competition, which is great, and now we have almost reached capacity
for entries.
Q. What do the competitors get out of it?
The Irish horse has talent, we know that, and we want to give these young
horses and their riders the opportunity to test their potential at this
young age. Each rider is given a written report from our eminent judges
at the end of the heat, and from that, they can assess their horse’s
potential. The two four year olds and two five year olds qualify for the
final at Tattershalls in September, and they have the opportunity to qualify
for the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS.
Q. What is your vision for the competition?
Ireland has had the leading stud brook for the past 12 years. The Irish
horse has had international success, but not necessarily with Irish riders,
we would like to encourage the success of both horse and rider. Over the
past 8 years our horses have been short-listed for the Olympic games and
have competed up to 4 star events, which is a fantastic achievement.
Q. Is there a big success rate?
The competition is tough, in that a horse has to achieve 65% in each of
the three disciplines, and they don’t always do that. But none go
through to the final unless they have reached this standard.
Q. This is the first qualifier to be held in Ballygraffan, how’s
it gone?
Yes, this is the first year of holding an event in Ballygraffan, and the
Burgess’ continue to support this sport by hosting it here. Ballygraffan
held no surprises for us, the 2 day event held here in April is always
superb, and everything here today has been organised fantastically. It
fares well for the development of the sport throughout Ireland, and it’s
great to see the sport growing in the North.
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