Westmeath Community Development

MULLINGAR INTERNATIONAL 2 * Show & Summer Festival 2010 will take place at the excellent facilities at Mullingar Equestrian from June 5th to 7th For those not competing this is an fantastic three day festival, ideal for a weekend away or a family day out.

Continuing on from their highly successful show in 2009, which saw Mullingar International show being crowned show of the year, the midlands venue is gearing up to make it even better for 2010. Ever innovative, the centre had added to its range of events for 2010, to include a 3- year old loose jumping, scheduled to take place on Saturday and a Pegus Horse Feeds / Landrover RDS Puissance Qualifier for the Dublin Horse Show on the Sunday.

The show is a favourite with all our top international riders and, it grown in popularity with riders from other nations. International riders down to attend this year are Vikki Tulloch, winner of the Grand Prix in Balmoral, Douglas Duffin, Lucy Gill, Trevor Nicholson, Alex Barr plus many more. Riders will battle it out over the three days for a total prize fund of €60,000 spread out over 6 International classes, a €20,000 international Grand Prix, 50 National classes for Horse & Ponies and Horse Sport Ireland Stud Book Classes.

Designed not only to attracted show jumpers and spectators alike, the show offers something for the whole family, from top jumping, to trade stands, dog show ( Monday 3 pm)  and side shows (to include Western riding).  A new initiative for the Bank Holiday Monday for 2010 is the “ Best Dressed Filly Award “ kindly sponsored by Khan boutique, Mullingar & Blackrock. All the ladies visiting the show including riders & grooms will have the opportunity to add a bit of extra style & glamour to Monday afternoon’s activities.

With new and improved facilities developed during the year, such as extra viewing areas, a new sand arena, extra parking and children’s play area in place the centre is certainly ready to cater for the large crowds.

As in 2009 the show will partner with Westmeath Hospice. The Hospice benefited hugely from the show last year especially through the pony / professional pairs relay novelty event, which will be repeated this year. Once again, local pony riders having qualified at shows during the winter season will be paired with their international show jumping hero`s who gave so generously of their time & commitment to the event in 2009.

The show is of great importance to the region, so much so that a newly formed supporters group is working behind the scenes to financially support their local show in the current climate.

In typical Mullingar fashion, the show will not end as the horses are put away each evening, with a full schedule of evening entertainment on the cards, competitors will get the opportunity to enjoy the evening amongst their fellow competitors and supporters.

Whats happening at the show !

· Three days of Show jumping with four arenas running each day from 9am.

· €60,000  prizefund

· 6 International Classes

· 50 National jumping Classes

· €20,000 Grand Prix on Monday 2pm

· Professional /Pony pairs relay Monday 4.30

· Dog Show Monday 3 pm

· Side show to include cossack riding , market stalls, equestrian stands etc