Munster Express Online

From this Friday the 27th of August to Sunday the 29th the elite of Irish eventing riders and riders representing Finland, Sweden, Germany, Italy and the UK will descend on the estate of Camphire House near Cappoquin in Co Waterford for the venue’s first international horse trials.

Historically the estate has hosted very successful national horse trials but is upgrading to International this year with the help of sponsorship from Eventing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland.

Eventing or horse trials is an all-round equestrian sport. It is a testing triathlon of dressage, cross country and showjumping for both horse and rider. The dressage element of the competition sometimes referred to as ballet on horse back will take place over the course of Friday and Saturday.

It is Sunday’s cross country phase however which is expected to draw significant crowds as spectators enjoy the thrills and spills that are par for the course as “man and beast” tackle obstacles set at standards to challenge them to their utmost. The competition will reach its penultimate on Sunday evening with the showjumping phase jumped in reverse order of merit so that the competition reaches an exciting close.

Entrance to this event is free of charge and along with the equestrian attractions there will also be a tented village on site with trade stands and catering. Camphire International Horse Trails is guaranteed to make for a very enjoyable family day out.

This fixture has attracted over 150 competitiors from all over Ireland and Europe. The finals of the Horseware young horse national leagues are also incorporated into the programme.

Cross-country action takes place on Sunday over the spectator friendly course set in parkland with a feature water Complex. Members of Good Food Ireland and various trade stands will be in the tented village.

Camphire is located on the banks of the Blackwater in idlyllic countryside, close to Lismore and Cappoquin and it promises a great weekend of equestrian sport. Admission is free. For further information see www.camphirehorsetrials.com