New ideas to help promote town at Mullingar 2014 International Horse Show
This weekend’s Mullingar International Horse Show (May 30 to June 2) looks like being the best yet thanks to several innovations and an increased prize fund of €80,000.
The organisers of the show, which is now in its seventh year and is established as one of the premier equine events in the country, have joined forces with Westmeath Community Development to come up with novel ways to promote Mullingar, including the addition of six new jumps for the grand prix arena that are decorated with images of famous local places, companies and historical figures.
The most eye-catching of the new additions is the Musical Mullingar jump which features images of Joe Dolan, Foster and Allen, Bressie and Niall Horan. Members of the Dolan, Breslin and Horan families, as well as Mick Foster attended the recent launch of the horse show at Mullingar Equestrian Centre.
“We are really excited about this year’s show and have made every effort over recent months to ensure Mullingar and the surrounding areas really benefit from the weekend,” said show director Robert Fagan.
“Apart from the attention generated by ‘Musical Mullingar’, we have two new featured categories added to this year’s schedule; Mullingar International Amateur Grand Prix and the Mullingar International Pony Championships along with an outstanding Country Fayre which appeals to people from all walks of life. “Also, the Pro Am, where 12 local young riders will be paired with some of the best international show jumpers, is in aid of North Westmeath Hospice this year, and we are delighted to be in a position to support such a great cause.”
This year’s dog show will celebrate pets and their connections with children and families
The theme of the dog show on the June bank holiday weekend this year is to celebrate pets and their owners, especially the relationship between pets and children, and to acknowledge the importance of pets as members of our families.
The event is part of the Mullingar Country Fayre and International Three-Day Horse Festival at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, one of only two international shows in Ireland this year. David Fagan, veterinary surgeon, and his team at Mullingar Pet Hospital on Patrick Street, have been organising and sponsoring the dog show for over 15 years and people return year after year to compete for the champion of show perpetual silver cup and reserve champion trophy. The class winners receive the Mullingar Pet Hospital trophy and there are rosettes for up to sixth place.
An area is being set aside for families and pets, with food halls, amusements, shopping, dog zone and dog show and high jump arenas.
Throughout Sunday and Monday, Liam Holton and Ann Marie (veterinary nurse) from Pro Pac Dog Foods (main sponsors) will be hosting dog nutrition demonstrations and will answer owners’ questions. Norman Blakeney, Irish and UK National Field Trial Dog champion is giving a demonstration in the main arena on Monday June 2, and Sarah Neogard, international dog trainer and behaviourist, will give an obedience demonstration in the dog show arena on Monday, followed by the dog show at 3pm.
The team from Mullingar Pet Hospital will also be on hand to offer any advice on the care of your pet.
World record attempt
The world dog high jump record attempt starts at 1pm on Monday. This will be the third attempt at the world record, set in the USA at 5 foot and 8 inches. There will be separate classes for small and large dogs (over 14 inches at the shoulder).
Last year’s winners of the small dog high jump – for the second successive year,– Julie Anne Moran, Rathowen, with Patch, who jumped 86cm, and large dog high jump winner, Laura McEntagart, Athlone, with Louie, who jumped 1.3 meters, will be back to defend their titles.
Both the high jump and the dog show are being sponsored by Pro Pac Dog Food, and there is a bonus prize for any dog that breaks the world record. The high jump is open to all; entry is €5.
Dog show
The dog show at 3pm on Monday will cater for every type of dog, pedigree and non-pedigree (small, medium and large, entry €5) and lots of novelty classes such as fancy dress, shaggiest dog, best handled by a child, best handled by a lady, boy and girl, and dog you would like to take home. All proceeds to the Uisneach Border Collie Rescue Centre.
The dog show judges will give a ring craft demonstration prior to the first class and will demonstrate what they are looking for in the ring. This will be helpful for the novice handler and owners should pick up lots of tips on how to show dogs off to their full potential in the show ring. Pro Pac Dog Food are sponsoring the prizes, and their marketing director Liam Holton will be at the show to offer advice and answer questions on nutrition.