Thoroughbred Trails 2010

New Equestrian Holidays Ireland website

Equestrian Holidays Ieland have just launched their new and exciting website - www.ehi.ie. Equestrian Holidays Ireland (or EHI) represent the best of what Ireland can offer the comtemporary equestrian tourist. From post-to-post trail riding through some of Ireland's most scenic and unspoilt countryside to cross-country jumping on famous castle estates, www.ehi.ie has all the info you need to plan the perfect equestrian getaway.

Cirque du Cheval - Christmas on Horseback

Don't miss the most spectacular equestrian event to hit Irish Soil.The show, " Cirque Du Cheval", is a truly breathtaking production featuring top European acts, and will run from the 3rd-6th of December in the Alliance Arena, at Kill International Equestrian Centre, just 5 minutes from Newlands Cross.

This event promises to be the most talked about Equestrian production, appealing to all ages and tastes.This world class production will offer the family something spectacular this Christmas. The audience will be treated to a breathtaking choreographed performance, which will combine dramatic action, humour and awe inspiring lighting effects.

This Equestrian theatrical extravaganza, will feature Gerard Naprous and the Devils Horsemen, Irish and Team GB Vaulters, Ukranian Cossack riders, a Spectacular Western Riding display, Santa Claus and much much more. Centred around a Christmas theme, the event will feature a pantomime element throughout the show, which will keep the younger audience entertained.

There will even be an opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto before the Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.The world renown feature act, Gerard Naprous and the Devils Horsemen, have been wowing Cinema, T.V., and live audiences for more than 30 years. This will be their first ever live performance in Ireland, although you will be familiar with their Equestrian co-stars from the many film roles, and T.V. ads they have performed in. One of the few acts to have performed at both HOYS and Olympia, they will thrill the audience with their unique style, passion and flair, and mind blowing horsemanship.The Ukranian Cossack performance, is a dazzling display of dare devil stunts. Derived from the Military training of the Mongol Cavalry, all the way from the Steppes of Russia, the cossacks perform a range of acrobatics on horseback, which will keep spectators on the edge of their seats!

Following on from that will be the first ever Irish Display of Equestrian Vaulting. This Spectacular sport which features in the World equestrian games in 2010, currently has only one Irish International competitor, Alison Rimaud. With roots in Co. Kildare, but based in France, Alison will perform with one of the French Riders, and they will be joined by the amazing Team GB, who are looking forward to showing off their considerable skills to an Irish Audience.Western Riding has had a huge upsurge in interest since the announcement of Reining as a sport for WEG 2010, and Cirque Du Cheval are delighted to have, Flaming Hooves, (Riverdance on Horseback) to entertain audiences with a display of amazing South American Paso Fino Horses.To entertain those who prefer canine to equine, we have invited along the top canine agility performers. Negotiating a course of obstacles at full speed, they must maintain accuracy and obedience while jumping through hoops!

Santa will also be on hand, and a pantomime theme will run throughout the show. Look out for Lottie and Dottie........

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Early booking is advisable, as this is for a limited run only.

Ballinasloe October Fair kicks off this weekend!

The Ballinasloe Horse Fair and Festival is kicking off in County Galway this Saturday October 3rd and running right through until Sunday 11th. Its one of the oldest fairs in Ireland and a real celebration of all things equestrian with lots of fun stuff happening all over the town to entertain the whole family.

Thoroughbred Trail Weekends

Well the first of the highly anticipated Thoroughbred Trail Weekends has just gone by (Sept 11th - 13th) and was a great success with 50 people joining the 2-day trip! So now we're looking ahead to the next installment in November from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th which coincides with the races at Punchestown.

For those of you haven't already heard we have teamed up with a number of luxury accommodation providers, trainers yards, studs and racecourses to offer a number of insider, behind the scenes racing weekends in Ireland. Our host is Frances Crowley, a former Classic Winning trainer and Champion Amateur Jockey who accompanies the group on its visit to one of our Trainer’s Yards and to the National Stud to see the horses and meet the trainer’s who will answer questions and give insights into the preparations that go into Race Day. Frances will also be on hand to act as tipster for the afternoon’s horse racing and may even organise some surprise visitors to the table!

Log onto www.goracing.ie or www.discoverireland.ie/equestrian for more details and how to book.

Limerick to Dublin by Stagecoach

The Bowman family with their teams of horses will retrace the steps of the coaching era, travelling the highways and byways from Limerick to Dublin with all the proceeds going to the Barretstown ‘a Hole in the Wall Camp’ charity.

Barretstown is a specially designed camp for children with serious illnesses - primarily cancer and serious blood diseases - from Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe. They provide a unique programme of adventure, activities and fun,which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence, trust and self-esteem so its a really worthwhile cause and should be a cracking experience!

Its happening from September 21-24 with stop-overs along the way at historic coaching inns and hotels. You can downlada their brochure on Discoverireland.ie/EQUESTRIAN.

Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2009 (Part 2)

Here you spoke to the CEO of the RDS, Michael Duffy and asked him to explain what the Dublin Horse Show is all about. It should give you a flavour of what the event in the heart of Ireland's capital is all about! Courtesy of Discover Ireland and Festival TV.