Cork Summer Show boosts the Irish hunter
The Irish-Bred Ridden Hunter Championship aims to counter the increasing use of Continental warmblood breeds - a trend which could decrease availability of the traditional Irish hunter.
The Irish Horse Board has put up €1,500 for the Cork show class, an initiative welcomed by well-known horse show judge and horse producer, Katie Jerram, who says in a Cork Summer Show press release: “It’s sad that Irish breeders are moving away from the Irish draught-thoroughbred cross - to me, the best in the world - and are using warmblood stallions on Irish mares,” she says.
“This is not because they no longer believe in their traditional stock, but because they believe this is what the market wants.”
Explaining the competition format, George Jeffrey, Cork Show Chairman, said, “Throughout the day the two highest placed Irish bred horses in the various ridden hunter classes will go forward to the championship after the last ridden hunter class of the day.”
While Sunday’s programme is dominated by the equine showing classes, in-hand and ridden, Saturday’s programme will feature the Mounted Games Association Individual All Ireland Championship and the cattle and sheep classes.
Sheep will be seen at the Ballintemple showgrounds after an absence of six years, while cattle classes return for the first time since the foot and mouth scare.
The show will host its regular events, such as the pet dog show (entries on the day).
Other attractions include laser clay pigeon shooting, archery and bouncing castles. Sunday’s Best Dressed Lady competition is sure to be keenly contested, with a €750 Christian Dior watch, sponsored by Michel the Jewellers, for the winner.
Macra na Feirme events include the national farm tasks semi-final, tug of war and sponge throwing in aid of COPE Foundation.
