Green Glens’ show gallops towards future

THE FIVE-DAY horse show which opens at Green Glens in Millstreet today has gone high-tech.

Many of the entries were made on-line and spectators will have the opportunity of testing their knowledge against that of the judges in some of the performance classes by texting their choices.

Show founder Noel C Duggan said they like to think that Millstreet is a modern show that keeps up to date with the latest technology and trends.

“That is why we have made changes so that people can have as trouble-free and enjoyable a time as possible,” he said.

Mr Duggan more and more business is being done on-line and that is why they had decided to accept entries and book stabling on-line.

“We encouraged as many people as possible to book on-line as it reduces the margin for error. Entering was done over a secure site to make the experience as safe and as hassle-free as possible,” he said.

Mr Duggan said the event also has a new website, www.millstreethorseshow.ie.

The starting lists and results of each class will be displayed on this site as soon as they are processed.

Buyers from Britain, other parts of Europe and the United States, who are on the look out for quality young Irish horses, are again on their way to Millstreet for the show.

Green Glens has a huge reputation as a shop-window for potential jumpers, eventers and leisure activity horses in the tiers of classes that make up the show programme.

Horses bought at the event over the years later went on to Olympic titles and other successes on the international jumping and eventing circuits for some of the best known riders in the world.

Over 7,500 horse and pony entries, a 40% increase, have been received for this year’s show which continues until Sunday with 79 competitions.

These will take place in 11 outdoor and indoor arenas in a 450-acre complex that also has six all weather surfaces and 1,450 stables on site.

Mr Duggan said the show is attended by people from all over Ireland and fosters new friendships amongst show-jumping enthusiasts.

“We have nightly entertainment as we believe we do not deal only with show jumping but with a social side,” he said.