Organisers of Equus Live, the all indoor equine extravaganza, today announced a star studded line up in the GAIN Alltech Arena. The Event Centre in Punchestown Racecourse is being transformed into a horse lover’s haven for one weekend, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November.
The GAIN-Alltech Arena, installed by Equestrian Surfaces, will feature a spectacular range of competitions, demonstrations, master classes and displays that will entertain and enthral Equus Live visitors. Head lining the master classes is the world famous show jumper Geoff Billington who will join a list of stars including Eventer, Oliver Townend, Show Rider for the Queen Katie Jerram, Dressage rider Dane Rawlins and International Show Jumper Clem McMahon.
All areas of equestrianism will be touched upon with some amazing displays expected from the British, European and World Champion Vaulters Joanne and Hannah Eccles who will be joined by Irish Vaulter Charlotte Rimaud. Horse Sport Ireland Western and Reining Section will be on hand to stoke up the crowd with some barrel racing and the Connemara’s will show the art of ‘driving’. The Cossack Stunt Riders are sure to wow visitors as will the inspirational Paralympic medal winner Helen Kearney showcasing her winning freestyle dressage display. The kids will be well represented with a display from the all-Ireland winning musical ride Riders of the Caribbean and the ever popular Pony Club Games.
The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Racehorse to riding horse class will see 10 ex racehorses taken through their paces by judges, leading Irish Trainer Edward O’Grady and former National Hunt Jockey Norman Williamson. The Horse Sport Ireland’s Mares Breeding Championship will see the top mares from the mare inspections battle it out for the Championship title and a prize fund of over €5,000.
Amber Byrne of Equus Live commented “With 6 weeks to go to Equus Live we are delighted to finalise the schedule for the Gain-Alltech Arena. It is a spectacular line up of stars and it covers a wide range of disciplines. We have one surprise act still up our sleeve and hope to announce it shortly. It is certainly going to be an action packed weekend with something to suit all interests. A 400 seater grandstand will overlook the arena and everything is free to attend once you have an event ticket. With under 12’s free, teens €5 and adult tickets starting at €10 we believe it represents exceptional value and should be an amazing day out.”