WELCOME TO OUR SHOW
SHOW DETAILS
The Show's objective is to acknowledge the performance ability of the true and traditional Irish Hunter.
THE CONCEPT
The prerequisite for this show is to test the traditional hunting horse over a number of obstacles normally found on the Irish hunting field. To this end, the course includes, ditches, banks, hedges, gates, wire, rails and walls. The event is run by a sub-committee of the Kildare Hunt Club ltd.
THE CLASSES
There are 4 classes
1. Seasoned Hunter - Jumping height approx 1meter (Horses 6 years and upwards) Approx 25 horse entry
2. Young Hunter - Jumping height approx 1meter (Horses 4 to 5 years) PASSPORT & CHIP REQUIRED
Approx 25 horse entry
3. Huntsmans - Jumping height approx 130cm ( Horses over 5 years old, this class is NOT confined to Hunt staff and open to all horses and riders of exceptional ability) Approx 30 horse entry
4. Irish Draught -Jumping height approx 1meter (Horses 6 years and upwards) Approx 25 horse entry
Running Order (Approx)
Young Hunter 9.30am
Seasoned Hunter 11.30am
Huntsmans 2.30pm
Irish Draught 3.30pm
JUDGING
In the case of the Huntsmans and Young & Seasoned Hunter Classes, there will be three judges.
Horses will be judged on their movement, jumping ability/ performance, temperament, confirmation/ type, ride-ability, substance, presence - in short the hunting élan of a traditional hunter. As with the practical horsemanship required of the hunting field, a rider’s style etc. is not decisive. There is no show element or marking system.
The Judges will select a minimum of 5 finalists who will return to the course to be inspected by the judging panel. This inspection may include a riding and jumping test to confirm their decisions. However, this judging phase is entirely at the judge’s discretion.
PRIZES
Prizes are generously sponsored by local companies, all with an association with the Irish Hunter.
We thank them for their support.
SEASONED HUNTER CLASS
Dublin Products ltd
1st €250
2nd €150
3rd €100
YOUNG HUNTER CLASS
"Democrat" TIH Stallion &
Rory Cleary Racing & Equine
1st €250
2nd €150
3rd €100
IRISH DRAUGHT CLASS
Westwood Trailers
1st €250
2nd €150
3rd €100
* The IDHBA are sponsoring a branded cooler for the best RID in each class
ENTRIES
Each rider gets an individual start time
Entry Cost: Hunstmans Class €75 Hunter Classes €75 (Young Hunter & Seasoned
Entries will be taken via
https://www.itsplainsailing.com/club/khc
Only one individual horse may enter per class i.e. the same horse may not run in the Hunter class and then run in the Huntsman’s class as the horse will have been schooled over the smaller course.
With the advantage of on-line pre-entry, every effort will be made to give horses having to travel longer distances to Punchestown Racecourse as late a start time as possible.
In the hunting tradition of the “journey into the unknown” on the hunting field, no course map will be published until the day of the show. (Course walks are possible on the Friday evening before he show)
Entry is open to overseas riders ( Local stabling available)
Please Note : There is a high demand for the limited places available. The entry normally fills within an hour of posting on Facebook, on a first come, first served basis. - We recommend following our Facebook page for updates.
RULES
Hunting Attire Must Be Worn!
Strictly Hunting Horses Only
Horses must be minimum 4 years old, 5 years + for Hunstman Class
Over 18’s only
Approved riding helmets with chin straps must be worn
Hunting attire must be worn
All tack must be in good serviceable condition
Only one individual horse may enter per class
Three refusals elimination
One fall elimination (Rider may NOT continue riding)
Elimination will occur if a rider schools over any racecourse or hunter trial obstacle. Riders must stay within the designated course boundaries.
Abuse of horse at any stage on or off course elimination.
Judges & stewards reserve the right to eliminate a horse & rider if their ability on course may contribute to injury to horse, rider or damage the obstacle.
A veterinary inspector will be on duty, any animal welfare issues may be reported.
Attention is drawn to the Dept of Agriculture requirements for travelling with equines.
Young Horse Entires must have a passport and micro chipped for inspection.
VISITORS & SPECTATORS
All are welcome, the whole course can be watched from most viewing positions on the course
There are no ticket requirements. We just charge €5 per car ( so pack them in!). The course is located away from the main racecourse stands, in an area between the hunter trial course and the racecourse, around the area known as "Sheila's" cottage.
The course is in a field setting but food and coffee vendors are available. As with everything in Ireland, dress for the weather!
Overseas visitors can get an hourly bus from Dublin Airport (www.dublincoach.ie) to Naas town ( Naas Post Office stop) and take a 15 minute taxi ride (opposite bus stop) to the course. Naas is also recommended for local accommodation.
GET IN TOUCH
Photo Credits & Website R.Wilson
Official Course Photographer
Mel Doyle (www.meldoyle.ie)
Kildare Performance Hunter Show,
C/O Kildare Hunt Club ltd
Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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