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.
We also faciliate the promotion of the Irish horse specifically the Irish Draught, the Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) and the retired Irish racehorse (Treo Eile) by allowing the relative organisation to award prizes for best in class.
THE CLASSES
There are 4 classes
1. Seasoned Hunter - Jumping height approx 1 meter* (Horses 6 years and upwards) Approx 25 horse entry
2. Young Hunter - Jumping height approx 1 meter* (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.Inter Hunt Competiton
Running Order (Approx)
Young Hunter 9.00am
Seasoned Hunter 11.30am
Huntsmans 2.30pm
Inter Hunt 4pm
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.
HUNTSMANS CLASS
Berney Saddlery Kilcullen
& Westwood Trailers
1st Berney Saddle
2nd €200
3rd €100
www.berneys.ie
SEASONED HUNTER CLASS
Dublin Products ltd
1st €250
2nd €150
3rd €100
YOUNG HUNTER CLASS
John Cahill
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) Inter Hunt €240 for team of 4 ( €60 each)
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!
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Strictly Hunting Horses Only
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Horses must be minimum 4 years old, 5 years + for Hunstman Class
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Over 18’s only
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Approved riding helmets with chin straps must be worn
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Hunting attire must be worn
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All tack must be in good serviceable condition
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Only one individual horse may enter per class
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Three refusals elimination
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One fall elimination (Rider may NOT continue riding)
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Elimination will occur if a rider schools over any racecourse or hunter trial obstacle. Riders must stay within the designated course boundaries.
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Abuse of horse at any stage on or off course elimination.
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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,any animal welfare issues may be reported.
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Attention is drawn to the Dept of Agriculture requirements for travelling with equines.
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Young Horse Entires must have a passport and micro chipped for inspection.
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INTER HUNT COMPETITION RULES
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(As per rules above, plus....)
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1.FOUR riders per team at least ONE lady rider per team.
2.Each rider must revolve the lead of the team at marked sections during the round.
3.Optimum time based on “strong hunting pace” - further details to follow.
4.Faults for refusals, knocking a fence etc.
5.All Four riders must finish the course.
6.Any rider falling is an immediate disqualification for the team.
7.Horse and rider combinations can compete in one other class during the show if desired.
8.The course will be guiding 1m - 1.20m excluding brush and hedge fences.
9.Horses 5 yr old and upwards
10.Riders must be over 18. Rider age verification may be required; historically this has led to some uncomfortable parent situations where young riders were refused.
11.Horse passports will be checked.
12.Teams represented from registered hunts only and sanctioned by their masters/Committee, with only ONE team per hunt.
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
Email Below
