Ireland’s premier horse trials will celebrate its 10th birthday this year when the Millstreet International Horse Trials, held at the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena in Co Cork, takes place on May 29 – June 1.

The hugely popular venue first ventured into the sport of eventing in 2014 with the FEI European Championships for Ponies, following up with a first senior international competition in 2015.

Now, its beautiful mountain backdrop, friendly atmosphere and superb facilities attract riders from all corners of the globe and it is used as a championship selection trial — last year, Australian competitor Christopher Burton clinched his Olympic selection with a thrilling CCI4*-S victory on Shadow Man and went on to win a silver medal in Paris.

Millstreet runs short- and long-format classes from CCI1* to CCI4* level, catering for both amateur riders and five-star veterans, and offers a high level of expertise: this year’s team of officials represents 10 nations and three continents.

Competitors making the regular trip across the Irish Sea know that no expense will be spared on cross-country presentation and ground preparation on the parkland courses created by one of the world’s leading horse-friendly designers, Mike Etherington-Smith.

In addition to the eventing action, Millstreet will once again be a showcase for Irish horses in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier, which takes place on Thursday, May 29.

“As ever, we have been working hard over the winter to prepare for this year’s competitions, in which we know we will be watching the world’s best riders,’ said event director and host Thomas Duggan.

‘We are looking forward to welcoming back the international eventing community and to another great weekend of sport and fun.’

The FEI Schedule will be published in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.millstreet.horse/eventing

Members of the press intending to come to Millstreet should contact the press officer, Kate Green (greenkate2@aol.com; +44 7802 426610).