The Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders are looking forward to their Annual show at Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday July 28th. The show has grown considerably since the group held their first event at Annaharvey Farm 14 years ago.

There were record entries for both the in-hand and performance classes in 2018. It is thanks to main show sponsors Willows Ingredients Ltd that their flagship class the All Ireland Broodmare Championship for registered mares with foal at foot has a prize fund of €1,250.

In addition there is an added travel bonus of €50 per mare with a foal at foot that participates in this class on the day. The same sponsors have also generously supported the foal classes to the tune of €950.

Connolly’s Red Mills are kindly underwriting both the Ridden and Supreme Champions and Glenisk take over the Junior Championship. The Midlands Group underwrite the four year old and over stallion class.

The performance rings are all on outstanding sand surfaces with a total of 24 classes including Partbred and Equitation.

First and second prize winners in the Working Hunter Challenge 85cm 95cm and 1.5m are eligible to compete for the Willows Ingredients Ltd Working Hunter Championship for a prize of €1,000 to the winner and €500 to the runner up.

Other features are the Sarah Miller Future Performance Connemara Pony sponsored by Devinish Nutrition. Ridden stallions, side-saddle and members classes add to the overall portfolio including the Irish Connemara Green Hunter qualifier for Clifden, the Clifden High Performance class four-year-olds and over, and the four year old High Performance Mare, plus the three year old loose jumping qualifier.

The group are indebted to the local business community and friends of the group that have made it possible to provide sponsorship of every class.

Chair Reggie Mitchell and his hard working and united committee are looking forward to welcoming friends and exhibitors on the day.

Entries online via the plain sailing website www.itsplainsailing.com/club/mcpb.

Please note that the number of entries is restricted in the working hunter/ jumping performance classes and classes may fill before closing date. All Entries close on Wednesday 17 July.

• Information: secretary, Irene O’Sullivan 086-3043039, mcpbshow@gmail.com

• Performance: Lorli Higgins 087-2343913, merveldthiggins@gmail.com