Teams from UK and Ireland to converge on Kilkenny for prestigious 160km horse race

Riders from Ireland, England and Wales are set to converge on North Kilkenny next weekend, August 10 and 11, for a  prestigious equestrian endurance event.

Endurance Riding Éireann will host the Home International/Celtic Challenge (HI/CC) in Ballyfoyle, with three teams from Ireland, England, and Wales ready to compete in endurance horse riding over distances ranging from 40km to 160km.

For a small club, hosting and coordinating such a prestigious event is a monumental task. The meticulously planned course spans 34km in diameter, encompassing the picturesque regions of Ballyfoyle, Johnswell, and surrounding areas. Endurance Riding Éireann is ready to deliver an exceptional event.

“We are particularly proud to have our children and young people involved, with Andrea O’Carroll from our club serving as the Chef d’Équipe for the Irish team,” said Peter O’Carroll, ride organiser for Endurance Riding Éireann. “This international competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our local Kilkenny community.”

Endurance Riding Éireann is funding the entire event and any sponsorship or support would be greatly appreciated. “We rely on the generosity of sponsors to help us deliver a memorable and successful competition,” he added.

Mr O’Carroll says he hopes that the community will support the endeavour.

“Endurance is a special kind of equestrian sport, requiring dedication and trust between rider and horse, as they travel up to 160km over one or two days, forming a unique bond,” he said. “As an organiser, it is my responsibility to ensure the course is fair yet challenging, showcasing the best of our local terrain and the incredible views of the county.”

The course will traverse the townlands of Ballyfoyle, Muckalee, and Johnswell, covering the lands of nearly 20 supportive farmers.

“Their co-operation in opening gates and moving livestock has been invaluable,” Mr O’Carroll said. “I hope all our riders, especially our overseas visitors, enjoy the course. Of course, I wish the Irish team the very best as they compete against some of the finest horses and riders from the UK.”

Andrea O’Carroll, Chef d’Équipe for Ireland, expressed her confidence and pride: “I am very proud of the team I have picked. They are talented riders with horses of great ability. We are looking forward to the challenge ahead and are confident we can perform well. I look forward to extending a warm Irish welcome to the participating teams and riders. I’m determined to present a formidable Irish team that will make a worthy challenge for the coveted trophies.”