Mullingar International is upon us again, make sure you head down to this fabulous event over the June bank holiday weekend. Some amazing jumping classes with free entry for all spectators. I have attended a few years in a row and am planning to jump some of the national classes this year so here are my top tips for your visit to one of Ireland’s best shows. 

As a spectator 

1. Bring a chair – The international arena in Mullingar is beautiful, with benches lining the home side, however these especially on Puissance day will fill up fast! Bring a camping chair and go to the far side to the grass, there’s loads of space here excellent views and tends to be much less crowded. 
2. Go on Friday – If you can don’t snooze on the earlier classes in the week. These tend to be much less crowded and have some amazing horses jumping in them, check out the Aisling Byrne International 2- 1.40 Speed on Friday it will be some fabulous jumping. 
3. Be prepared – Shelter is hard to come by at times in the beautiful Mullingar, make sure you bring both wet and dry options to be ready to enjoy the full day.
4. Check out the schedule before you come – Here is the international schedule to be prepared (Puissance is on 6.30 Sunday)  https://mullingarequestrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1B-2024-International-classes-schedule.pdf 
5. Download Equipe – All international results will be here, make sure you are able to keep up with the action!

As a rider

1. Be aware of your tack – This is an international so there will be stewards about, triple check all your tack is legal before you go.
2. Put your entries in early – These could close early if there is a cut off amount, put them in well before closing. National entries are taken with SJI.
3. Go at your time slot – They can be strict about jumping on time slot, be aware of it.
4. Have fun – This is one of the best shows on the calendar, go have fun!
5. Go on Monday – The Monday has sportsman jumping open to all, go jump a fun round then pop over and watch some of the finals for the national classes. Great to jump and watch some world class jumping all at once.

My Favourite class – 145 International on Saturday evening will be a great one to watch, very competitive over the last few years and I think will be a great battle to the end. 

Wildcard rider – I think Holly Lenahan will do well this year, back on home ground after a few weeks in Belgium, I think she will be one to watch.