British, European and World Champion Vaulters Joanne and Hannah Eccles are included the all star line up.

Organisers of Equus Live, the all indoor equine extravaganza, today announced a star studded line up in the GAIN Alltech Arena. The Event Centre in Punchestown Racecourse is being transformed into a horse lover’s haven for one weekend, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November. 

The GAIN-Alltech Arena, installed by Equestrian Surfaces, will feature a spectacular range of competitions, demonstrations, master classes and displays that will entertain and enthral Equus Live visitors. Head lining the master classes is the world famous show jumper Geoff Billington who will join a list of stars including Eventer, Oliver Townend, Show Rider for the Queen Katie Jerram, Dressage rider Dane Rawlins and International Show Jumper Clem McMahon.

All areas of equestrianism will be touched upon with some amazing displays expected from the British, European and World Champion Vaulters Joanne and Hannah Eccles who will be joined by Irish Vaulter Charlotte Rimaud. Horse Sport Ireland Western and Reining Section will be on hand to stoke up the crowd with some barrel racing and the Connemara’s will show the art of ‘driving’. The Cossack Stunt Riders are sure to wow visitors as will the inspirational Paralympic medal winner Helen Kearney showcasing her winning freestyle dressage display. The kids will be well represented with a display from the all Ireland winning musical ride Riders of the Caribbean and the ever popular Pony Club Games.

The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Racehorse to riding horse class will see 10 ex racehorses taken through their paces by judges, leading Irish Trainer Edward O’Grady and former National Hunt Jockey Norman Williamson. The Horse Sport Ireland’s Mares Breeding Championship will see the top mares from the mare inspections battle it out for the Championship title and a prize fund of over €5,000.

Amber Byrne of Equus Live commented “With 6 weeks to go to Equus Live we are delighted to finalise the schedule for the Gain-Alltech Arena. It is a spectacular line up of stars and it covers a wide range of disciplines. We have one surprise act still up our sleeve and hope to announce it shortly. It is certainly going to be an action packed weekend with something to suit all interests. A 400 seater grandstand will over look the arena and everything is free to attend once you have an event ticket. With under 12’s free, teens €5 and adult tickets starting at €10 we believe it represents exceptional value and should be an amazing day out.” To see the full schedule visit www.equuslive.com

Geoff will be on hand to give one of his famous Showjumping Masterclasses riding both a novice and an advanced show jumper during an hour long demonstration. He will also spend time in the Speakers Corner Area giving visitors the chance to ask questions and hear about his career and experiences. His enthusiasm and competitive spirit should certainly entertain the Equus Live audience.

Geoff has been a leading figure on the International show jumping circuit for over 30 years and boasts both European and World Championship team bronze medals and has won numerous Grand Prix’s to date. Geoff has represented Great Britain at the Olympics in both Atlanta and Sydney and has also been a winner of the Hickstead Derby in 2007.

Joanne Quirke, Equus Live organiser commented “Geoff Billington is one of the most respected showjumpers on the circuit and will bring a wealth of knowledge and humour to his educational masterclass. He has been on over 50 Nations Cup teams and to two Olympics. To see someone of his calibre perform on your doorstep is a huge opportunity and one not to be missed. Geoff joins a really fantastic line up of stars appearing at Equus Live. All demonstrations and master classes are included in the ticket price so this is certainly a value day out.”

Geoff Billington said “Equus Live is going to be a fantastic action packed weekend. I will be on hand to give some top showjumpingtips and training advice to visitors. It should be a really fun event and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Tickets: Are on sale on www.equuslive.com and www.tickets.ie

Online Discounted Tickets Rate per day: Adult €10 Children aged 12 – 17 €5 Under 12’s free

The YITBA, the junior wing of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) were today, confirmed as sponsors of the Education and Jobs Area at Equus Live 2013. The YITBA have engaged ‘Measurability’ a career and outplacement firm to offer career advice for free at Equus Live. Measurability will have two career experts available throughout the event, on Saturday 2

-          How to create an impactful CV and cover letter.

-          How to sell yourself at interview and land more job offers.

-          How to access the hidden job market, with networking, social media networking and speculative approaches.

-          How to get the best results when targeting advertised job.

All are welcome from those looking for a job in any area of the Equine industry to someone looking for a career change. All you have to do is bring along your CV on the day and pop along to the YITBA stand to book a one on one slot. 

Shane O’Dwyer of the ITBA commented “The YITBA objective is to identify and nurture all young breeders and thoroughbred enthusiasts wishing to learn more about and work within the industry. We have held a number of career clinics recently which have proved invaluable for members looking to embark on a career in the industry.

We have created the Education and Jobs Area at Equus Live to extend this opportunity to everyone interested in pursuing a career the equine world both thoroughbred and sport horse. You do not need to be a YITBA member to avail of the service. The jobs market is difficult at the best of times so we hope this free service will point people in the right direction and get them into the jobs market.

Amber Byrne of Equus Live commented “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for career advice. We are very grateful to the YITBA for sponsoring this area and bringing in Measurability to help people with their CV’s and interview techniques. Interviews can be very daunting so any help to get ahead is welcomed. We hope to develop the YITBA Jobs and Education area and are looking at encouraging Universities and Colleges to take stands to promote their courses. Visitors will not only have a really fun day out at Equus Live they might also leave with a new career path!”

Equus Live is the first event of its kind in Ireland and boasts an indoor arena which will host spectacular displays, demonstrations, competitions and master classes with some of the world’s leading equestrian stars. All aspects of equestrianism will be touched upon from Eventing, show jumping, side saddle, breeding, mounted games, racehorse to riding horse to name but a few. An action packed schedule of events will be announced over the coming months.

In addition to the arena, a shopping village with over 100 exhibitors will allow visitors to kit themselves, their yard and their horses out and to see what products are on the market. In the heart of the village there will be a “Speakers Corner” for visitors to get up close and personal with industry leaders and professionals. It will also provide a platform for companies to launch new products to the market. Q&As, Meet and Greet and Veterinary Advice sessions will run throughout the event answering all you need to know about your horse and favourite equestrian discipline. Children can enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone and there will be a Café area to catch up with friends.

Tickets start at €10 for Adults, €5 for 12 – 17 year olds and children under 12 are free. Details on all tickets including advanced booking discounts, student, OAP, group and weekend tickets can be found on www.equuslive.com and will be available to buy after Easter. There is no extra charge for the demonstrations, master classes or the Kids Zone.

Equus Live is the brain child of Amber Byrne and Joanne Quirke. Amber Byrne explains

“Ireland is a world leader in both the thoroughbred and horse sport sector. From the Olympics to sales to Cheltenham, Ireland continues to achieve and break records in all areas of equestrianism. According to industry research 1.3% of the Irish population have an interest in sport horses and over 1.2 million people go horse racing each year. In addition there are approximately 40,000 visitors to Ireland annually for equestrian related events and 80,000 come to Ireland for thoroughbred sales and racing. These figures suggest a real interest in all things equine and a niche target market both in Ireland and aboard for an event of this kind.

Joanne and I want to create a fun equestrian experience which celebrates and showcases all things equine. This will be a one stop shop and an opportunity to see everything horse related under one roof.

We have been working on the concept for almost a year. The event is part funded by the Leader Board and we would like to express our gratitude to the team at Kildare Leader and the number of industry and local representatives who lent their support getting the project off the ground.

Over the course of the coming months we will announce a number of events, equine stars, competitions and displays that are sure to not only educate but entertain the Equus Live audience.”

Dick O’Sullivan, General Manager, Punchestown Racecourse said “It is fantastic to see an event like this coming to Ireland, Kildare and of course to Punchestown. It will be great to see the sport horse and thoroughbred sectors promoted under the same roof. Both Joanne and Amber have a great deal of experience running events of this calibre and a strong understanding of both the sport horse and thoroughbred sectors. They have ambitious plans regarding a schedule of events. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing who they have lined up to appear over the weekend.”

For more information on the event or if you are interested in taking a stand visit www.equuslive.com