The Ultimate Equine Experience Equus Live
Today see’s the launch of Equus Live 2013. This unique indoor event celebrates all things equine. It will be held in the Event Centre at Punchestown Racecourse on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday 3rd of November 2013 from 10.30am – 6.00pm daily. This two day event will promote and showcase all breeds and disciplines of equestrianism from thoroughbred to sport horse to ponies.
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
