We are delighted to announce that the Department of Agriculture (through HSI) will again be providing a wonderful prize fund of €1500 for out All-Ireland Young Show Person Competition in 2025. 

Dunmanway Agricultural Show presents the All-Ireland Young Show Person Championship

Funded by the Breeding Grant Initiative, under National Breeding Services with thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland

Background
The competition was started in memory of Eleanor Moore, a young woman who died in a horse-related accident. Her friends wished for her to be remembered in a way that encouraged youth participation and so the All-Ireland Young Show Person competition was born.

Aim of Class:
The Young Show Person Championship is open to exhibitors aged from 16 to 23 years. This is a key age to keep young people engaged in showing and in the general sport horse industry.

Class Eligibility Criteria:
The Young Show Person Championship is open to exhibitors aged from 16 to 23 years as of 1^st January 2025. Entrants are free to show any type of horse or pony, over one year old, provided they are registered in an approved studbook. The animal will not be judged. In the interest of safety, no colts will be allowed in this class.

Format of Class:
This championship will be run on a direct entry system. Entrants will show their animal in hand and will be judged under the following criteria:

• Demonstrable understanding of safety when handling and showing horses
• Skill in showing their animal in hand (walk, trot up, stand for conformation assessment)
• Overall impression (including appropriate attire and turnout)

Competitors should be prepared to answer questions about their horse or pony and their general interest in showing and breeding.
All competitors will receive a commemorative rosette.

Overall winners of this competition are not eligible to compete in the following year.

No stallions or colts over two years allowed.

The winner will receive the Eleanor Moore Perpetual Trophy.

1^st - €600.00 , 2^nd - €400.00 , 3^rd - €200.00 , 4^th - €150.00 , 5^th - €100.00 , 6^th - €50.00

7th – end will receive €30

Past Winners and Their Achievements

Success in Equestrian Industry

Past winners and competitors of the competition have excelled in diverse equestrian fields, demonstrating their skills and expertise. Many are now working with some of the best-known Thoroughbred and Sporthorse sales yards and stud farms globally. Others have pursued careers in agriculture and veterinary fields, while maintaining their interest and involvement in horse and pony breeding. Past competitors have also gone on to represent Ireland in the European Young Breeders competition. Several are now qualified as judges themselves.