On a sunny Saturday July 25th 2015, ECCG made their way to the Camphire International Horse trials and Country Fair. This equine event took place in the picturesque Camphire estate, a unique setting on the banks of the River Blackwater in the heart of the Blackwater valley in Co. Waterford.

The Camphire international Horse trials saw competitors from 8 different nations as well as from all over Ireland compete over a 4 day period commencing July 22nd. This year more than 350 horses competed in this event including over 100 from abroad representing some of the best riders and horses from the 9 nations competing. This event has achieved international status and is overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and is now in its sixth year of operation.

Eventing has been called the “equestrian triathlon” a discipline which involves riding a horse on flat and over fences comprising of 3 phases: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The goal is to get a zero score at the end of 3 phases.

Dressage, the first phase consists of competitors taking their horse through a sequence of pre determined movements in walk, trot and cantor to display the horse’s obedience, willingness and overall athleticism. The second phase is the cross country where competitors gallop their horse over a course of cross country tracks running over undulating parkland, jumping over a mix of fences and a number of water complexes. The final phase is show jumping where the horse and rider jump a course of lightweight coloured jumping fences.

Blessed with idylic weather conditions ECCG saw some great and exciting eventing action where the speed, agility, control, athleticism, good judgement of pace and riding skill of the competitors was captured on camera. A very memorable day was had by all.

See a full gallery of images from the day here. Enjoy!

Camphire International Horse Trials & Country Fair

– Noelle Lowney