The Northern Ireland International Horse Show has, at the helm, a team of professionals who have had many years of experience in the horse industry and together they are putting together a show which will rate very highly on the International showjumping calendar.

Joe Sloan, President and Chairman of the Northern Ireland International Horse Show Management Committee, said "The 2006 Show established the Odyssey Arena in Belfast as a premiere venue for show jumping - all our sponsors were delighted at last year's Event and we are currently in discussions with sponsors old and new about the Event this year. The anticipation for the 2007 Northern Ireland International Horse Show is building, the sponsorship schedule is gathering pace and we are already responding to requests for corporate entertainment packages. Our team is in place and we are confident we can build on the success of 2006 and champion the Event's success into the future."

Pictured left from left to right - Lt.Col Gerry O'Gorman (Officer Commanding of the Army Equitation School), Inspector Alan Hiscox, Metropolitan Police Service Mounted Training Unit, Heather Coyle, Sponsorship Director, Joe Sloan, Preseident and Chairman of the NIHS Management Committee and Jon Doney, Show Director.

The Official launch of the 2007 Northern Ireland International Horse Show (NIHS) included the exciting news of the acceptance of the London
based Metropolitan Police Service Mounted Training Unit who will no doubt be one of the major attractions at the show especially as this is the first time they will be seen at a horse show in Ireland.

Pictured right - at the Launch of the 2007 Northern Ireland International Horse Show are Gerry O'Gorman, Lt Col Officer Commanding, The Army Equitation School, McKee Barracks Dublin and Inspector Alan Hiscox, Metropolitan Police Service Mounted Training Unit.

Speaking at the sponsor's event, Inspector Alan Hiscox said: "We are pleased to be involved in the 2007 Northern Ireland International Horse Show, having heard excellent reviews about the 2006

event, we hope our performance will add a bit of exhilaration and excitement to the entertainment already on offer. We will perform a fast moving display demonstrating a high level of skill and agility from both horse and officer, of perfect timing, total commitment and professionalism as the horses jump through fire, a solid paper wall and complete crossovers.

All the police officers and horses involved in the performance are operational - on duty full-time except for two weeks during the year when they train for shows, further proving the confidence our horses have in the riders. This display has been the highlight of horse shows since the 1950's and we are delighted to be bringing it to Belfast."

Pictured left from left to right - Joe Sloan, President and Chairman of the NIIHS Management Committee, Paul Stewart, Vice President, and Robert Splaine, the Irish Showjumping Team Manager.

The Irish Showjumping Team Manager, Robert Splaine said"The Show is fast becoming one of the key events in the European showjumping calendar and is an excellent opportunity to showcase our sport and bring it to a whole new level.

In addition to the world class showjumping we are also looking forward to the family entertainment which will include high profile acts such as the Metropolitan Police Service Mounted Training Unit and the Irish Defence Force Equitation School."
Pictured left from left to right - Mandy Dalm, Heather Coyle and Noleen Neill.

Pictured right from left to right - Amanda Knox, Raymond Bready and Pearl Redmond.
Pictured left - Seamus Kane, Chantal Kane, John Doney and Victoria Clarke
Pictured right - Pat Sloan and Diane Harron Eakin
Pictured left - May Scott, David Andrews and Phyllis Agnew
Pictured right - Lewis Lowry, Ray Buchanan and Harold Lusk

With excellent money on offer for all the showjumping classes there will no doubt be big interest from the best showjumpers in the world

Last years £100,000 between 12 classes was incentive enough for the European jumpers to make the journey to Ireland and with a hoped for increase this year no doubt even more will travel to a show full of atmosphere and excellent jumping.

Last years Grand Prix sponsor, the Ulster Sportsman's Group have agreed to again sponsor the Grand Prix this year. Last years grand Prix had a prize fund of £25,000.

It is hoped that this years National classes will be well supported and with the confirmation of the venues and dates for qualifiers things will be in full swing from June 17th where the opening qualifier will be held at Dundalk, and then the following day at Mullingar. Barnadown will hold a qualifier on July 8th and July 21st and 22nd see Omagh hosting qualifiers. The final qualifier will be held at Balmoral on July 27th and 28th.

Anyone interested in corporate boxes or sponsorship should contact Heather Coyle to discuss all the options available. Heather can be contacted by email on heather-coyle@tiscali.co.uk
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