2003 European Pony Championships

2003 European Pony Championships, Ireland Sets the Standard

August 2, 2003

It has been six years for the European Pony Championships to have left the continent. Then located in Hartpury, England, the 2003 Euro Championships were now set at Necarne Castle in Irvinestown, Ireland. Ocean nor sea were able to hold back the dreams, aspirations and desires of European's top FEI pony riders. A select group of 35 riders presented itself to vie for the the annual team and individual medals to be won at the prestigious European Pony Championships.

Using Necarne Castle as location for the event, the Irish equestrian federation set a new standard for organizing a brilliant championships. Necarne Castle, otherwise known as The Ulster Lakeland Equestrian Park, opened officially in 1995 under the auspices of Fermanagh District Council who have invested approximately £4 million in restoring and refurbishing the Courtyard of the Castle and the estate grounds. The historic outbuildings have been tastefully restored to provide an impressive range of top class facilities. The walled garden served as picturesque back drop for the dressage ring. Necarne Castle has been the venue for the Necarne International Horse Trials since 1994, which included in 1999 a F.E.I World Individual and the European Young Rider Team Championships.

Image copyrighted: Paul van Oers

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