IQHA National & AQHA-Affiliated Show

The highlight of our 25th anniversary year was undoubtedly the flagship event, The IQHA National & AQHA Affiliated Show, held from the 27th to 28th September 2025, at Drumcoura EC, with exclusive clinics on Friday 26th.

There was great excitement when we announced the return of Judge and Clinician, Cédric Leroux! We were also super excited to welcome show secretary, Steffi Schulz to Ireland for the first time! This landmark event brought riders of all levels together and offered both AQHA approved classes, IQHA classes and the popular unaffiliated all breeds WRI classes, making it a truly inclusive celebration of Western Riding in Ireland .

Some show highlights:

The Halter classes showcased well bred and well prepared horses, with 13 entries in Ranch Horse confirmation.

Pictured left:

Amber Connolly from Bullhorn Ranch in Co. Kildare with the beautifully turned out BHR Peppy San,

winner of the Ranch Horse Conformation Class.

Kindly sponsored by IQHA photographer, Morris Haggerty

Right: Annemarie O’ Neill with her own - Killcommock Abyssinian, . Winners of the WRI Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle, receiving her prize from IQHA board member, Kristin Kilfeather.

Kindly sponsored by Maxi Zoo, Longford.

There was strong participation across all classes, including the WRI all breeds classes! With riders showing skill and progression throughout the year.

Beautiful performances in Ranch Riding, Western Pleasure, Trail, Hunt Seat and Horsemanship, with confident patterns and excellent horsemanship on display.

Pictured left:

Katrina Boylan with her own thoroughbred gelding

Wayward Winchester - winners of the WRI Amateur Hunter Under Saddle

Not forgetting the much awaited Ranch Horse Challenge!

The weekend was full of energy, pride, and team work, from seasoned exhibitors to first time competitors and it was great to see families friends and fellow competitors cheering from the rail.

A special thank you to our amazing Show Secretary Steffi Schulz and our fantastic Judge & Clinician Cédric Leroux! Your expertise and professionalism shaped the atmosphere of the show and ensured it ran smoothly.

Pictured below: Steffi Schulz & Cedric Leroux Photos - cleverly captured by IQHA photographer Morris Haggerty!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors!  Your generosity plays a vital role in everything we do. Because of your support, we are able to continue offering clinics, shows, and outreach events. Further develop our instructors, and provide training opportunities. Most importantly, your sponsorship helps us encourage, inspire, and support our youth, keeping them engaged, confident, and happy!

And finally, to the true stars of the show, our competitors!

As we closed out the Irish Quarter Horse Association’s 25th anniversary year, our National Show was made even more special by its AQHA affiliation.

With a dedicated group of supporters and competitors, the quality, commitment, and sportsmanship on display spoke volumes. You are the heart of this association and without you, there is no show. Thank you.

The future is bright, and this is only the beginning...............