The Dublin Horse Show is coming on in leaps and bounds

A prize fund of almost €1m will be on offer at the 142th Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show, which begins in Ballsbridge on Wednesday and continues until Sunday.

Almost 1,500 horses will be take part in 132 different classes, while some of the world’s top show jumpers will compete in the international competitions, including the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup (Aga Khan Trophy) on Friday

The show is costing €4.5m to stage at the Royal Dublin Society complex and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors. But behind all the pageantry and excitment is the sport horse industry, which continues to play an important role in the national economy.