Horse Show expected to attract thousands

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the Dublin Horse Show from today to view some of the best of Ireland’s horses in action.

More than a thousand horses and ponies, from every county in Ireland and further afield, will pass through the gates of the RDS between today and August 13.

Some of the events taking place during the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show include the Nations’ Cup, the Longines Grand Prix with a prize fund of €120,000, the nail-biting Land Rover Puissance, a further nine international competitions and 30 national jumping competitions.

Eight top show-jumping teams will battle it out for the Samsung Super League with FEI for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy.

Ireland will be hoping for Aga Khan glory as France, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the US all vie for the honour.

A number of new initiatives have been included to revamp the show in its 133rd year.

This includes the introduction of young event horse classes for four and five year olds, a significant increase in prize money and a number of classes restricted to Irish-bred horses.

Other family-based features include the kids’ areas and nature zones, including pony rides, face painting, bouncy castles and a playground.

Evian Ladies’ Day is expected to see the competition heat up as women compete to attract the attention of the judges – Rosanna Davidson, Louis Copeland and Synan O’Mahony – to claim the €10,000 prize.

More than 300 trade stands from Germany, Italy, France, Austria, Canada and the US will be in place at the show offering a wide range of clothing, millinery, equestrian clothing, wines and confectionery.