Riding Horses

Classes

When:	Where:
Wednesday 14 August	Ring 1
25. SMALL RIDING HORSE, mare or gelding, 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms but not exceeding 158cms. (To be ridden by riders who have attained their 14th birthday by 1 January 2024)
26. LARGE RIDING HORSE, mare or gelding, 4 years old and over, exceeding 158cms. (To be ridden by riders who have attained their 14th birthday by 1 January 2024)

Aim

To identify a true Riding Horse, which should demonstrate quality, substance, bone, correct conformation, presence and straight and fluent action.

It should be a horse best described as something between what is generally recognised as a true Hunter and a true Hack. While it does not require the substance of a Hunter or the elegance of a Hack, it should be up to sufficient weight to carry an average adult and at the same time be a comfortable ride and show ability to gallop.

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Entry Fee

RDS Members: €325 each entry; Non-Members: €365 each entry.

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Rules

Horses entered in the Riding Horse classes may not be entered in the Show Hunter, Small Hunter, Sportsman (Amateur Hunter), Cob or Pony classes.

Exhibits in Class 25 must have a current and valid measurement under the Showjumping Ireland / Irish Pony Society Measurement Scheme and their passports must be available on arrival for inspection.

It is compulsory that all 4 and 5 year old horses entered in these classes have competed in a minimum of three shows prior to the 1st of August 2023. Please note, exhibitors will be required to state the three shows on their entry form. An allowance will be made for exhibitors who wish to compete in a Show scheduled between their time of entry and the 1st of August, i.e exhibitors will be permitted to list a show that they intend to compete in. If an exhibitor lists a future show, but is then unable to attend the nominated show for reasons of force majeure, the exhibitor must declare this to the Equestrian Office before the 1st of August.

For 5 year old horses who competed as 4 year olds in 2023, this experience may be used to fulfil the three show requirement.

Proof of participation at these shows may be requested on arrival at the Dublin Horse Show, and should incorrect or inaccurate information be supplied it will incur elimination.

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Judging

To be judged on the ride, manners and conformation. Judges will ask the class to gallop. Judges may ride some of the exhibits and then may require individual shows from as many as time allows. The individual show, if required, must not exceed 1.5 minutes and should include walk, trot, canter, simple change at canter, rein back, strike off on required leg, gallop on, halt and stand still. There will be a strong emphasis on manners, ride and training.

Judges will be reminded to confine their winners to proper Riding Horse type and Exhibitors are reminded of the Sportsman classes for amateur producers as a possible alternative to the Riding Horse classes.

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Awards & Prizes

Classes 25 & 26;

1st €595, 2nd €415, 3rd €320, 4th €222, 5th €160

The number of prizes awarded is based on the number of animals catalogued. For more information please click here.

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Cups & Trophies

Cup No. 121 – Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Best Riding Horse in the Show. The first and second prize-winners in Classes 25 and 26 will compete for this Cup.

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