Working Hunter Horses

Classes

When:	Where:
Sunday 9 August	Ring 2
13. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 years old and over, open to Traditional Irish Horses (TIH) only. Horses will be eligible for this class provided they meet the age criteria and are eligible by virtue of being identified as a Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) in the Irish Horse Register. Registered Irish Draughts, Connemara Ponies and full Thoroughbred horses are not eligible to compete in this class.
14. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 4 years old.
15. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 or 6 years old, capable of carrying up to 83kg (13st).
16. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 7 years old and over, capable of carrying up to 83kg (13st).
17. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 years old and over, capable of carrying over 83kg (over 13st).

Aim

The prerequisite for this class is jumping ability, good conformation, excellent movement and the temperament to excel in a number of fields with appropriate training.

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Eligibility

These classes are restricted to ‘Irish Bred’ horses only.

To be ridden by riders who have attained their 16th birthday by 1 January 2026.

Horses graded ‘C’ or over by Show Jumping Ireland in the current season, and horses that have competed at CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, EI115 level or above in the current season are not allowed to compete in these classes. It is the responsibility of each owner to ensure that their horse meets the eligibility requirements. If an exhibitor is found in breach of this rule they will be suspended from future Shows.

It is compulsory for all four and five year old horses in these classes to have competed in a minimum of three shows prior to 1 August 2026.

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Entry Fee

RDS Members: €380 each entry; Non-Members: €420 each entry.

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Qualification

The top five horses in each class, at each of the four qualifiers, are eligible to enter for the DHS. A change of rider will not be permitted except in the instances outlined below.

A rider may enter a maximum of two horses per Working Hunter Horse qualifier class. A rider may qualify a maximum of two horses per class and four horses overall across the five Working Hunter Horse classes for the DHS. The first four horses qualified will determine the qualifying place, regardless of subsequent placings.

Online entry for the qualifiers is available via the following link; www.youngeventhorseseries.ie.

A qualifier entry fee of €40 must be paid when submitting an entry online. Entries must be submitted online before 8pm on the Wednesday preceding each qualifier. Please note that this deadline will be strictly adhered to. All entries for the qualifiers must be made via the online entry system. Entries will not be accepted by email, phone, fax or post.

Class running orders, start times, course plans, and results will also be available at the above link on the Young Event Horse Series website.

It is recommended that horse / rider combinations complete at least two Working Hunter Horse qualifier events before competing at the Dublin Horse Show.

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Rules

These classes will run as per a specific drawn order available on the official startlist on the Equipe App. A rider will be permitted to run out of order only in exceptional circumstances, on written request to the Equestrian Office before Tuesday 4 August, at 5pm and with the approval of the Show Director.

A rider will be permitted to run out of order only in exceptional circumstances, on written request to the Secretary’s Office on the morning of the qualifier, or to the RDS Equestrian Office before Tuesday 4 August at 5pm, and with the approval of the Show Director.

A horse must be competed by the named rider except in the instance where a rider with two horses is invited back into the arena for the final judging phase. To cover such eventuality, riders with more than two horses in a class at the qualifiers, or with two horses qualified for the finals at the Dublin Horse Show, must nominate a second rider for Phase Two of the competition. Similarly, if a rider qualifies more than one horse to compete in the Working Hunter Championship (Cup 70) a change of rider may be permitted if special permission is sought from the Chief Steward.

Those horses who have competed in the Show Hunter classes must compete in the same weight category in the Working Hunter classes.

All stallions entered in the Working Hunter classes must wear stallion identification tags and a blue "hazard" tail ribbon in both the warm up and competition arenas.

For 5 year old horses who competed as 4 year olds in 2025, 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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Veterinary

Please note that horses which have been operated on for a wind infirmity are not eligible for entry into these classes.

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Tack

Protective headgear conforming to the current recommended BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark standards – PAS 015 2011, Snell E2016 (with official Snell label and number), ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards with SEI Mark), VG1 01.040 (2014-12), UTAC / CRITT or AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards and must have SAI Global mark), and fitted with an adjustable harness, is compulsory for all riders. (Please note that as of 1 January 2023 hats with PAS 015 (1998) and Snell E2001 kitemarks / standards can no longer be accepted). Protective headgear conforming to the above standards is compulsory for riders under the age of 16 years and for all rider competing in performance classes. Please note, at both the qualifiers and the Final, fixed peak hats are not permitted for the Jumping Phase.

A body protector must be worn by all riders. A correctly fitted, BETA approved, and appropriately labelled Level 3 body protector manufactured in the year 2018 or after is recommended. If a rider chooses to wear an airbag style body protector, it must be worn over a recommended body protector.

Only snaffle bits are permitted in Class 14.

Numnahs (if used) must conform neatly with saddle contours. Saddle cloths or visible logos are not permitted.

Riders must dress according to the dress code.

Only blunt metal spurs or ones with rubber rowels ≤ 2½cms (1") facing downwards are permitted.

The same tack must be used in each phase. No tack etc. may be worn that conceals the conformation of the horse.

Front boots of a plain colour may be worn during the jumping phase of a Working Hunter class.

Hind leg boots or bandages are not allowed in any phase of this competition. Overreach boots are permitted.

No item of tack excluded from competition is allowed in the practice arena.

If for any reason, a competitor goes through the start with incorrect tack, the judge will have no option but to eliminate that competitor.

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Competition Format

Horses entered in these classes will be required to jump a course of natural fences including a double. Prospective entrants are well advised to compete in plenty of working hunter competitions and to have schooled their horses cross-country before submitting an entry in this section. Horses will be judged on conformation, manners, style, suitability and performance. Horses will be ridden by the judges.

A horse must be competed by the named rider except in the instance where a rider with two horses is invited back into the arena for Phase Two or the final judging phase. To cover such eventuality, riders with two horses in a class at the qualifiers, or with two horses qualified for the finals at the Dublin Horse Show, must nominate a second rider for Phase Two of the competition by written request to the Secretary’s Office on the morning of the qualifier, or to the RDS Equestrian Office before Tuesday 4 August at 5pm, and with the approval of the Show Director.

If a rider qualifies more than one horse to compete in the Working Hunter Championship (Cup 70) a change of rider may be permitted if special permission is sought from the Chief Steward.

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Marking

Maximum total 100 points, broken down as follows:

Phase One

Jumping Phase – 40 points
Way of Going (Jumping Phase) – 20 points
Conformation – 20 points

Phase Two

The seven highest scoring horses from Phase One will be invited back into the arena for the final judging. The judge will ride the exhibits during Phase Two.

Ride – 20 points

In the event of a tie, the horse with the overall highest score in Phase One will be the winner. If there is still a tie, the horse with the highest 'Way of Going' score will be the winner.

Fault system:

For each fence knocked down – 10 penalties
1st refusal, run out, disobedience – 15 penalties
2nd refusal, run out, disobedience – 20 penalties
3rd refusal, run out, disobedience – Elimination
Fall of horse or rider – Elimination

Riders who misuse the whip in the Jumping Phase will receive 5 penalties. Misuse of the whip is where it is not applied to reinforce a leg / seat aid or is inconsistent with the aids being given. Excessive use of the whip may incur elimination. Determination of excessive or misuse of the whip will be at the judge’s discretion.

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Fences

Class 13: Traditional Irish bred class

Max. Height 1m
Max. Spread 1.10m (water jump included)

Class 14: 4 Year Olds

Max. Height 1m
Max. Spread 1.10m (no water jump)

Classes 15 - 17: 5 Year Olds and over

Max. Height 1.10m
Max. Spread 1.20m (water jump included)

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Course Designer

Mr Colin Ellison (UK)

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Awards & Prizes

Classes 13 - 17:

1st €1,875, 2nd €1,375, 3rd €875, 4th €500, 5th €375

A Special Breeders’ Prize of €500 will be presented to the breeder of the highest placed Irish bred horse in each class.

A Special Prize of €470 for the Champion and €205 for the Reserve Champion Working Hunter Horse will apply.

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. 70 - Perpetual Champion Trophy for the Working Hunter Champion. The first and second prize-winners from Classes 13 to 17 will compete for this Trophy.