2021 Dublin Horse Show cancelled

RDS National Championships proposed for August 2021 

2021 Dublin Horse Show cancelled 

Championships will host selected national competitions 

The RDS has been monitoring the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, including the vaccination rates and the latest Government advice. In the current circumstances it has been decided that it will not be possible to operate a Dublin Horse Show this year. Preparations for a typical Dublin Horse Show take many months of planning and organisation, and this has not been possible this year with the levels of uncertainty that still exist for the re-opening of Irish society. Instead, it is our intention to host an ‘RDS National Championships’ for selected national competitions across show jumping and showing classes on August 18-22, subject to Government approval. 

The international governing body on equine sport (Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)) has been informed that no international show jumping competitions will take place at the RDS this year. The RDS National Championships will consist of a reduced number of national competitions which will be spread over three days of show jumping and two days of showing classes. The RDS National Championships will be held ‘behind closed doors’. Entry to the event will be restricted to equestrian competitors for the day of their competition only. The RDS is mindful of acting responsibly during these times and the event will only proceed on foot of Government approval, which is currently being sought. 

Our desire to host the RDS National Championships, despite the exceptionally challenging circumstances, is motivated by our commitment to support the sport horse industry during this very difficult time. We would like to acknowledge and thank the ongoing support of our sponsors, who are crucial to the viability of the Dublin Horse Show, as well as the understanding of the equestrian community for whom the Show is a yearly highlight.  

We look forward to hosting the Dublin Horse Show in 2022 and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors back each day to a summer staple that people have known and loved for generations. 

The RDS has been liaising with Show Jumping Ireland and equestrian venues around the country on the potential operation of the RDS National Championships and the hosting of qualifying events for competitors, which are due to take place in the coming weeks. Details of these qualifying competitions can be found here.

See Questions & Answers here.

The selected classes to be contested at the RDS National Championships are:

 

Showing Classes: 

Wednesday 18 August;  

Yearlings  

Two-Year-Olds  

Three-Year-Olds (in hand) 

Young Horse Championships 

Three-Year-Old Potential Event Horses 

 

Thursday 19 August; 

Irish Draught Mares & Foals 

Breeders’ Championship 

Show Hunter Championships 

Three Year Old Loose Performance 

 

Show Jumping Classes: 

Friday 20 August; 

148cm 6 & 7 Year Old Ponies  

148cm Ponies 

138cm Ponies 

128cm Ponies 

Children on Horses 

Saturday 21 August;  

Amateurs 

Young Riders (1.10m – 1.15m) 

Young Riders (1.25m - 1.30m) 

Young Riders (1.35m - 1.40m) 

4 Year Old Horses 

Sunday 22 August; 

5 Year Old Horses 

6 Year Old Horses 

7 Year Old Horses 

8 & 9 Year Old Horses