2021 RDS National Championships Q&A

Why are you changing the name? 

Spanning three centuries, the Dublin Horse Show has a unique place in the Irish summer calendar and a reputation that reaches around the world. Curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions, a typical Dublin Horse Show is not possible. Because of this we instead plan to host an RDS National Championships, which it is possible to do under the timelines now available and in adherence with Government advice. 

Can I buy tickets to attend this year’s Dublin Horse Show? 

Not this year. Visitors to the Dublin Horse Show are an essential part of this unique event. To cater for this, the RDS prepares and plans many months in advance of visitors arriving. Unfortunately, mindful of the current Government advice, there is not enough certainty that members of the public will be able to attend a gathering of this scale later this summer and we have had to make a decision at this point that the RDS Championships will be held behind closed doors. 

What if the public are permitted to attend outdoor events in large numbers by August? 

Unfortunately, preparations for public attendance would have to start by the end of April at the latest and due to the current level of uncertainty it isn’t possible to commence these preparations with any confidence. 

Can I buy tickets for the 2022 Dublin Horse Show? 

Tickets for the 2022 Dublin Horse Show, August 17-21, will go on sale later this year. 

 

When will competitors know that the RDS National Championships are definitely going ahead? 

Due to ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 restrictions, Government approval will be required for this event to proceed. All potential competitors will be informed as soon as Government advice relating to the RDS National Championships has been finalised. We hope that this will be finalised very shortly. 

Why were these particular classes selected? What was the criteria? 

The number of classes at the RDS National Championships have been reduced to minimise potential contact with other households while on the RDS grounds. Time was taken to examine which classes should be included based on the potential economic value to breeders, producers and other professionals in the sport horse industry.  

How will the qualifying work? 

Qualifying competitions for the show jumping classes at the RDS National Championships are organised in conjunction with Show Jumping Ireland. Qualifiers for the showing classes will be organised with venues on a regional basis. The first events in both are due to take place next month and details will be announced shortly. 

How will stabling operate at this event? 

In order to minimise the number of contacts any competitor has with other households, there will be no stabling facilities available at the RDS this year. Competitors will be expected to prepare for their competition in their transport vehicles in order to maximise social distancing. 

Can I stay and watch other classes when my event is finished? 

Under current guidelines competitors will be asked to leave after their competition and minimise social interaction with others while on the grounds. Under Covid-19 guidelines, this is standard practice across equine sports. 

Will entry fees remain the same? 

Entry fees for the RDS National Championships will be published as part of the Competition Schedule.

Will there be trade stands at the Show for those competing? 

There will be no shopping stands at the RDS National Championships. To keep numbers attending to a minimum, only those involved with that particular day’s competitions will be permitted entry to the RDS grounds during the RDS National Championships. Other facilities on the RDS grounds will also be kept to a minimum to reduce numbers on site.  

Where can I watch the competitions? 

Live-streaming will take place and will be available via our social media platforms.