The Essential A-Z Guide to Dublin Horse Show 2017

Whether you’re a show jumping novice or an equestrian expert or just love a good gúna, this essential A-Z guide of the Dublin Horse Show will help you get through the whirlwind festival with a little more insight in to the happenings of the week.

 

A is for the Aga Khan Trophy that is presented to the winners of the FEI Nations Cup each Friday of the Show. It one of the most prized trophies in the world of show jumping.

B is for Bertram Allen, the wonder kid from Wexford, who is one of the best show jumpers in the world right now.

C is for Craft. The RDS Craft Awards attracts some of the best up-and-coming Irish craft makers in the country with a prize fund of €30,000. The showcase exhibition runs throughout the Show.

D is for Dublin. The Show is a stable of the city’s calendar, as it has been for the last 150 years or so. The proximity of the RDS to town makes the Show a favourite on the international circuit.

E is for Elegance which epitomises the two Side Saddle classes.

F is for the Fences that show jumpers have to negotiate. Many of RDS fences are especially commissioned and represent Irish legends, history or iconic buildings.

G is for Grass. It’s unusual for international show jumping to be held on grass these days. It’s even more unusual for it to be held on grass in the middle of a capital city, that is also home to professional rugby, as well as major concerts.

H is for Hay. Over 3,000 bales of hay will be consumed by 1500 horse and ponies over 5 days.

I is for Ireland. The Irish team last won the Nations Cup two years ago, but were very unlucky last year, narrowly losing out to Italy in a jump-off.

J is for Jodhpurs. Over 300 stands selling everything from jodhpurs to jumpers!

K is for Kids. Pony rides, children’s entertainment, as well as all those talented youngsters actually taking part.

L is for Ladies Day which takes place on Thursday August 10 and is one of the oldest Ladies Day in the world.

M is for Macken. Eddie Macken. Eddie is back at the Horse Show and will do a masterclass with Nick Skelton.

N is for Nick. Nick Skelton. Olympic Gold medal winner (at 58) will co-host the show jumping masterclass along with Eddie Macken. 

O is for Opening Day which is Wednesday 9th August.

P is for Puissance. The red and white Puissance wall is one of the most iconic images of the Dublin Horse Show and a perennial favourite every Saturday at the Show.

Q is for Qualifiers. Getting to the Show is for many competitors a major success in its own right. Qualifying events take place around Ireland all summer long with only the top riders making it through to compete in the RDS.

R is for Rankings. The Dublin Horse Show has eight international show jumping competitions that carry FEI world ranking points.

S is for Stands. There will be over 300 shopping stands across the entire RDS campus stocking all manner of fashion, craft and equestrian wear from near and far.

T is for Tea. It is estimated that well over 100,000 cuppas will be poured over the five days – where better to have afternoon tea in August?

U is for Unforgettable. At least that’s what most people feel about Lorenzo the flying Frenchman and his spectacular equine acrobatics. 

V is Versatile. The RDS is host to many events over the course of the year, but not only is the Dublin Horse Show operated by the RDS themselves, like all RDS-run events it is a not-for-profit event.

W is for Water. Over 15,000litres of water, from the RDS well, will be used to water and wash horses and ponies.

X is for eXcellence. Each year the Show acts a pinnacle event, setting the benchmark of excellence for the entire sport horse industry.

Y is for WHY not book your tickets today at www.dublinhorseshow.com.

Z is for Zero excuses not to come.

 

This year’s Dublin Horse Show takes place at the RDS from August 9 – 13th. With over 1500 horses & ponies, 132 competitions, 300 trade stands, and 8 world-ranking international show jumping competitions it’s an event not to be missed!    Alongside a five-day equestrian programme, the Show has much to offer visitors with over 300 stands offering some of the best in fashion, craft, as well as equine products, from both home and abroad. New artisan food offerings available this year include Happy Pear, while pony rides and bouncy castles in Keeling’s Kids’ Zone will keep little ones entertained. One of the highlights for many is the exhibition of the RDS Craft Awards Exhibition which each year displays some of the best craft makers in Ireland.