Dublin Horse Show trots into town

ONE of Ireland’s largest sporting, social and family events is coming to the RDS as the annual extravaganza that is the Dublin Horse Show trots in to town.

The 141st Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show takes place this year from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10 at the famous showgrounds in Ballsbridge.

The show is the highlight of the summer and each year thousands of visitors from Ireland and the rest of the world travel to the Southside to see the spectacle.

Celebrating Ireland’s affinity with the horse, the Discover Dublin Horse Show features the finest show horses and national breed horses as well as top national and international show jumpers.

Founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1868 to foster the equine industry in Ireland, the first Dublin Horse Show took place on the lawns of Leinster House.

Since then the show has grown in prestige and reputation as one of the finest equine events in the world.

During the five days of the Horse Show over 1,300 horses and ponies will compete in 125 competitions and classes, with a total prize fund of over e940,000.

Visitors can enjoy top international show jumping competitions including the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup, the Longines International Grand Prix and the Land Rover Puissance.

A terrific day out for everyone, the show offers something for all the family.

For children visiting the show there is a packed programme of events over the five days including magic shows, pony rides and bouncy castles.

There are also over 300 shopping stands with many tasty offerings, numerous cafes, restaurants and a food court.

One of the highlights of the week for both female and male fashionistas is the Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day on Thursday, August 7.

This premier style event includes a number of fantastic prizes including Best Dressed Lady, Most Creative Hat and The g Hotel Best Dressed Man.

This year the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is welcoming Montana (USA) horseman Buck Brannaman to the RDS, where he will demonstrate his legendary horsemanship skills.

Buck is a leading practitioner in the field of natural horsemanship and was one of the primary individuals who inspired the character of Tom Booker in the Nicholas Evans novel,

‘The Horse Whisperer’.

Buck was the lead equine consultant for the film of the same name and he will appear daily at the show.

For further information and ticket sales visit www.dublinhorse show.com