Lord mayor opens horse show in coach
The Dublin Horse Show was opened in fitting style today as the Lord Mayor of Dublin rolled up to the doors in a coach drawn by four black horses.
Councillor Vincent Jackson said the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show was more than simply an Irish institution as he opened the five-day event in the Ballsbridge venue.
More than 100,000 people and more than 1,000 horses and ponies, from every county in Ireland and further afield, will pass through the gates of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) from today until August 13.
“The horse show is one of the wonderful annual events which add so much to the life and vibrancy of Dublin and indeed Ireland,” he said.
“The horse show is not only a wonderful Irish institution. It is also very important for the horse-breeding industry and tourism, hence the association with Fáilte Ireland.”
As people gathered in the main hall, Mr Jackson said the horse show was one of the oldest in the world and is often referred to as the ’Dubliners’ show’ as it began on the lawns of Leinster House in 1868.
“The horse show is a unique family event located right here in the heart of Dublin, offering events to suit all interests and ages from equestrian competitions, shopping, children’s entertainment and music.
"I appeal to all the visitors of Dublin to support the Fáilte Ireland Horse Show as it is critical for the success of this wonderful event,” he said.
Mr Jackson said the horse show had put Dublin on the international map as both a symbol of equestrian achievement and as a leading city to visit.
Some of the top events taking place during the show include the Nations’ Cup, the Longines Grand Prix with a prize fund of €120,000, the nail-biting Land Rover puissance, a further nine international competitions and 30 national jumping competitions.
Eight top show-jumping teams will be battling it out on Friday for the Samsung Super League with FEI (International Federation of Equestrian Sports) for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy.
Ireland will need to put in a strong performance to stay in the league of top show-jumping countries as France, Germany, Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the US will all vie for the honour.
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed it is collaborating with the RDS to ensure no horses from restricted premises enter the show after a case of equine infectious anaemia was confirmed on the eve of the event.
The RDS will also advise participants to maintain high standards of hygiene to avoid the spread of ’swamp fever’, which is primarily spread by insect bites.
The department has advised the show to keep international horses apart from domestic animals.
RDS chief executive Michael Duffy confirmed a number of new initiatives were included to revamp the show in its 133rd year.
As part of the five-year strategy, a new class was introduced for young event horses. There was a significant increase in prize money and a number of classes were restricted to Irish-bred horses.
The total prize fund is more than €700,000, and the cost of staging the show is around €3m.
Other family-based features include the kids’ and nature zone, which has pony rides, face-painting, bouncy castles and a playground.
Evian Ladies' Day tomorrow is expected to see heated competition as women vie to attract the attention of the judges to claim the €10,000.
More than 300 trade stands from Germany, Italy, France, Austria, Canada and the US are in place at the show, offering a wide range of equestrian clothing and wines.
