The Dublin Horse Show is one of Dublin’s best loved events, which has attracted generations of visitors over the years. A the highlight of the summer it runs annually for five days, Wednesday to Sunday following the August bank holiday weekend.
The show began in 1868 on the lawns of Leinster House. In 1881 the Show was moved to Ballsbridge where it has been held annually ever since.
Today, the Dublin Horse Show showcases the best show horses and national and international show-jumpers and is Ireland’s leading equestrian event. The show boasts one of the largest prize funds of any equestrian event in the world. Every year the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is host to the world renowned Aga Khan Nations’ Cup which was first presented in 1926 and the legendary Puissance.
We met Alex Calder and Emma Mac Cába from Horseware Ireland for a Q&A on this year’s Show.
Q: Who’s caught your special attention?
Alex: We’ve been cheering extra for Danial Bluman he’s a definite favourite and one of our new sponsor riders. We’ve met him for the first time at this years show, he’s such a gentleman who immediately won our hearts.
Emma: “Bosty” is also a personal favourite of mine, there’s just something about him.
Q: Your must-see?
Emma: The Puissance is always lots of entertainment and ofcourse the Aga Khan Nations’ Cup.
Alex: I use’d to do working hunter classes here as a child, so I still enjoy watching them as well.
Q: What is your Dublin Horse Show do’s and don’ts?
Alex: Do bring raingear, because you’ll never know and avoid Saturday afternoon shopping because it’s crazy and of course daytime drinking.
Q: The place to be?
Emma: The bar by the grandstand where you can see the international showjumpers do their warm-up.
Q: Any exciting autumn news from Horseware?
Alex: We’ve released the Sportz-Vibe massage blanket for dogs, it helps to increase circulation to your dog’s back and hips. A massage rug for horses will be available soon.
More information: dublinhorseshow.com & horseware.com
Photography by Anne Mie Dreves.