10 Reasons To Visit Dublin Horse Show…
Images courtesy of Lucy hall Photography – All rights reserved and images are subject to copyright
We visited the Longines Dublin Horse Show for the very first time and disappoint it did not. We wanted to see what all the hype was all about and visit the prestigious show ground. It was very apparent to see why people came back year on year to the show. We have devised a top 10 reasons to visit the show and we hope to return next year…you never know we may even dress for Ladies Day next year!
Ladies Day for the fashion and hat’s
The efforts some of the ladies had gone to, too try and bag the 10,000 euro prize pot was eye opening. The hats, the dresses and the high heels were incredible and need to be seen to be believed!
Aga Khan Trophy – Nations Cup
This prestigious trophy saw the top show jumpers of each nation jump as a team around a 5* track to clinch the win with one discount score allowed. This year team Great Britain pulled it out the bag with 4 of the best show jumpers competing in the two rounds. Ben Maher, Scott Brash, Emily Moffitt and Holly Smith.
Guinness
Of course you have to sample the Guinness it only tastes like proper Guinness in Ireland and what better place to sample.
Atmosphere
There was something quite special about the atmosphere at the RDS. The buzz and excitement from the rings and the suspense and the thrills from the arena. Everyone seemed to be having a great time whatever the weather.
The elegance of the side-saddle and showing class
Everyone and every horse looked immaculate and was turned out to the highest degree in traditional dress. The side-saddle was exceptionally elegant and traditional and just added to the whole persona of the show.
Grand Prix
The 5* Show jumping in the main arena held on the last day of the show. This class has incredible prize money and sorts the wheat from the chaff.
Exhibition Halls and Trade Stands
The shopping, food outlets and exhibitions halls were vast. The cuisine catered for every taste and there was everything the horse, rider, stable and home needed around the show ground.
The social crack
A very social show bringing everyone together and it felt like people had come from far and wide to meet up just for the show with old friends and to make new ones, it was a very friendly social show.
Nostalgia
The show dates back to 1864 when it was first hosted in Dublin, it has always attracted the best show horses and the best international show jumpers in the world. Dublin Horse Show is now in it’s 146th year. The show has the biggest prize pot for international show jumping in the world.
Family fun and children’s entertainment
Everything had been thought of to keep the non-horsey husband and children entertained too and even the young equestrian. ‘This Esme’ YouTuber sensation did meet and greets. Other entertainment included: The Crazy Circus, Brain Daly – Magician, Jugglers Breakfast with Monsieur Gusto, Thomas Garnett Duo, Irish Dance Showcase, Professor Plunger, Ballet Poulet, Dublin Gospel Choir to name just a few. The Keeling’s kids’ zone had inflatable slides, face painting and pony rides situated behind the main arena. Then there was the Horseplay Hub that took over the RDS Concert Hall with work shops and meet Wooly Farm and their friends and have a dance party with Don King!
Dublin Horse Show…it’s been a blast and we will be back!!
written by Lucy Hall
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