Dublin Horse Show Anticipates 120,000 Visitors This Week

The Dublin Horse Show is set to welcome over 120,000 visitors to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) starting tomorrow. The event, which runs until August 13, 2023, will feature 1,800 horses and their riders competing for more than €1.4 million in prize money. Beyond the competitive spirit, attendees can enjoy shopping, dining, and a variety of entertainment options.

This year’s show is expected to contribute around €50 million to the local economy, showcasing the event’s significant impact. The €7 million cost of staging the show reflects its scale and importance in the equestrian calendar. The first Dublin Horse Show took place in 1864, attracting just 366 entries for a total prize fund of £520.

As the show unfolds, a range of culinary delights will be available. It is estimated that attendees will consume approximately 40,000 ice cream cones, 35,000 glasses of wine, 40,000 pints, and 15,000 coffees. The grounds will be adorned with around 40,000 flowers from 20 different varieties, enhancing the ambiance of the 43 acres dedicated to the event.

For fashion enthusiasts, the best-dressed competition on Thursday offers a lucrative prize of €10,000. Sponsored by Poretti, this contest aims to celebrate style, with the runner-up receiving two nights’ accommodation at the five-star Morrison Dublin hotel and The Trafalgar St James hotel in London, along with a €100 travel voucher.

Competitors in the best hat design category can vie for a €2,000 luxury gift voucher from Ireland’s Blue Book. Other prizes will recognize Irish heritage and sustainability in fashion. Co-judge Bairbre Power advises participants to focus on the three Cs: colour, comfort, and confidence.

Exciting Competitions and Entertainment Await

The show ring will host over 168 national and international competitions, including the prestigious Aga Khan Nations Cup on Friday, the Defender Puissance on Saturday, and the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. In addition to the competitions, the RDS Concert Hall will feature an exhibition celebrating 150 years of the Dublin Horse Show’s history.

Food options will range from seafood to champagne, and the grounds will include popular stalls such as the Swing Grill and churros.

The Bray-based charity Festina Lente returns for its second year, highlighting the positive effects of equine therapy on society. Attendees can also explore a ‘Pop-Up Gaeltacht’ that showcases the rich heritage of the Irish language.

Equestrian entertainment will feature the Spanish horseman Santi Serra, renowned for his captivating performances in natural dressage. Serra will return to the main ring after first captivating audiences at the RDS in 2016 without tack.

With more than 350 exhibitors setting up trade stands, the Dublin Horse Show promises to be a vibrant hub for equestrian enthusiasts and visitors alike. The blend of competition, culture, and community participation underscores the event’s role as a cornerstone of the equestrian world in Ireland.