A NUMBER of new competitions and events will feature at this year’s Dublin Horse Show, details of which were announced yesterday at the historic showgrounds in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
The new classes include a Connemara Breeders’ Championship, a Small Event Horse Class and a performance class for Irish Draught horses which form the basis of Ireland’s unique sport-horse breeding stock.
These, said Michael Duffy, chief executive of the RDS, would be in addition to the well-established international and national competitions which include the FEI Nations Cup for the Aga Khan Trophy and the Longines International Grand Prix on the final day of the show.
In all, he said there would be a total prize fund of over €940,000 for the 15 international jumping competitions and the 87 showing classes which would see well over 1,000 horses and ponies on the grounds between August 3rd and August 7th.
The show, which will be the 138th Horse Show, was a major tourism attraction and drew visitors from around the world and from every corner of Ireland, he said.
“In 2010 Indecon conducted a study on the economic impact of the Dublin Horse Show and concluded that it contributed a total direct expenditure of € 18.3 million and a total direct, indirect and induced expenditure of €43 million to the Irish economy,” he said.
“The overseas visitors alone directly spent an estimated € 3 million during their visit to the show. This study underlines the importance and significance of the Horse Show to the Irish economy in terms of both its financial contribution and its attraction to nationwide and overseas visitors,” he said.
The show, now known as The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show after the title sponsor, will this year feature the Ukrainian Cossacks, the world-renowned stunt riders who will demonstrate their horsemanship and riding capabilities daily.
Costing €3.9 million to stage, the show will also feature Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day on Thursday and the Pony Club Games on Saturday and Sunday.
The show will also feature live music on the lawns and craft exhibitions.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring said he had been attending the show for many years and was very interested in its development.
“There are ever-expanding events here and there is something for everyone.
“I would urge people to holiday at home this year and if they are, they should come to this superb show,” he said.
Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland, said for many people overseas Ireland was the land of the horse, and our association with horses was very much bound up with our cultural image abroad. “Our commitment to this event reflects not only the potential of the equestrian sector to attract visitors and holidaymakers to our shores but the importance of iconic events and festivals such as the Dublin Horse Show to generate economic activity,” he said.