The 2014 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show

The Dublin Horse Show is trotting back into town for the 141st installment of the country’s biggest equestrian event in Ballsbridge.

Dublin take a bow. The calendar this summer has been so chock-full of food, art, culture and music festivals and events, that as July wanes summer fatigue is well and truly kicking in. But don’t hang up your hat just yet. Before the days when the summer calendar filled up quicker than an Austen heroine’s dance card there was the Dublin Horse Show: A highlight of the season since 1864, to celebrate our affinity with equines. It’s a Dublin institution.

The Dublin Horse Show represents one of the top international equestrian competitions with more than 1,300 horses and ponies competing in 125 events for over €940,000 of prize money. It’s a big deal. Highlights of the event include the Longines International Grand Prix, the Land Rover Puissance and the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup. The main event of course is the annual contest for the Aga Khan Trophy.

For the well heeled and hatted Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day (Thursday 7th August) represents a chance to win a shopping trip to New York worth up to €8,000. The best hat, most colourful ensemble and elegance will also be awarded. Brendan Courtney, Philip Treacy and the lovely Angela Scanlon are the ones to impress on the day. Gentlemen, we live in a world of equality so there will also be a fantastic prize at the g Hotel for Best Dressed Man valued at €5,000.

Buck Brannaman, aka The Horse Whisperer, will be putting in a special appearance during the Horse Show and Luma the Lion Horse (a miniature pony disguised as a lion with a resplendent mane) will also be performing over the weekend alongside his donkey friends. We’ve heard that their display really shouldn’t be missed.

There’ll be plenty of stands and shops to browse and music and entertainment in between the show jumping. There’s lots to amuse the kids too, with pony rides, fun inflatables, face painting and magic shows. Stretch your legs a little further to the RDS Concert Hall where the Student Art Awards and National Craft Awards exhibition is being held alongside the Horse Show.

The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show runs from Wednesday 6th to Sunday, 10th August, 2014. Tickets may be reserved online. Giddy up!