More than 80,000 people are expected to turn out for the five-day Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show that opened at the RDS this morning.
Today will feature the Fáilte Ireland and Bewleys Hotels Speed Stakes international competitions, as well as a display of Connemara ponies.
Some 1,400 horses and ponies will take part in the event, a 3 per increase in entries compared to last year, with representatives from all over Ireland and countries around the world.
The 137th Horse Show will also feature over 300 trade stands, offering art and antiques, jewellery, fashion and house and home ideas.
Friday is traditionally the busiest day when a capacity crowd comes to see the Nations Cup for the award of the Aga Khan trophy. President Mary McAleese will this year present the trophy to the triumphant nation.
Ireland, Spain, France, the United States, Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden will all compete in the event.
Tomorrow will be Ladies Day, which is sponsored by Blossom Hill and boasts a prize fund of nearly €15,000.
The total prize fund for the 2010 Show will be in excess of €920,000, and the prize funds for the Longines International Grand Prix and Meydan FEI Nations Cup stand at €200,000 apiece.