Merrion Cricket Club is a temporary halting site for caravans and jeeps. Simmonscourt Road is closed to traffic. And there’s a whiff of something agricultural in the Dublin 4 air. It can only mean one thing: Horse Show Week.
The five-day extravaganza kicks off next Wednesday and the best of Ireland’s equestrian talent will be joined by competitors from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and the US for a share in the €940,000 prize fund.
Opening day events give riders a chance to assess the going, while Thursday’s international events are of the thrills and spills variety, with the Speed Derby, a Power and Speed and a Six-Bar. The Puissance competition is on Saturday and Sunday’s highlight is the Longines Grand Prix.
The Ukrainian Cossacks will put on their fast-moving, stunt-rider show at various times each day. But the Pony Club mounted games, for small children on even smaller ponies, won’t be any less exciting.
But it’s not just about four-legged talent. Thursday is Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day and the winner of the best-dressed lady competition will receive a trip to California worth €10,000.
It is, of course, possible to pass a very enjoyable day at the show without ever coming within sneezing distance of a horse. More than 300 trade stands will be exhibiting, and the Fine Art Antiques Hall and the RDS National Crafts Competition exhibition will provide further browsing opportunities.
See dublinhorseshow.com
