How has the preparation for the 2025 Dublin Horse Show gone?

Preparations for the 2025 Dublin Horse Show are going well. Of course, we are navigating some challenges with the reconstruction of the Anglesea Stand, which will result in some changes to the layout of the Show. But it’s a real team effort here at the RDS. As our flagship event, everyone - from senior staff to the Facilities, Commercial, Foundation and Equestrian teams - is fully committed and proud to be a part of it. We all recognise the Show’s importance to the horse industry and the wider community.

With the 150th anniversary milestone this year, we are mindful of our rich history and tradition. We work closely with the Equestrian Committee, various industry stakeholders and organisations, and have the support of the management and governance structures within the RDS, to ensure the Show is a top-class event, and everyone’s dedication and hard work is geared towards delivering an exceptional experience.

It is the 150th anniversary of the Show which is constantly evolving. Are there any special celebrations or new initiatives planned?

The success of the Dublin Horse Show is down to the fact that it’s been able to evolve and change to meet industry needs over its 150-year history. This anniversary is a very special milestone for us, and we are celebrating in several ways. Firstly, we are committed to running the full programme of events, despite the changes and challenges we are facing with the reconstruction of the Anglesea Stand.

We have some significant upgrades to the Showgrounds, particularly in Simmonscourt. And we have put together an exhibition which will be showcased during the Show which documents the history, tradition and impact the Show has had over the past 150 years.

What can visitors to the Dublin Horse Show look forward to this year?

Visitors to this year’s Show can look forward to a full programme of events that showcase the very best of equestrian sport. We will be hosting the pinnacle of international competition in the Nations Cup and Grand Prix, and the national classes are the culmination of the Irish equestrian year, but it’s not just about the competition – we’re also offering a range of activities and entertainment, including masterclasses with Canadian equestrian legend, Ian Millar, demonstrations from talented equestrian artist, Santi Serra, and a fantastic array of fashion, food, and shopping. Above all, the Dublin Horse Show is a celebration of the horse, and our affinity with it.

Construction of the Anglesea Stand is currently underway. What will the 2025 Horse Show look like?

There will be some changes to the layout of the Showgrounds this year, without the Anglesea Stand there will be a reduction in the standing area around the Main Arena. While the number of seats in the Arena is not significantly impacted, for those who would normally watch a class from the standing areas underneath the Anglesea Stand, or from the terraces, they won’t be able to do that this year.

We are urging people to buy seated tickets to ensure they don’t miss the classes they want to see in the Main Arena. There will be limited standing room at the Simmonscourt or South end of the Arena, and the Anglesea Road end or North end, which had some standing capacity in the past will be replaced by seating this year.

What does a normal day at the Show look like for you, as Horse Show Director?

Good question! It’s my first year as Show Director so I don’t actually know what ‘a normal day’ looks like. I don’t think there is such a thing as a normal day over those five days. It’s such a fast-moving event, there is always something happening and no day or year is the same.

For me, the role of Show Director is very much about communication. It’s about providing people with the information and tools they need. Our teams here at the RDS are the experts - from the staff to the officials and volunteers, they are the ones who make the Show happen.

The role of the Show Director is to support them by giving them the tools and information they need to do their jobs. By facilitating them and letting them get on with what they do best, we are able to put on a top-class and truly special Show.

What is your favourite thing about the Dublin Horse Show, and is there one class you never miss, or do you have time to watch anything?

It is the great coming together of the equestrian industry and community. The fact that RDS continues to provide this fantastic event for the industry is something to be very proud of.

I know the focus, determination and effort that has gone into the development of the various classes and competitions, and to ensuring that there are processes and rules in place to ensure it is a fair, transparent and level playing field for all involved.

It is the culmination of decades of work and commitment by the present and former members of the Equestrian Committee and other stakeholders within the industry.

Seeing the fruits of those efforts playing out during the week of the Show is very satisfying. It is a Show like no other, and that is evident time and again by the reaction we get from international visitors who attend for the first time.

In terms of classes, obviously the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland is the most amazing showcase of the sport. You are in awe watching those horses and riders. And then you have the tradition, pageantry and competition of the Nations’ Cup.

I also love watching the Four-Year-Old Final in Simmonscourt, it’s great to see how these baby horses have matured and transformed since the qualifiers. I would love to be able to see the young in-hand horses too as I follow breeding closely.

The International seven/eight-year-olds/CSIYH1* classes are special, I would love to have the time to watch them. The concept behind these competitions is great - identifying the superstar horses of the future.

We are delighted to partner with Elliott Group, who are kindly sponsoring these classes this year and of course, doing a super job building our new Anglesea Stand. I’d love to watch everything if I could, but the reality is different!

Can you tell is about the 2026 Show and how the new stand will transform the venue?

The 2026 Dublin Horse Show will be another special event; we will celebrate the centenary of the Nations Cup with a €1 million prize fund for both the Nations Cup and the Grand Prix. And it will coincide with the opening of our brand-new Anglesea Stand, a €50 million project that’s set to transform the RDS.

The new stand will accommodate 6,775 spectators across three levels and offer panoramic views of the Showgrounds. It is a modern design with great facilties, it will not only enhance the Dublin Horse Show but a variety of other events, including concerts and sporting matches.

The regeneration of the Anglesea Stand will deliver a modern, inclusive, and multipurpose venue for visitors and competitors alike.