THE Royal Dublin Society has introduced new rules for its five Working Hunter Horse (WHH) classes at the 2026 Dublin Horse Show, taking place from August 5th to 9th.

It comes after qualifiers were announced for the same classes in January of this year.

These qualifiers will be held in conjunction with the Young Event Horse Series (YES) and will take place on the same dates and venues.

The new rules pertaining to the WHH classes are as follows:

  • A rider may enter a maximum of two horses per WHH qualifier class
  • A rider may qualify a maximum of two horses per class, and four horses overall across the five WHH classes, for the Dublin Horse Show
  • The first four horses qualified will determine the qualifying place, regardless of subsequent placings

    • According to the RDS, the changes were made after a review established that in 2025, one rider had four entries across the five WHH classes, with two entries in one class, one rider had three entries across three different classes, there were 14 riders with two entries overall across the five classes and there were three riders with two entries in the same class.

    Fiona Sheridan, Show director, said: “We are confident that these rules provide sufficient flexibility for all riders and producers, while also ensuring the orderly and efficient running of both the qualifiers and the Dublin Horse Show. They support a fair and equitable qualification process for every competitor.”

    Preparation

    According to an earlier statement from the RDS, the decision to introduce qualifiers ‘reflects the RDS’ commitment to enhancing the standard of competition across its performance classes. This approach has already proven successful in other segments, such as the Performance Irish Draughts, Connemara classes and Working Hunter Ponies’.

    “We have seen the positive impact that qualifiers have had in raising the standard and competitiveness of other classes,” Sheridan said.

    “By introducing qualifiers for the Working Hunter Horse classes, we are ensuring that the very best combinations make it to the Dublin Horse Show, which ultimately benefits competitors, spectators and the sport as a whole.”

    Another change this year is that Pony Club combined training classes have been scrapped from the 2026 schedule.

    The RDS said it encouraged prospective entrants to prepare thoroughly for the qualifiers, including participation in working hunter competitions and cross-country schooling.

    “The qualifiers will help ensure that only the most capable and well-prepared horses and riders reach the final stages at the Dublin Horse Show, maintaining the high standards expected of this celebrated event,” it said.

    For full eligibility criteria, competition format, and tack regulations, please visit the Working Hunter Horses section of the Dublin Horse Show website.

    The qualifier dates and venues are: Tuesday, June 2nd at Tullylish Co Armagh; Tuesday, June 9th at Scarteen, Co Limerick; Tuesday, June 16th at Forth Mountain Stud, Co Wexford; Tuesday, July 30th at Rincoola, Co Longford.