THIS year’s Dublin Horse Show promises to be even more spectacular than ever.

Asides from the top class five-star jumping featuring some of the world’s top riders, the RDS has absolutely pulled out all the stops this year to thrill the crowds, such as bringing show jumping legends Eddie Macken and Nick Skelton together for the Masterclasses. Guaranteed, there won’t be a free perch to be had anywhere in the Ballsbridge showgrounds when those two extraordinary horsemen enter the arena. Given their glittering careers, any advice from their lips will be pure gold.

To celebrate this extraordinary horse show – which is absolutely unique in the depth and range of classes it showcases from lead rein showing ponies right up to some of the world’s most expensive Grand Prix horses – we are delighted to publish our second annual Dublin Horse Show 124-page glossy magazine for you to enjoy.

Many thanks to everyone who made it possible and it offers a great insight into the lives of some of the world’s best known equestrians including Princess Haya who talks about horses, the RDS and life after her FEI Presidency while Bertram and April Allen talk about their busy show jumping yard and the new breeding arm of Ballywalter Farms. Cian and Pippa O’Connor share their views into the competitive worlds of horses, business and fashion while Greg Broderick tells us about his expanding yard and the quality young horses he has coming up.

RDS show director Pat Hanly explains just what it takes to put on this spectacular show while RDS President Bernie Brennan provides a great insight into what the Royal Dublin Society is really about and the enormous contribution it makes to Irish life across the arts and culture, agriculture, industry and technology, science and education.

Don’t miss your chance to win a fabulous Longines watch, worth over €3,000, as well as tickets to the RDS in our feature competitions.

We hope you enjoy the read!

The Dublin Horse Show 2017 magazine is available countrywide from next Tuesday in Tesco stores and Topaz stations and is available to order through The Irish Field office (see A82).