Isabel Hurley and Emer Bermingham

FLAGSHIP Kildare saddlery store, Holmestead Saddlery, will miss the Dublin Horse Show for the first time in 32 years next month, with businessman Bill Holmes citing all-in costs of almost €90,000 for his decision not to take a stand at the show.

Located in the RDS Main Hall, the huge stand - which incorporated a public walk-through - would have cost almost €50,000 for the five-day show but with staffing and security costs, the actual tally was close to €90,000.

Bill Holmes told The Irish Field: “Holmestead Saddlery is known for giving real value to all our customers. I am going to the RDS for 32 years. The customer is all-important to us, always has been. At Dublin, the margins are slim because of the high cost involved. This year, the RDS stand would have cost us almost €50,000 and then when you add in staffing costs, the real figure is a lot closer to €90,000.

“Our RDS stand was a real tourist attraction in its own right as it was one of the biggest stands - if not actually the biggest - at any trade show in the whole world. However, in recent years, the cost of having our stand at the RDS has doubled and the sales have halved.

“By comparison, Holmestead Saddlery goes to Badminton where, despite having to fly the staff and the stock over, we make money. That’s because the stand there and staff costs €25,000 and there’s also 250,000 people at Badminton,” explained Holmes.

Riders, owners and customers took to social media in their hundreds to register their disappointment that there would be no Holmestead stand at the RDS this year.

In response to questions on the Holmestead decision, an RDS spokesperson said: “The demand for trade stands at the Dublin Horse Show has been very strong in 2015. With over 300 stands sold, demand has exceeded 2014 levels. In response to this strong interest, the main hall balcony is now open to provide additional space.

“Reflecting the exceptional opportunity for businesses at the show, we have a waiting list for trade stands this year, with many companies and brands recognising the value the show represents. Corporate hospitality has been sold out for some time and advance ticket sales are significantly ahead of last year. Equestrian entries have also seen an increase, as has sponsorship.”

Meanwhile it emerged that rugs, rosettes, sashes, saddleclothes, baseball caps and other prizes commissioned by Holmestead for the winners of the upcoming final of the young rider classes at the RDS are now defunct.

The Irish Field last week revealed how Holmestead and Bluegrass Horse Feed, who between them had supported the four regional qualifiers for young riders and children on horses, believed they were also sponsoring the Dublin finals in a three-year sponsorship deal with Showjumping Ireland. That turned out not to be the case, with the RDS confirming that Gallagher/Meller E2 Show jumpers are sponsoring the young rider final, while Botanica is supporting the children on horses final.