WHEN the Ballsbridge gates open this August for the first Dublin Horse Show after a Covid-enforced two-year absence, there will be every penny of €6 million on the ground between costs and prize money for this national five-star equine extravaganza treaure.

That’s a truly enormous financial commitment from the RDS in what will be a tough year all things considered. Dublin Horse Show represents an enormous boost, not just to the Irish Sport Horse industry but the wider Leinster region, with multi-millions of euros spun-offs in bed nights, food, drink and trade at all levels.

A raft of changes, increased prize money, as well as new innovations were unveiled this week across the show hunter division, ridden hunter classes, and the 128cm and 138cs ponies (see adjoining news story).

Consultative forums were proactively hosted by the RDS with invited exhibitors, breeders and producers to garner a cross-section of views. While the RDS recognised falling numbers of suitable horses bred for showing, what emerged is the need for a national breeding programe for showing to survive and thrive.

Future-proofing our industry

We cannot take it for granted that the Royal Dublin Society will - or should - come up with every answer or initiative to the issues at hand. Active industry engagement, lead from the top, is required and is essential to help future-proof our unique industry.

Our industry National Governing Body (NGB), Horse Sport Ireland, must play a key and highly proactive role.

‘Big-picture thinking’ is called for.

Likewise, we in The Irish Field are keen to play our part to its very fullest potential.

We look forward to a bumper Dublin Horse Show this year - ‘hats off’ to RDS Show Director Pat Hanly, RDS Equestrian Manager Fiona Sheridan and the RDS Equestrian Committee, chaired by Flor Madden.

Our entire industry needs to get behind the RDS in supporting this year’s Dublin Horse Show and re-establishing its key place in our regrouped national psyche.

A lot done - more to do.