THIS week is a very special one in the lives of many Irish men and women. The Dublin Horse Show is the holy grail for anyone who rides, and from the time they become aware of it youngsters dream of competing on the hallowed turf in Ballsbridge. This year is no different.

Based at the world famous Royal Dublin Society showgrounds, the show is regularly ranked as the favourite in the world for many international riders, and the uniqueness of the setting adds greatly to the mystique.