THE first of the four amateur qualifiers for the 2025 Dublin Horse Show took place at Kernans Equestrian Centre on the bank holiday Monday, where a huge start list of 147 went to post for just eight qualifying spots.

Undoubtedly one of the most difficult competitions to qualify for, the qualifiers incorporate both A and AA status and the top eight athletes, regardless of status, qualify from each qualifier. ‘A’ athletes compete over fences 1.05m-1.10m in height, while the ‘AA’ athletes jump 1.10m-1.15m.