The RDS National Equestrian Championships got underway today (Friday August 20), welcoming over 400 horses to Ballsbridge to compete in 18 competitions over this unique three-day event. The RDS is operating the Championships, which has a total prize fund of over €135,000, behind closed doors in lieu of the Dublin Horse Show, which was cancelled for a second year in a row earlier this summer. The Championships were organised by the RDS to work within in the exceptional circumstances that Covid-19 has created, to benefit the breeders and producers of high value sport horses, many of whom depend on the Dublin Horse Show as a platform to showcase their animals.
The Dublin Horse Show was cancelled earlier in the summer due to the uncertainty around holding large-scale sporting events during the pandemic. The decision to run the RDS National Equestrian Championships (in place of the Dublin Horse Show) has provided a focal point for many in the sport horse industry.
Geraldine Ruane, Chief Executive of the RDS: “We are delighted to be able to run the RDS National Equestrian Championships and give a focus for equestrian professionals to work towards this summer. The Dublin Horse Show is the pinnacle for the sport horse industry in Ireland and in its absence we were determined to host an appropriate event despite the uncertainty of Covid-19. These Championships will help kick start the resumption of trade in high value horses in Ireland. This important export-led industry is worth over €800 million to the Irish economy, supports around 14,000 jobs and contributes hugely to rural Ireland. An important part of our work as a registered charity is giving back to the sport horse industry and helping it thrive.”
The first day’s action sees the pony classes take to the Main Arena, followed by Young Riders and Amateurs on Saturday, with Sunday seeing more professional competitors taking to the ring. Classes were chosen that were deemed of most value to breeders and producers.
Show Director Pat Hanly spoke about this year’s focus: “while we aren’t operating the Dublin Horse Show this year, the RDS reputation in equestrianism is considerable and we have focused on upholding the standard of competitions despite the exceptional circumstances. That is ensured this year with one of the best course designers in the world, Alan Wade, maintaining the high standard of competition, which underpins the value of animals that will compete here. There will also be the added benefit this year of all underage riders competing in the RDS Main Arena, helping to prepare all of them for top class competitions in the future.”
He went on: “the RDS is a part of the fabric of the sport horse community. We understand how difficult the past 18 months have been. We know that many will appreciate what we have organised this year despite Covid-19, but like us, many will have an appetite, after two years absence, for a Dublin Horse Show next August.”
Geraldine Ruane also took the opportunity to mention the importance of sponsors: “The pandemic has been very hard for many industries, but through it we have seen the value in good partnerships. The RDS financially underwrites every Dublin Horse Show, but sponsors are vital for the Show’s continued success. This year we have had great support from Horse Sport Ireland and Land Rover in particular, while others have shown great commitment and we expect them to be with us for 2022.”
The 2022 Dublin Horse Show will take place August 17-21
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