The
Dublin Horse
Show
Written by Adrienne Brandes
Since it was first held in 1864, the Dublin horse show has become an institution. A
celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the
best international show jumpers. It is one of Ireland‘s largest events, a highlight of
the summer, held on the grounds of the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) in Ballsbridge
(Dublin4). Each year the show welcomes tens of thousands of people from Ireland
and all over the world.
This year, 2018, was the 144th year of the Dublin
Horse Show.
The Aga Khan Trophy
The Aga Khan Trophy is the prize presented for
Ireland's showjumping Nations Cup competition,
held annually at the Dublin Horse Show. The first
trophy was donated in 1926 by Aga Khan III, who
was a frequent visitor to the show. The competition
is part of the FEI Nations Cup.
• USA won in 2014
• Ireland won in 2015
• Italy won in 2016
• USA won in 2017
• Mexico (for the first time) won in 2018
“A tense competition was not decided until the very
last horse left the arena, with Mexico, led by Stanny
Van Paesschen, finishing on a two round total of
eight faults to take victory. Italy, France and the
home team from Ireland all finished on 12 faults in a
share of second place, ahead of USA in fifth, Britain
in sixth, Netherlands seventh and Switzerland in
eighth.” HORSE SPORT IRELAND, August 10,2018
Ladies Day 2018
Some fun facts:
• No woman could ride any jumping
competition until 1919
• In times past, the ladies hunter classes for
the ladies riding sidesaddle in traditional
costume (with a veil and habit) were judged
on the Thursday of the show. As a result, and
Thursday became Ladies Day
• In 1926 International Competitions were
introduced to the show and it was the first time
the Nations’ Cup for the Aga Khan Challenge
trophy was held.
• The first timed jumping competition was held
in 1938. In 1951 and electric lock was installed in
the time factor entered most competitions.
• The Dublin Horse Show has one of the largest
annual prize pool for International Show
Jumping in the world.
Ladies Day and Best Dressed Man competitions
were held at the Dublin Horse Show on Thursday
9th of August 2018. Ladies and gents donned their
finest, with ladies (and some men) wearing the most
fashionable hats from milliners worldwide.
AdrienneBrandes.com | 7
AdrienneBrandes.com | 39