THE prep is done and competitors are packing their tack boxes to get ready for the greatest show on earth. The 149th RDS Dublin Horse Show kicks off in the capital city on Wednesday, with five days of top-class equestrian action from morning ‘til night.

This year, the show offers a record €1.45 million in prize money for the 168 classes, with over 1,500 horses having a chance on the hallowed turf of the RDS. I for one am excited to see the changes that Rolex coming on board will bring – none more so than the calibre of riders coming to Dublin this year, like the world number one Henrik von Eckermann and recent Olympic medallists Steve Guerdat, Ben Maher and McLain Ward.

The team have worked hard this week to produce a 40-page supplement, which is free with today’s paper. We bring you previews of all the show jumping and showing classes, as well as interviews with Horse Show director Pat Hanly, Connemara pony rider Kitty Concannon and we make a visit to Ballypatrick Stables, who have qualified 17 horses for Dublin.

We also feature the national show jumping entries and there is a very useful timetable on page 38 – cut that out and put it in your bag for the horse show, so you know what is happening at all times.

Good luck to everyone competing next week, it’s a superb achievement to even get there. Good luck too to all the businesses who are exhibiting and don’t forget to visit The Irish Field stand inside the front door of the main hall to speak to our team and avail of our special online offer, where you can get a six-month digital subscription to the paper for just €49.

Don’t miss our special Dublin Horse Show preview podcast, now live on The Irish Field’s Spotify channel or wherever you get your podcasts!