AUGUST is a particularly hectic month in the Irish Sport Horse Industry calendar and one that pays back State investment into our vibrant sector in spades.

The successive underdog when it comes to Central Exchequer funding, the powers that be should sit up and take notice that the flagship five-star Dublin Horse Show, Millstreet International Horse Show, Clifden’s Connemara Pony Festival combined this month alone will pump over €60 million into Ireland’s economy.

Punching well above its weight, the vibrant and ever colourful Irish equestrian scene wholly deserves to be taken far more seriously at Government level - a homegrown industry which supports jobs throughout every parish in the country, one that boosts national pride, and fosters friendships north and south to boot.

Our riding schools, competition equestrian centres and equine therapy centres nationwide need support and affordable insurance must be put on the political table to enable their collective gates to remain open and to thrive - not just survive to pay uncontested rates.

As the bedrock of Ireland’s world renowned thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, it’s high time that the coming annual Budget properly reflected the worth and contribution of the Irish Sport Horse Industry.

Bumper RDS issue

On behalf of all departments of The Irish Field - and what is undoubtedly the best team of contributors in the equestrian world - we are delighted to bring readers and advertisers our bumper 40-page coverage of the 2023 Dublin Horse Show. We hope you enjoy it from cover to cover.

After 16 great years working with a top team on Ireland’s oldest title, I head to pastures new to study veterinary medicine and duly pass the reins over to incoming editor Judith Faherty who will also be supported by Lesley Hunter Nolan and Bree Rutledge. We look forward to bringing you continued unrivalled coverage of the Irish Sport Horse sector.