A WHIRLWIND of European and World Championships gold, silver and bronze medals ensures that the vibrant Irish sport horse industry approaches next week’s Dublin Horse Show on a historic high.

Hats off to Ireland’s Michael Murphy for taking a historic bronze medal at the FEI Para Dressage World Championships at Herning (see Judith Faherty’s adjoining lead story.

Michael’s inspirational win is a wonderful fitting reward for all his hard work and dedication to the sport and we send him and his family, loyal supporters and Horse Sport Ireland our warmest congratulations.

Michael’s win at the World Championships comes hot on the heels of the stunning performance of Gary Marshall’s pony show jumping team at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies in Poland. James Derwin, Paddy Reape, Coen Williams, Eoin Brennan and James Brennan took team gold. Incredibly, James Derwin, James Brennan and Coen Williams went on to take individual gold, silver and bronze respectively on the podium - now beat that!

That brilliant clean sweep came just after team gold was claimed by Ireland’s U16s Gain Irish pony eventing team of Josh Williamson, Ben Connors, Matthew Love, and Claire O’Ryan, managed by Jane Kinsella. Kildare’s Ben Connors also went on to claim his second individual silver at the Europeans. Our ultra talented pony riders are the envy of the equestrian world and have done Ireland proud once again - many congratulations!

Guide to Dublin Horse Show

FREE inside this week’s issue of The Irish Field is your 40-page guide to next week’s Dublin Horse Show. Packed with interviews and previews, entertainment guide and timetable, it brings you a real flavour of all the RDS action to come.

On behalf of our editorial, advertising and production departments, we hope you enjoy it and many thanks to all our advertisers for their support. Roll on Dublin!