THE Masterclasses at the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show are always some of the most popular events of the week. George Morris, one of all-time greats of American equestrianism, Mary King, a British legend of eventing and one of Ireland’s most in-form show jumpers, Cameron Hanley, will pass on their years of experience to the watching audience in the Simmonscourt arena at this year’s Show.

Considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in American equestrianism, George Morris’ career spans decades of competing and coaching at the very highest level of international show jumping. He has built up a reputation as one of the best coaches of his, or any other, generation. A gold-medal winning rider in the 1959 Pan American Games, George was on the silver medal-winning team at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He went on become a medal-winning Chef d’Equipe of the American team. His students have followed in his footsteps, featuring prominently throughout Olympic medal-winning American teams over many years. His expertise, strong work ethic and professional ambition are renowned across America. As well as being vocal about how show jumping has changed in his many years of participation at the highest level, George is also a proponent of training horse and rider to be brave and no doubt his masterclass will address this topic amongst many others.

EVENTING LEGEND

A legend of eventing, six-time Olympian, multiple medal winner, Mary King will be at the Show to judge (the Young Event Horse classes & the Small Event Horse class) and to give a masterclass. In a sport where determination, bravery and competitiveness are expected from all, Mary has always stood out. She is also an inspiration to those who do not hail from an equestrian background, having followed her passion from a young age, learning enough through her teenage and young adult years to enable her to ultimately become a professional eventer. Mary went on to represent her country, Great Britain, in six Olympic Games, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2012, and a bronze in 2008. She is also a multi medallist at the World Games and the European championships, and has won blue riband four-star events at Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky.

ONE OF IRELAND'S BESY

Mayo’s Cameron Hanley is one of Ireland’s most successful show jumpers of recent years and is currently in a rich vein of form that has seen him step onto podiums all over the world during the past year. He brings all this form, as well as many years of representing Ireland on Nations Cup teams, to his masterclass at the Show. Cameron won the International Grand Prix of Ireland at the RDS in 2000, has taken part in the 2006 and 2014 World Championships and the 2007 and 2013 European Championships, he was on the recent Irish team that was a very close second to Germany at the world-famous Aachen Show last month, and he topped the podium in June at a 5* Show in Cannes.

MASTERCLASSES SCHEDULE

Days and times for 2018 Masterclasses at the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show in the Simmonscourt Arena:

• Cameron Hanley – Thursday: 13:40 - 14:40

• Mary King – Friday: 12:25 - 13:25

• George Morris – Saturday: 13.00 - 13.45

• George Morris – Sunday: 13.15 - 14.00