INDUSTRY figures gathered at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) on Tuesday for the official launch of the 147th Dublin Horse Show, which takes place from August 17th to 21st.

The show, which costs €6.2 million to stage and has a total prize fund of €1 million for 2022, was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. “[The Dublin Horse Show] is a wonderful and fantastic marketing opportunity for the Irish Horse, it showcases the Irish performance and rare breeds nationally and internationally. It facilitates the sale and export of several Irish horses annually and it increases the value of horses participating and placed in their prestigious classes,” said Minister McConalogue.

“Ireland is the most densely sport horse populated country in Europe. Its importance to all aspects the industry and the economy is really, really important. I am acutely aware of its importance. I want to see the sector to grow and to flourish long into the future. The grassroots element of the industry is crucial to the success of the overall multi-million-euro industry.

“I really felt and sensed the excitement as soon as I landed [here]. The importance of the Dublin Horse Show cannot be underestimated, and the entire sector is one that I am hugely supportive of as Minister.”

Three-fold funding increase

Through the Horse Sport Ireland Breeding Grants 2022 scheme, the Dublin Horse Show receives €200,000 funding from the DAFM, a three-fold increase on 2019 when Dublin was last held.

Minister McConalogue commented: “This year, 2022, is the largest fund ever allocated to the RDS with some €200,000 being funded through the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) breeding grant funded by my Department. The €200,000 is almost a three-fold increase for the Dublin Horse Show on 2019. This fund will specifically support young horse classes in showing, eventing and show jumping with the addition in 2022 of support for young show jumping ponies in line with reaching new heights objectives.”

CEO of the RDS, Geraldine Ruane, welcomed the Minister, sponsors and industry personnel to the launch and introduced a new initiative for the 2022 show in the Mannon Farm-sponsored ‘Positive Strides’, which will have a focus on equine therapy and its benefits to all in society.

“It is time to celebrate the impact that equestrian has on everyday life, in particular for those that need that relationship more than others. Featured are Child Vision, Clondalkin Equine Club and Festina Lente. Every organisation has been given a platform to celebrate the amazing work they do on the ground. There will be a panel discussion in the concert hall during the show, which will focus on the impact that equine therapy can have on the lives.”