INCREASED prize money in showing classes and the introduction of two new classes for pony riders were announced by the RDS for the 2022 Dublin Horse Show this week.

After a two year Covid-enforced break, the RDS has pledged to “get back with a strong start” for the 2022 show which takes place from August 17th to 21st at the famous Ballsbridge venue and is set to cost €6 million.

The show hunter classes will see a 53% increase in prize fund across the three weight categories; light, middle and heavy weight, bringing the total prize money to €49,000.

The prize fund for two yearling and three two-year-old in hand classes will increase by 65% bringing them in line with the three three-year-old classes, which each offer a prize fund of €5,000. The total prize fund across the eight Young Horse classes at the 2022 Dublin Horse Show will be €40,000.

A recent focus group highlighted some concerns around the showing and show hunter sector. A press release from the RDS said: “The show hunter classes, and the tradition and spectacle surrounding them, are a focal point at the show each year, and the RDS is determined to maintain and develop this sector of equestrianism for future generations.

“In a forum, held at the RDS earlier this month, specifically focused on the showing and show hunter sector, concern was expressed at the declining numbers of suitable horses being bred for the purpose of showing.

“And while the RDS, through the Dublin Horse Show, can support the sector by offering large prize funds and competitions, this must take place in conjunction with a national breeding programme for showing to be successful.”

It continued: “The ridden hunter classes at the Dublin Horse Show, which are open to Irish-bred horses only, offer breeders, producers and riders a unique platform to produce, showcase and market their quality horses.

“The classes should be of particular interest to young horse producers, who can utilize them as a training and production medium, without putting undue performance pressure on their horses in their formative years.

“The increase in prize fund will extend across the age groups, and the classes are open to riders of all disciplines, not just show horse producers. The RDS is committed to further developing the ridden hunter classes and to increasing participation rates in this area.”

New pony show jumping

The 2022 show will include new competitions for 128cm and 138cm six and seven-year-old ponies, which will benefit and support the production of young ponies in these height categories. A 148cm six- and seven-year-old class is already in place.

A total of 12 ponies will qualify for each of the new classes; three pony and rider combinations qualifying in each height category at each of four qualifiers.

The new classes will be judged on future potential, rideability and jumping technique/natural ability. In the event of a tie, the above-mentioned traits in that order will determine the final result.

“A young horse and breeding forum also took place at the RDS this month, where discussions centred on the need for separate pathways for the breeding of show jumpers and event horses, and again the need for specific breeding programmes for eventing and showing were mooted.

“It was pointed out that the Dublin Horse Show classes and competitions have become a significant and important directional tool for exhibitors in this regard but must be supported by an overall national policy,” said the RDS press release.

Breeders’ championship

The Breeders’ Championship will now be split into two classes to cater for those breeders aiming to produce show jumping foals and those producing foals for eventing, in order to “recognise the need for specialised breeding programmes”.

It is recommended that foals in the eventing class have 60% or more thoroughbred blood in their pedigrees. Four regional qualifiers will be held for the Breeders’ Championship in 2022, as opposed to six previously, and the judges for the Championship classes, both at the qualifiers, and at the final, will come from a relevant performance background.

“The importance of clarity in the language used for showing classes was also highlighted. In addition to the increased prize funds, the terminology used in the young horse classes (yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds) will now focus on ‘sport horses’ as opposed to ‘hunters’ as this better reflects and tracks market demands.”

The national classes run alongside a full compliment of international show jumping, including the Aga Khan Nations Cup which takes place, as usual, on Friday and runs as part of the Division 1 Longines FEI Nations Cup series.

2022 show