NEXT week’s Dublin Horse Show is now just around the corner as we eagerly count down the days to one of the greatest horse shows on the planet as the five-star equine extravaganza takes centre stage at Ballsbridge and holds such a special place in our hearts and minds.

With horses in our national DNA, we are all in for a rollercoaster week at Dublin next week as our senior chef d’equipe Michael Blake’s top squad of Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle, Mikey Pender and Michael Duffy will be going all out to retain the coveted Aga Khan Trophy on Nations Cup day next Friday. The atmosphere on Nations Cup day is like no other as the Army band strikes up and the roar of the capacity crowd rings out around the spectacular Main Arena.

There’s nowhere quite like Dublin with some 168 classes on the packed schedule from lead rein ponies right up to world class show jumping. Dublin is unique in the breadth and depth of its classes, simultaneously hosting both a national and international show, invaluably showcasing the Irish equestrian industry to a global audience.

Celebrating the positive impact that equestrianism has on society in general, we also look forward to the return of ‘Positive Strides’ next week as the RDS partners with the wonderful organisation that is Festina Lente as its chosen equine charity throughout show week.

Preview Guide

We are delighted to once again bring readers a 40-page Dublin Horse Show Preview Guide, free with this weekend’s paper. The guide is packed with top interviews, features, show jumping and showing previews, along with the show timetable to help you plan your week at Dublin. Many thanks to each and every one of our loyal advertisers for their great support and we wish them all a wonderful week at Dublin.

On behalf of the busy editorial, advertising and production teams at The Irish Field, we wish everyone a great week at Dublin Horse Show and we look forward to bringing you unrivalled coverage.