Minister Ring launches the 2014 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show

Published on : Thursday, July 17, 2014

Fáilte-Ireland1-300x161Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, formally launched the 2014 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show which takes place at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10.

Speaking at the reception, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to be here at the launch of the 2014 Discover Ireland Horse Show. This is the 141st occasion Horse Show and which once again welcomes thousands of visitors from home and abroad. It is a fantastic opportunity for our horses and riders to perform, in Ireland, to the highest international level.
 

This is the showcase event for Ireland’s equestrian tourism product, and gives us an opportunity to show that Ireland can successfully host major sporting events and provides a wonderful experience for spectators and participants alike.”
 

From August 6 – 10 the historic RDS grounds in Ballsbridge will come alive when over 1,300 horses and ponies compete in 125 competitions and classes for a total prize fund in excess of €940,000. The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show showcases the very best in national and international equestrianism and visitors to this world renowned event will enjoy top international show jumping classes such as the Longines International Grand Prix and the Land Rover Puissance. As ever, the contest for the Aga Khan Trophy is one of the highlights of the week and Team Ireland will be one of 8 countries to compete in the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup™.
 

Orla Carroll, Head of Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Operations stated:
“Fáilte Ireland, through Discover Ireland, is pleased to once again support this world-class event. This is an immensely popular annual event in the tourism calendar, this year’s packed programme will prove a great draw for both Irish people and overseas visitors, from all walks of life.

 

A successful tourism destination needs to be able to keep its visitors entertained so that they return time and time again. The Dublin Horse Show does just that and strongly contributes to our overall ambition of marketing Dublin as a ‘must-see’ and ‘must-do’ destination.”

 
In its 141st year, the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show has much more to offer visitors than just horses and world class equestrianism. With a packed programme of events planned for the five days, the Show is a terrific day out and a highlight in the sporting and social calendars. Children of all ages will love the wide range of fun activities in the Kids’ Zone including magic shows, pony rides and bouncy castles.

 

 

Visitors wishing to shop will be spoilt for choice, with over 300 shopping stands to choose from and if you are feeling peckish there are many tasty offerings available at the Show. For those visitors interested in culture there is an art and craft exhibition -that showcases the works from Ireland’s leading craftspeople and talented art students.
 

Michael Duffy, RDS Chief Executive commented: “the Horse Show was originally founded to encourage and promote the Irish Horse Industry. Through continuous development of equine classes and competitions, the 2014 Show provides Irish breeders and producers with an international platform at which to showcase the very best of Irish bred horses.
 

This year, in addition to an outstanding equestrian programme, the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show has a full schedule of events. From the style and glamour of Blossom Hill Ladies Day, to the natural horsemanship demonstrations of legendary horseman Buck Brannaman, to the fun antics of the charismatic little pony Luma the Lion, the Show has something for everyone to enjoy.”
 

For both male and female fashionistas the premier style event of the year, Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day takes place on Thursday, August 7. The ‘Best Dressed Lady’ will walk away with a trip to New York worth up to €8,000. Gentlemen should also get suited and booted as there is a fantastic prize (valued at over €5,000) for the g HOTEL Best Dressed Man. Other prize categories include the ‘Most Creative Hat’ and the ‘Most Colourful Outfit’.
 

This year the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is delighted to welcome Montana (USA) horseman Buck Brannaman to the RDS, where he will demonstrate his legendary natural horsemanship skills daily at the Show. Buck was one of the primary individuals who inspired the character of “Tom Booker” in the Nicholas Evans novel, ‘The Horse Whisperer’. Other international entertainment at the Show includes Luma the Lion, a miniature eight year old pony bursting with confidence and charisma, who delights crowds with beautiful dressage movements to perfectly executed tricks.

 

Source:- Failte Ireland

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