Visiting Dublin for the Horse show at RDS

Visiting Dublin Ireland for the horse show, have you a day to spare book as an individual or indeed take a group on the best day tours out of dublin, visit spectacular Irish countryside the fun, starts here www.daytoursunplugged.ie
1. The first show was held in 1864 under the auspices of the Society, but organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland. There were 366 entries in the first show with a total prize fund of £520.

2. On the 28, 29 and 30 July 1868 the first show was held and organised by the Royal Dublin Society on the lawns of Leinster House. The Council granted £100 out of the Society's funds to be awarded in prizes. It started as a show of led-horses and featured ‘leaping' demonstrations.

3. Ass and mule classes were listed at the first show!

4. In 1869 the first Challenge Cup was presented for the best exhibit in the classes for hunters and young horses likely to make hunters.

5. With over 800 entries in the Show in 1895, it was necessary to run the jumping competitors off in pairs - causing difficulties for the judges at the time!

6. No lady was allowed to ride in any jumping competition until 1919.

7. A novelty class for women was introduced in 1919. In 1920 women were able to compete freely. Women were permitted to compete in the international competitions from 1954 (an international rule).

8. In times past the Ladies Hunter Classes for ladies riding side-saddle in traditional costume (veil and habit) were judged on the Thursday of the Show. As a result Thursday became Ladies' Day, the longest

9. Six countries competed in the first international teams competition for the Aga Khan Challenge trophy - Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Ireland. The Swiss team won the title on Irish bred horses.

10. The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is Ireland's largest equestrian event, and one of the largest events held on the island.

11. The show has the third largest annual prize pool for International Show Jumping in the world.

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