There will be many equine firsts at this year’s Dublin Horse Show, which starts today. In culinary terms, a pop up restaurant by Michelin starred chef JP McMahon on the band lawn is unprecedented. On Thursday, August 18 and Friday 19, a limited number of pre-booked diners will enjoy a bespoke menu of three courses, selected from a choice of seven savoury dishes, with an optional dessert course.
One of the special guests at the show is seven-year-old Teddy the Shetland pony, who stands at just 32 inches. Teddy will be meeting and greeting fans in the Kids’ Zone and has his own Instagram accountThursday is of course Ladies Day, when the Very Best Dressed competition takes place in the Band Lawn area – registration is required and is available from 11.30am to 2.50pm.
Ladies also have a chance to enter a second competition – the Continentally Classic Best Dressed Competition, at the InterContinental Dublin. Fashion writer Bairbre Power will be joined by the hotel’s general manager Nicky Logue in judging the Best Dressed on Thursday evening, with a prize of a €1,000 voucher for Kildare Village, the services of a Personal Shopper, complimentary use of the VIP suite, and hands-free shopping for the day.
On Friday, the Aga Khan trophy or Nations Cup competition is the main draw in the main arena, when President Michael D Higgins will also be in attendance. This is the oldest and most prestigious team challenge in equestrian sport. So far, teams from France, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Ireland have confirmed their participation. On Saturday, the main event is the Land Rover Puissance competition, which tests a horse and rider’s courage, athleticism and mutual trust.
As well as plenty of equestrian action, there are also 300 trade stands to browse including fashion, beauty, homeware, garden, art, antiques and jewellery. As for what to wear to the show, competitors can be spotted in jodphurs, while their chic entourage is most likely to be found in heritage jackets from Magee1866, a crisp white shirt, skinny jeans, horsebit loafers or Dubarry boots. Minimal jewellery is all that’s needed, but a little sparkle is essential – a diamond stud perhaps.