At long last I found myself flying to Ireland - it's only been a year since my last visit, but man it was good to be landing at Dublin Airport! First stop was Duty Free for a bottle of Bushmills Whiskey, and then straight to the Ballsbridge for the Royal Dublin Show.
The RDS is an Irish institution for sure. The show has been going for over 130 years, and I've been coming to it on and off for the last 13 of them! People often ask why I have such a fascination with Ireland and why I keep going back there. Well it's a combination of many things - the people, the horses and the parties! The Dublin horse show is right in the heart of Dublin, and the place is just abuzz with horses being bought and sold, old friends catching up, the finest of Irish food and beverages for sale - and some of the best trade stalls I've seen anywhere in the world - I gave the credit card a big hiding I can assure you!
For me it was a chance to catch up with some old friends, and meet some new ones. Every year there I get to see people I haven't seen for up to 10 years - names and faces from the past - sharing stories over a pint or two. You get the picture.
Many of the world's top showjumping riders are at Dublin and I love watching them go. The Puissance class is always a favourite, as is the Nations Cup where they are challenging for the famous Aga Kahn trophy.
This year I helped a friend who lectures at UCD (University College Dublin) to do a survey on the types of bits and gadgets used with the jumping horses. I must say some of it is more than disturbing as the photos below attest to. It's hard to believe the FEI still bleat on about horse welfare and the "Happy Athlete" when they allow all types of bits and tiedowns, draw reins etc to be used. Another shocking thing is that most of the riders warm-up with no helmets on which I really think sets a terrible example.
The best rider to watch I think was undoubtedly Penelope Leprevost of France. No harsh bits or tie downs, and a wonderful soft way of riding and training.
Ireland's finest Draught horses were on show in the In-Hand classes and I had friends in the Cob and coloured horse classes which are absolutely huge.
The hunt Chase on the last day left me with my heart in my mouth as usual - it's a pity it never got to get off the ground at this year's Horse of the Year show - it really is a spectacle and a half!