THE Royal Dublin Society have reverted to only allowing Irish-bred horses, born on the island of Ireland, to compete in the young horse classes at the Dublin Horse Show. This follows a review of the 2018 show, where there was controversy and legal proceedings in the lead-up, following one party questioning the eligibility of a five-year-old horse.

In 2012, the rules were tweaked to allow stallions and mares bred outside of Ireland, but who are registered and approved/preliminary approved, or select for breeding in an Irish studbook (approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), to compete in the four, five and six-year-old classes at the show.

A high court case was brought against the RDS, Showjumping Ireland and a horse owner in July of last year challenging the eligibility of a five-year-old stallion who was foreign-bred and allegedly suspended from an Irish studbook. The case was later dropped and the horse competed at the show.

WIDELY WELCOMED

An RDS spokesperson said: “The rule around the four, five and six-year-old show jumping competitions was considered as part of the RDS Equestrian Committee’s post-show review. The committee decided to revert to the original conditions, whereby only horses that have been foaled in Ireland are eligible to compete. The issue that occurred last year highlighted how the rule, which permitted breeding stock from outside of Ireland to compete, was open to misapplication, and on review, it was felt that the original conditions provide greater equity for all involved.”

The conditions have been widely welcomed by breeders and horse owners, with the RDS adding: “In addition, the original conditions are more aligned to the RDS equestrian mission which is to support the Irish sport horse breeder and producer by showcasing the best Irish-bred horses. The feedback in relation to the rule change has been very positive.”