THE first of five days of equestrian sport begins today (Wednesday) in the RDS, Dublin, with international and national show jumping and showing competitions taking place until Sunday, July 24.

A total of 132 competitions take place during the Show, including 14 international show jumping competitions, nine of which carry world ranking points.

The highlight of the week is the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cuptm on Friday, when Ireland will look to retain the title they won in convincing style last year. In their ranks will be Ireland’s 2016 show jumping Olympic hopeful Greg Broderick.

The Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day takes place tomorrow, Thursday July 21, with a €10,000 shopping voucher on offer for the overall winner. This year will also see natural horseman Pat Parelli appear at the Show to give demonstrations on four of the five days. Sir AP McCoy will be on hand on Saturday to judge the Racehorse to Riding Horse class which features Forpadydeplasterer, Zaidpour, Arvika Ligeonniere, and Mossbank among others.

An Irish team of four for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cuptm from the following will be named tomorrow:

•Bertram Allen from Wexford with Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve

•Rio-bound Greg Broderick from Tipperary with MHS Going Global

•Darragh Kenny from Offaly with Go Easy De Muze

•Denis Lynch from Tipperary with All Star 5

•Cian O’Connor from Meath with Good Luck

In a change from the traditional August dates to accommodate Olympic riders, this year’s Dublin Horse Show is the same great mix of equestrian competition, family entertainment and summer social activity.