The Dublin Horse Show 2021 has been cancelled, organisers of the event announced today.
The annual RDS show, which attracts competitors and spectators from around the world, was due to take place in August.
In its place will be the RDS National Championships which will take place behind closed doors between August 18 and 22 subject to Government approval.
Organisers of the Dublin Horse Show said that due to the uncertainty it has not been possible to carry out the months of preparations needed for the show which sees tens of thousands of visitors every day.
In a statement issued today, they said: "The RDS has been monitoring the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, including the vaccination rates and the latest Government advice. In the current circumstances it has been decided that it will not be possible to operate a Dublin Horse Show this year.
"Preparations for a typical Dublin Horse Show take many months of planning and organisation, and this has not been possible this year with the levels of uncertainty that still exist for the re-opening of Irish society. Instead, it is our intention to host an ‘RDS National Championships’ for selected national competitions across show jumping and showing classes on August 18-22, subject to Government approval.
"We look forward to hosting the Dublin Horse Show in 2022 and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors back each day to a summer staple that people have known and loved for generations. "
