The main arena at the RDS was packed as the USA won the Underwriting Exchange Nations Cup of Ireland, with just one fence between the two teams.
It was Ireland’s second year in a row as runners-up, and the USA’s eight time to claim the top prize, as Great Britain came third, followed by Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and France.
The trophy was presented to the winners by Dublin Lord Mayor James Geoghegan.
Each of the first six competitors jumped clear, including Darragh Kenny of Offaly on the 17-year-old stallion VDL Cartello.
With Ireland just behind the USA at the end, Cian O’Connor rode clear round on Fancy De Kergane, leaving it up to the USA to beat the home team.
But the USA’s last rider McLain Ward also had a perfect round to deliver them an eight win in the competition with four faults, against Ireland’s eight.
Before the competition began in the main arena, there was the parade of champions featuring champion hunters, Connemara ponies, and Irish Draught mares and foals.
Hats off to teacher Lorraine as she wins Best Dressed on Ladies’ Day at Dublin Horse Show
Australian dressage rider Tristan Tucker also wowed the crowds in Simmonscourt with a masterclass in the discipline, while stuntman Ben Atkinson and his Action Horses were equally jaw-dropping. Atkinson and his Action Horses perform again over the next two days.
There was also a showcase from equine-assisted therapy charity Festina Lente, which demonstrated its work with its equestrian vaulting team.
Jill Carey, chief executive of Festina Lente, said: “The Dublin Horse Show gives us an amazing platform to showcase the power of equine-assisted therapy. And of course, our Shetland ponies in the family area are super popular with young families.”
The Dublin Horse Show continues on Saturday and Sunday with the crowd-favourite the Defender Puissance the feature event on Saturday as competitors vie to be the highest over the red wall.
On Sunday, the feature event is the Rolex Grand Prix, with a prize fund of €500,000.
