DUBLIN, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- A century-old and world-famed horse show opened at Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in the Irish capital on Wednesday, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from home and abroad.
Named 2018 Dublin Horse Show, the annual event for this year is the 145th edition of the show which first started in 1864 with some of the annual gatherings suspended during the two world wars.
Over 1,500 horses and ponies from around the world will compete in 133 competitions and classes in the five-day show which will last till August 12, said organizers.
Main equestrian events include Longines FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland on Aug. 10, Land Rover Puissance on Aug. 11, and Longines Grand Prix on the closing day of Aug. 12.
Some of the world's best known horse trainers and riders including George Morris, one of all-time greats of Amercian equestrianism, and Marry King, a British legend of eventing will also give lectures to local horse lovers during the event which is held at RDS, a vast building complex for holding sports events, exhibitions, conferences and music concerts.
Over the years, the horse show has evolved into a major mixed entertainment event in Ireland and an excellent platform for local merchants to market their products as it annually attracts over 100,000 visitors.
Apart from the performances of international horse jumpers and horse dances during the show, visitors can also entertain themselves by tasting different cusines, watching style shows, enjoying music by local bands and shopping.
Over 300 booths selling different goods and services, many of which are related to horses, were set up inside and outside the exhibition halls of the RDS.
A style show will be held on the second day of the event during which Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man and Most Creative Hat will be selected by a group of style specialists from home and abroad.
