Published: Thursday, 29th July, 2010 3:08pm

Countdown to Dublin Horse Show

by Conall Collier

Pic by==: 97

With a week to go, preparations are well under way for the 137th Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show.

Entries are up on last year and Meath has produced some strong entries.

There are 45 Meath exhibitors competing across a range of showing and jumping classes.

The primary aim of the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is to support the Irish breeder and promote Irish equestrianism and producers in Meath continue to play an important role in this work.

Michael Bailey is hoping to make his supporters in Enfield proud with his mare Chateaunique and her filly foal Fuerty Unique - they have qualified for the Breeders' Championship.

The Breeders' Championship is an important competition that aims to encourage the production of quality young stock and serves as a benchmark for Irish breeders.

Meath supporters are welcome in the Main Arena when two Ratoath entries compete in the CSIYH1 International seven and eight-year-old jumping competition.

Jackie Bolger and Mel Sutcliffe have a joint entry - Bear Bay D'Artagnan by Lados.

Mary Hughes has qualified her mare Arabella out of a Cavalier Royal mare.

Sandra Hatton from Navan has serious ambitions in the Connemara Performance Hunter Championship with her two gelding entries - The Joker and Coill Dearmaid William.

Anne Stanley from Julianstown also has an entry in the class and will be hoping the aptly-named Bob Marley is on song.

The RDS is working with breeders to help maintain and promote the Connemara Pony as a distinct breed in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society of Ireland.

With their distinctive sturdy build and easy-going nature, it's easy to see why the Connemara ponies continue to prove so popular with the crowds.

This year visitors can also show their support for Meath, pending the right result on Sunday, and wear their county colours.

There will also be live music and entertainment, arts, fashion, shopping and food.

The action starts next Wednesday at 8.40am in the main arena.

Visit www.dublinhorseshow.com to buy tickets and for more information.

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