The Dublin Horse Show is under way at the RDS, with crowds of up to 120,000 people expected over the next five days.
The event, now in its 148th year, returns, as a report highlights the investment needs for the horse sport industry.
Coinciding with the show's opening, a newly published economic analysis on the horse sport industry claims that Horse Sport Ireland puts the value of the industry at €1bn per annum, supporting approximately 15,000 jobs in every part of the country.
The report estimates there are close to 140,000 sport horses in Ireland and export sales were worth €185m in 2022.
The report, by economist Jim Power, notes a number of significant challenges for the sector, including the lack of a strategic plan, the need for properly resourced training and development, insurance costs, the inadequate promotion of the sport despite its global status and changing attitudes concerning "social licence" to use horses in sport.
The report also notes that the RDS believes an investment of €5m in an education and training programme is a first step that would increase participation in equestrian activities, support economic activity and employment in rural Ireland and, through developing the understanding and supply of equine therapies, bring significant benefits for people with physical, emotional and behavioural issues.
For every euro spent, the report author estimates there would be a fivefold return in monetary terms.
Between today and Sunday, the Dublin Horse Show will offer a mix of national and international show jumping competitions, with a total prize fund of €1.3m.
Highlights are the Nations Cup on Friday, with its prize fund of €250,000, where Ireland will compete to retain the Aga Khan Trophy for the second year in a row, and the Grand Prix on Sunday, with a prize fund of €350,000.
There will be 166 other competitions taking place for horses and ponies and riders in different age brackets.
Tomorrow will see the Best Dressed Competition winner selected, with a grand prize valued at €10,000 up for grabs.
Organisers say the Dublin Horse Show costs the RDS €6m to run and is worth €50m to the economy.
