Behind the Scenes: Dublin Horse Show

August 23, 2011

WhatSheWears has been covering the style at Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show for a couple of years now but this year was pleasantly different as I was invited along to the event as a guest of Longines, who sponsor the Nations Cup show jumping circuit around Europe, of which the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is the seventh competition.

I learned a lot that day over a sumptuous lunch which was served in the grand stand (yes “in” the stand – it’s like they took out the seating and put in lots of tables and chairs) ; the first horse show took place in 1868, organised by the Royal Dublin Society who moved it to Ballsbridge in 1881 when a stand to seat 800 spectators was built.

In 1925 it was suggested that the show include an international jumping competition, which caught the attention of Prince Aga Khan III, who donated a prize to the winner, hence the Aga Khan cup which is still awarded today.

I also found out that “Ladies Day” came about as the Thursday was traditionally the day when the ladies jumpers rode out, on side saddle of course, and has only evolved into the Best Dressed competition in recent years, which is still always held on the Thursday.

On a side note, I also learned that Bradley Cooper speaks perfect French, but that’s neither here nor there!

What She Wore: A black hat and jumpsuit, worn with a pink and yellow silk obi belt, the latter was borrowed from my sister. Here I am sitting beside Natasha Sherling, who was also there as a guest of Longines

What She Ate: Crab salad followed by baked sea bass, finished off with a raspberry creme brulee

What She Witnessed: Apart from the wonderful watches worn by the Longines team (the lucky perks of the job!), the popularity of the female members of the Danish team was palpable; they ditched the traditional show jumping attire for black polo shirts and black aviator sunglasses. Their matching manes of long blonde hair completed the look!

Then it was over to the bandstand to take some style pictures for your enjoyment.

All Images: WhatSheWears