Dublin Bound: The Advice, the Almost-Misses and the Ponies

With the 2026 Dublin Horse Show just days away, we hear from the riders, owners and breeders preparing to take part in the Connemara pony classes.

Through voice notes sent directly from yards, stables and jeeps across Ireland and beyond, our contributors introduce their qualified ponies, share the best Dublin advice they have received, reveal what nearly stopped them from getting there and imagine what their pony might say if interviewed on the morning of the class.

We are also joined by Tweetie Nimmo, Kirsty Aird and Madeline Beckmann, all of whom have previously judged the Connemara classes at Dublin. They share their memories, experience and insights into what makes competing at the Dublin Horse Show such a special occasion.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode, and the very best of luck to every breeder, owner, rider and pony heading to Dublin.

Part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Scheme.