This is featured in one section of photographer Patrick Donald's exhibition, Horse Whisperers, to be held at 10 Merrion Square next weekend, from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May. Since the 1500s, thousands of visitors have descended on the village of Sabudeco to witness the historic spectacle of the animals being groomed by the local people. Another subject of Donald's exhibition is closer to home, but equally rich in imagery for a photographer. The Smithfield Horse Fair has been suspended due, in part, to the massive redevelopment of the area and also tighter controls on safety issues. A regular fixture of the north inner city on the first Sunday of each month for decades, the fair was a draw not just for traders but also artists and photographers.

All images are handprinted, limited edition fibre-based photographs signed by the photographer. Archival methods of processing have been employed to give lasting quality.

The full collection of Patrick Donald photographs can be viewed on his website at www. patrickdonald. com.