Irish show jumpers are welcoming the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Premier Series with open arms as action kicks off this Sunday (9 May) at Barnadown in Co Wexford.

This year sees an increased prize fund of over €75,000 for the series with each leg having a minimum prize fund of €15,000 including young rider, groom, owner and breeder prizes.

Speaking after the -announcement of the series, HSI acting CEO Joe Reynolds said: “Horse Sport Ireland are delighted to support such an important initiative in the show jumping calendar.

“The equestrian industry like so many industries has suffered because of the ongoing global pandemic.

“However, we are delighted to support this year’s HSI Premier Series with a prize fund of €75,000 which is an increase of €20,000 compared to 2020.

“The HSI Premier Series will see Ireland’s best horse and rider combinations showcase show jumping throughout the country. Although the early legs of the series will take place behind closed doors, the live streaming of all legs will allow these horse and rider combinations access to a global audience and with the support and help of the venues, I am confident that we can promote Ireland as the ‘land of the horse’.”

Showjumping Ireland (SJI) chair Eamon Rice added: “For 2021 the HSI Premier Series which is sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland in conjunction with SJI, has taken an even more significant role in providing competition for our home-based riders, who are experiencing difficulty with international travel, due to the reduction of international shows and COVID-19 restrictions.

“The Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series now offers top-level competition and prize money for our national and international riders. We wish all competitors a successful campaign.”

The HSI Premier series was won in 2020 by Army rider Capt Geoff Curran and the Co Waterford native is hoping he can retain his title: “I am looking forward to the 2021 Premier Series and once again this year the series is being run at fantastic venues.

“I am sure there will be great competition as many of our best horses will be staying in Ireland this year to compete.”