When I spoke with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chair Joe Reynolds late last week he had just received the news that all equestrian events , (aside from racing behind closed doors) had been postponed under the Government’s Level 5 restrictions.

He had been hoping that due to its classification as an elite sport, some equestrian activities could escape the clampdown.

“So our Autumn Development Series for show jumping, eventing and dressage is now on hold until 1 December. If there is any relaxation prior to that we will be ready to go right away. For the moment, what the Government wants is that people stay at home and I understand that. This is not a sporting decision but one of health,” Reynolds said.

HSI has since sought legal advice and is working on a solution to allow equestrian sport to continue under strict protocols.

With that disappointment behind us we went on to talk more generally about the current state of play in the sport horse sector.

New CEO

As for the appointment of a new chief executive officer Reynolds reports that the HSI board has met on the matter, the specifications for choosing a new CEO have been laid down, a recruitment company has been engaged and adverts are being published.

“It will have to be someone who can deal with a very complicated combination of many the different phases of the sport,” he says.

Regarding the €1m in extra funding from the Department of Agriculture, Reynolds expressed his delight that once again equestrian sport was recognised.

“This was a very difficult Budget and to have what is happening within our sport and industry taken note of is very positive. We also made representations for extra capital development funding for facilities and a national training centre. However that was not forthcoming this time around.”

Looking forward

With 2020 coming to a close, Joe is positive when looking forward, saying: “I am optimistic by nature and we have to take a five-year view as matters unfold.”

He noted the uncertainties surrounding the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) schedule, the Olympics in Tokyo and our major home shows, but at the same time he appeared happy that we should be planning for them to take place.

For now anyway, he is attempting to bring as much positivity as he can to our now paused sport horse sector.