A few weeks back we dared to predict that Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) Covid-19 protocols for the resumption of competition would work. By way of an update, I checked in with the busy Barnadown Equestrian Centre in Wexford to see if we were right, and, thankfully,things are positive both from the organiser and competitor point of view.

Maurice Cousins of Barnadown told me: “It all worked very well. We had to put on extra staff. Install sanitiser stations, do just take-away in the canteen and have two Covid -19 compliance officers on site, but I must say the riders were very cooperative.”

No owners

Cousins also praised Showjumping Ireland (SJI) for emailing the owners about not attending – something which was well adhered to. Since mid-June Barnadown has been running shows twice a week. The weekend before last they hosted the opening round of the Premier Series, a national Grand Prix and the ISH Stud Book Series, with a delighted Cousins saying: “With riders having had to stay home for so long, our entry was even larger than last year.”

Edward Doyle and his son Edward Jr were among the starters. “We did not find it difficult. The system of pre-entry is quicker and smarter. We know just when we are in the ring. While owners cannot be present they know when their horse is jumping and they can keep in touch online,” Doyle Sr said.

Ger O’Neill’s Castlefield entries had a great outing at Barnadown, with stable rider Jason Foley taking first and second in the Premier class, while Ger himself came third. “It was well organised. We had to check our names at the gate, pre-booked our own aisle of stables so there was no need for close contact with others. Between staff and riders we had seven people with us and there was no problem,” said O’Neill.

Sales

Both at Barnadown and Galway (the opening leg of the National Grand Prix league) O’Neill has been able to give his team of younger horses a good outing. Looking forward to Lanaken in September he notes he has seven or eight candidates for selection. “Over the last four years our horses have won four medals. We hope to keep that going.”

As to sales, he said: “During the early lockdown things were very quiet but over the past two weeks I have sold six horses – four by video and two for home customers.”

So, all and all it does seem that our Irish ingenuity and desire to compete is keeping us ahead of the pandemic.