Madam,

Firstly I would like to congratulate my team mates on their Silver European Eventing Medal.

I watched with vested interest from home soil, what can only be described as a monumental achievement. I will not hide my disappointment at not being given the opportunity to stand alongside them on the podium but neither will I hide how proud I am of their sterling performances.

From the outside world, Irish riders compete under, and are supported by, Horse Sport Ireland’s Irish High Performance Eventing ‘Programme’.

However, the direct support offered by the governing bodies to riders and owners over the years has been somewhat minimal, both financially and structurally.

Ironically, this year the support was more modest than in recent times, nearly non-existent.

There was no HP selection criteria nor a selection committee, team trainers, team training or owners’ support group.

I am compelled to highlight this, not to be negative but to emphasise the immense strength and depth of talent that Ireland has as a nation and to recognise that our High Performance athletes are most notably supported by their individual owners and sponsors.

Funding

Whilst the athletes, their support teams and owners continue to deliver, one cannot ignore the question of where Horse Sport Ireland and Irish Eventing affiliates HP funding has been allocated to?

Irish eventing is not a stranger to success. The youth squads have been delivering medals for decades. In 2018, Ireland brought home two silver WEG medals, giving the Irish eventing community a much-needed boost.

Success at this level proves what can be achieved when talent is matched with commitment; surely now it is time for eventing governing bodies to dedicate the same commitment in return, respect the ongoing efforts and finally provide clarity, transparency and support riders and owners in such a way to make everyone proud to be part of ‘Team Ireland’ and the governing bodies and, most importantly, not rest on their laurels.

Yours,

Joseph Murphy

Irish Olympic eventing rider

Send letters to the editor to:

horseworld@theirishfield.ie