INTERNATIONAL dressage rider Jessica Dunn has declared for Ireland. The 36-year-old, who is based at White Hill Stud in Lancashire, previously represented Great Britain. With the 13-year-old British-bred Durable gelding Dan Its Carston, she has met the FEI qualification criteria for this year’s World Equestrian Games, having finished third and fourth in the Grands Prix at CDI3* Hartpury and CDI3* Wellington-Heckfield respectively last year. The combination went on to win the Freestyle at the latter on a score of 72.905%.

Dunn, who has also notched up international wins and Grand Prix placings with her former ride, Alicante Valley, was previously based in Germany with Wolfram Wittig for four years. Speaking about her nationality swap, she said: “I am unbelievably excited to start this new chapter. It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time and I feel that I’m at a point in my career and life where it really makes sense. It’s such an amazing opportunity for me and I really look forward to what we can achieve.”

Horse Sport Ireland’s Senior Dressage High Performance Manager Anne Marie Dunphy said: “I’m very happy to welcome Jess to Team Ireland. We now have a good mix of established and emerging combinations who will compliment and support each other going forward, giving us greater options for team events.”