IRELAND’s para dressage riders, who are preparing for the upcoming European Championships in the Netherlands, have issued an urgent appeal for donations to help them get there.
According to the board of Para Equestrian Ireland “some unforeseen financial constraints” have resulted in the athletes and their families taking on more of the financial costs of travelling than anticipated.
It is understood that a travelling bursary in the region of €5,000 for riders at the 2023 Europeans is not available this year. This would have greatly alleviated the transport and stabling costs, estimated to be in the region of €10,000 per horse.
“While Para Equestrian Ireland has pledged part of its limited budget, the high costs of travel for horses and riders, plus grooms, carers and coaching, fall mostly on the athletes,” said PEI secretary Heather Lemmon on behalf of the board.
“Despite all these challenges, the Irish para dressage riders remain focused and determined. They show what it means to keep working hard, keep believing and keep pushing forward. They’re now asking the wider community for help raising funds. Every gesture makes a difference because in para dressage, it’s not just about medals. It’s about meaning.
“Para dressage is a sport that requires strength, focus and a lot of hard work, often while dealing with challenges you don’t see. For Ireland’s top Para Equestrian riders, the upcoming European Championships are a big deal, both for them personally and for the country.
“What makes their journey even more extraordinary is that many para riders do all this while managing life-altering conditions or disabilities.”
Ireland is lucky to have the top two riders in the FEI Under-18 World Rankings, Katie Reilly and Clodagh Walsh, both of whom are selected for the Europeans. Reilly, who is currently ranked number one in the world for her category, will be competing with Keystone Dawn Chorus.
“I was really proud and excited when I found out I was selected. My rider John helps get Lottie ready, so I can focus on riding my best. I couldn’t do it without my team,” Katie said.
Walsh, who is ranked number two in the same group, is also looking forward to competing. “It’s a great honour to represent Ireland,” she said. “My support team helps me prepare and compete, and I’m very thankful for everything they do.”
Angela Lyons, another team member said: “It’s a huge honour to be picked to represent Ireland. Every time I ride, I remember why I do this. It’s not just about competing, but about showing what’s possible.”
The other para dressage rider chosen for the Europeans is Paralympian Jessica McKenna (D.C.I Cerutti). At the last Para Dressage European Championships in Riesenbeck, Ireland’s Michael Murphy and Cleverboy won the silver medal in the Grade I Freestyle.
Support
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) confirmed there was currently no travel grant available for senior athletes across any Olympic or Paralympic discipline.
“While there is no travel grant available, a comprehensive range of supports has been put in place specifically for the para dressage team,” said Avalon Everett, HSI’s Chief Operating Officer.
“These include full hotel accommodation for selected athletes during the Championships, covered entry fees, fully-funded FEI licences, veterinary support including pre-travel and on site assistance, fully-funded team kit and dedicated logistical and administrative support through the Para High Performance manager.
“As per the approved FEI schedule, the entry fee per horse for the Para Dressage European Championships is €750, with additional charges for electricity, hay, straw, shavings, health documents, and credit card fees potentially adding over €250 per athlete. These costs are considered in programme planning and reimbursement structures.”
Everett also explained that Olympic cycle bursaries are starting to roll out from Paralympics Ireland with one para dressage athlete confirmed as a recipient of up to €5,000 through their Pathway Programme. Another para dressage athlete has secured a €5,000 grant from Sport Northern Ireland based on their place of birth.
“While HSI’s programme support for para dressage has remained consistent between 2023 and 2024, it is correct to note that PI’s level of direct financial support has changed as we transition into a new Paralympic cycle. Athletes and Para Equestrian Ireland were advised of the confirmed HSI supports, and HSI senior management continue to engage constructively with all programme stakeholders,” Everett concluded.