It is all systems go on the Dublin Horse Show qualifier circuit and this year seems busier than ever. Congratulations to all those qualified and best of luck to those still chasing a golden ticket.

Last week, we got the first taste of reaction to a change in the programme for this year – the introduction of qualifiers for the Working Hunter Horse classes.

The new rules pertaining to the WHH classes are as follows:

- A rider may enter a maximum of two horses per WHH qualifier class

- A rider may qualify a maximum of two horses per class, and four horses overall across the five WHH classes, for the Dublin Horse Show

- The first four horses qualified will determine the qualifying place, regardless of subsequent placings

According to the RDS, the changes were made after a review established that in 2025, one rider had four entries across the five WHH classes, with two entries in one class. Another rider had three entries across three different classes, and there were 14 riders with two entries overall across the five classes and there were three riders with two entries in the same class.

Fiona Sheridan, Show Director, said: “We are confident that these rules provide sufficient flexibility for all riders and producers, while also ensuring the orderly and efficient running of both the qualifiers and the Dublin Horse Show. They support a fair and equitable qualification process for every competitor.”

While there is no question regarding the intent of the change, nor the fabulous running of the qualifiers by the dedicated organisers, one reader reached out to speak about how it affects her.

Owner Martyna Wright wrote: “The new restrictions effectively place a cap on the number of horses a professional can campaign. In practical terms, this limits business opportunities for producers whose livelihoods depend upon sourcing, producing and showcasing quality horses. Unlike many amateur competitors, professional producers rely on these classes as part of their income stream. Restricting numbers inevitably restricts earning potential.”

She continued: “The traditional principle has been simple: the best horses qualify and compete. Does this rule support excellence and increase opportunities in the way it is intended? The introduction of numerical limits appears to move away from that principle.”

Ms Wright goes on to make other salient points which you can read at the link above. What I appreciate most, however, is that we are hearing in real-time how people are feeling. I know that RDS leadership has read this letter and is preparing a response. This is what we need more of – real time reaction and real-time responses to issues facing our industry.

I applaud anyone who is brave enough to share their views, in a respectful way of course, and encourage anyone who would like to be heard on any matter to get in touch via horseworld@theirishfield.ie.

Resignations

Another story that I expect will have further mileage concerns the resignations from the board, forums and a committee of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Entrepreneur and agent Barry O’Connor first resigned as riders’ representative on the Senior Jumping High Performance Advisory Group. Then, on Friday, it was confirmed to The Irish Field that former Irish Olympic show jumper Jack Doyle, also a member of that group, had resigned.

On Wednesday of last week, the Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) also announced it was withdrawing its representation within HSI, effective immediately. The IEVA had a representative on three of HSI’s four industry forums, from which four board members are drawn. The IEVA board member, until last week, was Dr Siobhan McAuliffe.

“This decision follows ongoing governance concerns that have made continued representation untenable at this time,” the IEVA statement read.

HSI confirmed it has made contact with the IEVA to seek a better understanding of the basis for this decision.

This turbulence echoes that created by the mass HSI board resignations of 2022 where the Minister was forced to step in to repopulate the board. It is unnerving that the body, which has faced a steady stream of challenges, criticism and conflict in recent years, may be facing further unrest.

We all would prefer for our governing body to be able to get on with the job yet, again, I applaud those who are brave enough to take a stand when they find themselves in an untenable position.

We do everything we can to tell the stories of the wonderful achievements of our Irish horses and riders from the grassroots right up to our international stars and we do so again this week with another packed edition. We cannot, however, ignore the voices of those who challenge decisions with legitimate reasons and will always offer a platform for the more uncomfortable conversations to be had.

Wishing all readers a safe and productive week ahead.