DRESSAGE Ireland can count another talented young British-based dressage rider among their membership after Alice Hurley was inspired to obtain Irish citizenship by Roland Tong.

“My father and all of my extended family originate in Dublin and most of them still live in Ireland. I got the idea of applying for Irish citizenship from Roland, as there is huge competition to make it onto British teams. However, I’ve always had an affinity for my father’s home country and I’m looking forward to being able to represent Ireland in the future.”

Alice completed a degree in equine science at Hartpury in 2010 and is based in Oxfordshire at her owner Karen Bourdon’s yard. Together, they run Premier PRE Dressage, a competition and livery yard specialising in producing Iberian horses. Alice trains regularly with British Olympian Richard Davison, and rides several horses for other clients as well as for her boss, Karen. Alice added: “My long term plan is to represent Ireland at international Grand Prix.”