THE news this week that Millstreet has cancelled both their international show jumping event and horse trials in August made me think about the challenges that international event organisers worldwide are now faced with.

Do they go ahead and run their show at a loss – with little or no spectators, no catering facilities, reduced entries, and, crucially, no competitors from overseas because of the current quarantining restrictions, as well as extra employees to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to, which all leads to a loss in profit – or make the decision that no one wants to do, and cancel the event?

On the other end, the industry is crying out for these events to get back up and running. Horses need to go to shows, get exposure and get sold to help the entire industry going. Owners need their horses to have something to aim towards in order to keep paying professional riders, and some horses and riders are also chasing their Minimum Entry Requirements for the Tokyo Olympic Games but face the prospect of no international events in the near future.

At the back end of the year, shows go indoor. In Ireland, the only hope for an international show jumping event remains in the hands of Cavan International in November, an indoor event. At that stage, if spectators are still limited, will that event be viable for the organisers? Of course Cavan will do everything they can to go ahead. Similarly, will an event like the packed-out London Olympia or Horse of the Year Show, be viable? Held in tight indoor spaces and rely on a huge footfall.

The Irish eventing riders are resting all their hopes on Ballindenisk going ahead in September and let’s hope they can manage it. It will take a fine balancing act to get international events back up and running and support in terms of funding for extra measures such as the cost of mandatory compliance officers would be a massive help for show facilities.

On a hugely positive note, it is fantastic to see Horse Sport Ireland and Showjumping Ireland announcing that the 1.50m Premier Series and the Studbook Series for young horses has been saved this season. These are the two most important national show jumping classes in the country, offering the best prize money and held at the best venues, and will offer Irish riders something to aim and look forward to. Great news.