THE case of a northern Ireland dressage rider at the centre of ‘ringer’ allegations, has now been resolved after an investigation completely cleared the rider and two other people of any wrongdoing.

Allegations that a rider had illegally substituted a horse in the summer show in Hickstead were unfounded.

With anonymous letters in circulation, Dressage Ireland Northern Region undertook an investigation which has just concluded and found nothing untoward.

According a statement from Dressage Ireland Northern Region, three of its members who were accused of cheating, have now been vindicated.

In a statement which appeared on December 20th on their official Facebook page, the region stated: “Three northern region committee members had allegations made against them of deceit and cheating. These allegations were untrue and unfounded.

INVESTIGATION

“They were investigated by Dressage Ireland, resulting in no further action being deemed necessary. We hope this will put an end to any further malicious gossip on this matter and we can all put our energy into enjoying our sport.”

The combination in question were not placed in the Hickstead class.

After a disciplinary hearing by the executive of Dressage Ireland, the rider was found to have done nothing wrong. Dressage Ireland found that the rider was actually given permission to substitute the horse by Hickstead and was not in fact riding a “ringer”.

The executive found Hickstead made an error by not changing the name of the horse on the display board, leading to confusion.

No official complaint was lodged at the time of the Hickstead competition.

STATEMENT

In a statement to The Irish Field this week, Dressage Ireland chairman Joe Reynolds said: “An allegation of substitution at Hickstead was brought to our attention.

“In line with Dressage Ireland rules and procedures, we immediately initiated an investigation. Clarification of certain issues was requested from Hickstead.

“It was confirmed that the substitution had been authorised by Dane Rawlings, responsible for the show at Hickstead.

“The investigation was only concluded last week. I am very happy that due process was followed.

“We must all recognise the importance of sporting organisations having good governance.

“This provides a structure within which a club can operate and regulates the relationship between members.

“I strongly welcome Minister Patrick O’Donovan’s drive for better governance and that by 2020 all sporting organisations that receive funding must have implemented the Voluntary Code of Governance.

“At Dressage Ireland, we take this very seriously and we would hope to be compliant with the Voluntary Code by the middle of 2017.

“I would hope that no member feels constrained from bringing to my and the board’s attention important issues that should be investigated.

“On the other hand, it is vital all parties have a fair hearing and due process is followed. I believe that this incident was correctly investigated and the matter is now closed.

“Should a member wish to make a complaint about the handling of this incident, my door is open.”