Ireland’s team of Shane Sweetnam and Eregast Van’T Kiezelhof, Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, Paul O'Shea and Lilli and Cian O'Connor with Quidam's Cherie had been drawn tenth to jump of 12 teams at the Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida as we went to press last night.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Irish team manager Robert Splaine said while Ireland could not accumulate points towards qualification in the Furusiyya league final, the team’s performance would augur well for the season ahead.

“It's an opportunity for us to assess new combinations early in the season,” said Splaine. “Both Paul O'Shea and Cian O'Connor will be riding new horses at Nations' Cup level, while Shane Sweetnam and Richie Moloney will be riding horses that are relatively new to this level also.”

Meanwhile, Horse Sport Ireland has launched a new brochure aimed at encouraging new owners to invest in Irish show jumpers at the show.

The glossy prospectus (pictured) will be used by Irish riders to promote the Irish sport horse industry.

It features commentary from the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, Princess Haya,president of the FEI, HSI chairman Dr Pat Wall HSI chief executive Damian McDonald.