MADAM,

DRESSAGE Ireland has a strong ethos of inclusion and volunteerism. Our regional shows as well as the National Winter Finals and National Championships are entirely run by volunteers. Competitions are held in hired venues, hosted by committees and run by volunteers on the day. The Board of Directors as well as the Regional Committees and the National Championships committee are comprised of volunteers with busy daily lives who are passionate about dressage.

Regional leagues and leading rider awards are run at the discretion of the regions who may implement their own rules regarding qualifications for same. Ms Dillon is correct that some regions have implemented policies regarding helping at shows being a pre-requisite to be considered for placings in these league finals and awards. She is mistaken however in her comment about Eventing Ireland’s policy, whose rule book states that it is mandatory to assist or volunteer in some way at events and that failure to fulfil this role may result in a fine or barring of horse or rider to compete. It is also misguided to make comparisons with SJI shows which are run by the commercial venues in which they are held.

Yours etc,

The board of Dressage Ireland