CLARE’s Michael Blake has taken over the reins as chair of Showjumping Ireland.

Blake, who is also the Irish show jumping development team manager, replaced outgoing chair Ray Buchanan who will remain on the Executive and as the chair of health and safety.

Blake has been involved with Irish underage teams as well as holding the title of assistant to the Irish Young Rider team manager for the 2016 Young Rider European Championships in Millstreet, where Ireland secured gold. Blake has guided the senior team to numerous wins as chef d’equipe in recent years, including back-to-back Nations Cup wins at Ocala and Wellington in 2017.

Speaking to The Irish Field, Blake said: “I am delighted with the new appointment and I am looking forward to taking on the role. The plan is to divide my time between my role as Irish show jumping development team manager and chairperson. It will be challenging, but with correct time management, it is achievable.

“I am passionate about the sport and I feel that as a small country we have so much to offer in terms of talent of riders and horses. This sport belongs to the people and we can’t lose sight of this.

“Ireland has a great pool of riders and horses and it’s our job to give guidance as well as setting down rules and regulations. The young rider bursary, which is run by Maureen Bagnall and her committee, is a prime example of how we can educate our riders on the whole industry and not just the competition elements.”