IRELAND had a strong influence at this week’s CCI1* eventing championships in Jaipur, India, where riders competed over a cross-country course designed by Ballindenisk’s Peter Fell while attempting to qualify for the Asian Games in Indonesia later in the year.

Topping the podium was Major Amit Sinsinwar riding the Irish Sport Horse gelding Fleece Clover who was first produced in England by George Hilton-Jones. The 15-year-old Aughrim Knight bay was bred in Co Galway by Michael Heffernan out of the Carrabawn View mare Craughwell Girl.

The Irish connection continues through the CES Eventing Academy established by Horse Sport Ireland Level 3 coach Becky Cullen, who has managed the Irish pony eventing team for the past four years, and her husband Declan who has been selected for the Horizon 2020 squad.

They were contacted through Facebook by Major Sinsinwar for coaching and training and, with the use of the latest online technology, they have been reviewing the training programme for both horse and rider on a regular basis and advising the Major on how to improve their performance.