Caitriona Murphy

DEMAND for places in Showjumping Ireland’s new development squad for young riders is outstripping the number of place available by more than four to one as rider clamour for selection.

More than 90 young horse riders and 90 pony riders are set to take part in the first selection day for the Munster region in Clonshire EC, Co Limerick, tomorrow. However only 40 of the 180 riders will go forward to national selection for the development squad.

“We have had phenomenal interest in the development squad,” said Munster regional representative Mary Ryan. “But unfortunately we have only 20 horse and 20 pony places available.”

The new development squad is designed to bridge the gap between SJI branch training and Horse Sport Ireland’s high performance programme. Selection for the squad is based solely on the rider’s ability and not on the horse or pony.

“There is an increased interest in training in general among riders but there is also a renewed focus and enthusiasm in the national training committee which I think parents are and riders are responding to. Paul MacKenzie [SJI’s training committee chairman] is a ball of energy and it is infectious,” she added. “This is a development squad aimed at the grassroots members who just need a push and are not catered for by Horse Sport Ireland who look after all the high performance riders.”

Tomorrow is the first of four regional selection days, with selection for the Ulster region scheduled for next Wednesday, October 22nd at MacKenzies EC. Assessment days for the Leinster and Connaught region taking place on November 2nd at Mullingar EC and Claremorris EC respectively.

Each rider will be assessed on their riding skills using an equitation-style scoresheet filled out by assessors on the day and then sent to Showjumping Ireland for a final decision on the squad members.

The final 80 pony riders and 80 horse riders will be asked to sign a contract committing to attending 12 months training (one day per month) in 2015.

The first training session is expected to begin in February next year for the new development squad and riders will be monitored throughout 2015 on their training and competition performance and commitment. They will also attend two major shows where they can take part in a course walk and receive individual feedback on their performance from a top coach.