THERE were more welcome green shoots on the equestrian horizon this week as the national scene begins a cautious return to some normality.

We very much welcome the RDS Championships prize fund of €167,000 for their five-day August Championships although the opportunity to showcase your horse/pony at the RDS is infinitely more valuable and appreciated by all participants. World renowned Tipperary native Alan Wade will be designing the show jumping courses in the beautiful RDS main arena which is another huge plus.