ON Thursday afternoon, the unparalleled achievements of Irish equestrians this year, across the key disciplines of show jumping, eventing and dressage, were well and truly honoured at the annual Horse Sport Ireland Medal Reception.

Hosted in the Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare, this year’s celebration was particularly uplifting with a lot to celebrate – the spine-tingling videos depicting those achievements from Ireland’s ultra-talented brigade of riders, of all ages, sent a thrill around the entire room. There was a real sense that Irish equestrianism is now competing on the world stage and is also absolutely embracing that challenge with gusto.