THE stated mission of Horse Sport Ireland is ‘to lead the equestrian sector and enable it to fulfil its potential’, while the vision of the organisation is ‘to have the best riders and horses in the world’. To do this it needs a sustainable funding model, to streamline and develop a strong organisation in terms of structure, and to bring the whole equestrian community with it.

The latter is a matter of engaging with stakeholders and convincing them that change, though somewhat unpalatable at times, is needed for the greater good of the sport and the industry. This is not easy, but it is vital that it happens.