MADAM,

FUNDING for the equestrian sector has never been more important, and I am sure all in the equestrian sector welcomed the Covid supports, whether at an affiliate, organisational, or individual level during 2020 and 2021, as the pandemic halted and restricted activity.

As we enter 2022, I believe the sector can look forward positively to continued access to funding, as the recently published Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 highlights the importance of Sport and additional funding through this period of time for sport.

In January 2019, I posed the question in The Irish Field: ‘Could the sector access the Sports Capital Programme looking at the criteria and objectives set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027?’

It has been pleasing to see since then, that HSI working with their affiliates have done well to promote, and assist affiliates in accessing the sports capital programmes.

Going forward, it is important for the equestrian sector to recognise that the horse sport sector operates with a social licence, which extends beyond just animal welfare issues. When we consider these matters, it is important to recognise and understand what does this social licence imply or expect.

On welfare, the FEI recently highlighted the issues of transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour as being to the core of the social licence. Personally, I believe it extends to all facets of our behaviour both collectively and individually and beyond animal welfare, and the question in our mind might be, if I can do something, should I do it? It is really a moral question for each of us to consider.

It is my belief, we should keep this in mind as the sector looks forward to participating in future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, which promises the potential opportunities for funding on a multi-year basis.

I am sure, HSI will continue to engage with its affiliates, and promote programmes as they become available. In the meantime, I would encourage all in the equestrian sector to keep in their minds the idea of the “social licence” what might be expected, and, how we might adhere to the expectations. It is my view, our personal values will define the future of our various equestrian activities in the eye of public perception.

Yours, etc

David O’Brien

Calverstown

Co Kildare