HORSE Sport Ireland has appointed an interim para dressage High Performance director ahead of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where it looks like Irish riders have secured two qualifying places for the nation.

Dutch dressage rider and coach Debora Pijpers has been appointed to the role, replacing Dara Kearney. Pijpers has extensive riding and coaching experience following seven years spent at the stable of Dutch Olympians Coby and Marlies van Baalen as a manager, rider and trainer.