WITH horse riding becoming more and more popular, Showjumping Ireland is looking for new ways to introduce and educate people as to what is involved in show jumping and how they can become involved through Showjumping Ireland.

Taking up the gauntlet of encouraging people into the sport, the SJI Ulster Region is holding an open day on January 29th at Portmore Equestrian. The ‘Discover Showjumping’ day which was funded by Sport NI’s ‘Building back better programme’’ is aimed at riders, young and old, and is geared towards those riders that are looking to do more jumping but are not quite sure what they need to do or what is expected of them.

The packed day, which will run from 11am until 3pm, will include talks from course designers, coaches, judges, to name but a few. Just some of the areas will include how to become a member, the packages available, how to find shows and how to enter. There will also be talks on arena etiquette, SJI Rules, safeguarding of athletes and members, training days, animal welfare pony measuring and vaccinations.

For those who want to join Showjumping Ireland on the day, discounted incentivised membership offers will be available and assistance will be given to those looking to complete the membership forms.

A spokesperson for the SJI Ulster Region said: “There are new SJI packages to encourage riders into the sport and sometimes it is a lack of knowledge that stops people actually joining the organisation. Our sports membership package for example is for a rider jumping up and including 1m. The new junior package offers a discounted rate for junior members who have not been previously registered with the SJI.

“The organisation is not just for elite riders, it also caters for aspiring and leisure riders. For younger riders, we have training programmes and an academy that all riders can aim for. We hope that this day will educate and encourage riders to become involved.”

To register for the day, you must express your interest by emailing ulsterregionsji@gmail.com