MUCH to the relief of the entire eventing community, the international calendar ran in its entirety for the first time since the pandemic. This was great news for all and while from the Irish perspective the season was still not without its domestic challenges, two major achievements lifted spirits in the best possible way.

Most significantly and, it has to be said against the odds, team Ireland brilliantly netted the coveted Olympic qualification at the World Equestrian Games in Pratoni, while at the close of the year the Irish Sport Horse Studbook regained its place at the top of WBFSH World Rankings.

To complete in fifth place at Pratoni, from 16 countries represented was an admirable feat for the Irish squad, which had endured last-minute changes and the call up of two championship rookies.

The season rolled on with a raft of individual successes, and while medals may have eluded the senior squad, they came thick and fast in the underage ranks. All three divisions of ponies, juniors and young riders returned home with a full array of silverware, with both the teams and individuals on the podiums.

Plenty of change

However, 2022 was also a year of change and uncertainty, and having opened without a senior team manager in place, Dag Albert was asked to step in an interim position at the end of February.

A former Olympian, Swedish-born Albert was already in charge of Ireland’s junior squad, but this was a different challenge entirely and there was no doubt he faced an uphill task. “It was a case of assessing what we had,” he explained.

“Obviously, there was a change in the funding, but we got the riders on board – they’re a very good bunch and we all worked together. Unfortunately, we lost a few on the way, but those that went to Pratoni really stepped up to the mark, and to get that qualification from virtually nothing was a real credit to them.”

With the said, qualification in the bag, the pressure was eased and will now allow Albert to introduce some young names to the mix. “It was a big relief,” he admitted.

“In fact, so much so, that in Pratoni when we realised that we had qualified, I hardly watched the remainder! It’s also big relief for the riders who can look forward to next year and plan their season accordingly.”

The main feature on the international calendar for 2023 will be the European Championships, which are due to take place at Haras du Pin in France. “We will of course send a team,” added Albert.

“But the aim is not really for the coming year because the plan is to perhaps save the best for Paris and possibly even be in a position to leave an older horse off in preparation for it. It’s a nice place to be in, and the idea for this season is to get as many new combinations together to have a list to select from.

“We have a good bunch of riders and horses, including some especially promising, greener horses that will need more mileage at four-star level to be in consideration for Paris.”