HORSE Sport Ireland is seeking expression of interest from owners and riders of 6 and 7 year old event horses to participate in the Stepping Stones programme and/or be considered for selection for Le Lion d’Angers.
Approximately 20 horses will be selected to participate in the Stepping Stones training programme where combinations will receive 6 days of subsidized training through July, August and September with HSI Coaches Heike Holstein, Ian Fearon and Comdt. Tom Freyne.
It is anticipated that a number of these combinations will go on to represent Ireland in the World Breeding Championships for young horses at Le Lion d’Angers in France.
Team Ireland Equestrian’s Eventing High Performance Manager Ginny Elliot said that the Stepping Stones Programme had worked well in previous years and that last year’s result at Le Lion d’Angers, particularly in the six year old category, was very encouraging and that it was important to build on this.
“It is important to do well at Le Lion d’Angers but it is also a very good development ground for horses. For example, Portersize just a Jiff was there a few years ago and he has gone on to put in a very strong performance at Badminton this year. Of last year’s horses a number have also come through strongly this season” she said.
Eventing Ireland’s rider representative and Horse Sport Ireland board member Jessica Harrington welcomed the announcement of the new programme and the fact that it was in place so early.
“This will allow riders to plan their season and they can demonstrate to their owners that there is a plan in place for their promising young horses” she said.
The Chef d’Equipe for Le Lion d’Angers will be Janet Murray and she encouraged riders to complete the expression of interest form.
“We will be selecting some horses for Stepping Stones based on their results to date and this will be followed by an assessment day for horses that have not had a chance to acquire strong results so far this year” she said.
To download an expression of Interest form CLICK HERE. The Stepping Stones Assessment day will be held on Wed 23rd June.
For further information on this year's programme DOWNLOAD ATTACHED