HORSE Sport Ireland met with the Minister for Sport Michael Ring this week to discuss the sport horse sector.

Speaking after the meeting Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said that the discussion had been very constructive and that he was impressed with Minister Ring’s understanding of the sector.

“Representing a West of Ireland constituency the Minister understands the importance of the sport horse sector in rural areas,” he said.

“The Minister was delighted with the performance of our underage athletes in their various European championships in 2011 but expressed his disappointment that Ireland didn’t qualify a show jumping team for the Olympic Games next year.

“However, the Minister was very clear that the one thing the sport cannot afford is for Irish riders to be involved in any further controversy involving prohibited substances,” he said.

HSI Chairman Joe Walsh (left) with Minister for Sport Michael Ring