THOUGH the Rolex FEI World Cup Final at Geneva will dominate the weekend's equestrian action from today (Thursday), Irish riders line out in force at eight other venues throughout the world.

At Geneva, Co. Down-based former World Champion Dermott Lennon and US-based Offaly rider Darragh Kenny will represent Ireland in the pinnacle of World Cup show jumping, where the world's best riders - qualified from 121 competitions in 14 leagues around the globe - do battle for the title.

Jessica Kurten, currently top of the World Cup Western European League, and a favourite to win the trophy, had to withdraw from the final suddenly this week after a fall from a horse in her yard in Germany.

Elsewhere, the international pony Nations' Cup takes place in Fontainebleau, France, and 25 Irish riders will take part in all the classes at the landmark event.

Para Equestrian Dressage at Morsele in Belgium sees five Irish contenders, while three-star show jumping at Lummen in Belgium and Pioltello in Italy have a total of eleven Irish riders taking part.

Ireland will also be represented at one and two-star jumping level in the shows at Vilamoura, Portugal, and Vidabaun, France.

Eventing sees seven Irish combinations at Belton in England, while Hilda Hick Donahue field two horses at the one-star competition at Ocala in Florida.