Team Ireland Equestrian

All Irish teams competing in FEI international competitions do so as part of Team Ireland Equestrian. Team Ireland Equestrian encompasses the eight FEI disciplines of showjumping, eventing, dressage, para-equestrian, carriage driving, endurance, reining and vaulting, and includes all senior teams and all underage teams - Young Riders (U21), Junior Riders (U18), Pony Riders (U16) and Children On Horses (U14). It also includes the Irish Sport Horse Studbook teams competing in showjumping and eventing championships.

Background

Horse Sport Ireland became the governing body for equestrian sport and breeding on 1st January 2008. The initial organisational efforts were focused on putting high performance structures in place to maximise Ireland's chances of success on the international stage. Part of this process included putting coaches and selection processes in place. In 2009, Horse Sport Ireland developed the Team Ireland Equestrian brand, under which all Irish international teams would compete.

Official Suppliers & Sponsors

In 2009, Horseware Ireland came on board as the first 'official supplier' to Team Ireland Equestrian. Horseware have been integral in the development of the Team Ireland Equestrian brand and, together with Horse Sport Ireland, developed the Team Ireland Equestrian merchandise which is provided to all Irish teams competing in international competition. In addition to providing this kit to teams, Horseware have made it available for purchase by supporters through their stockists both in Ireland and abroad.

In addition to Horseware, Bluegrass Horse Feeds and TRM have come on board as Official Suppliers to Team Ireland Equestrian. Bluegrass are now the official feed consultants to the Irish teams. TRM, manufacturers of equine feed supplements, are the third official suppliers and provide supplements as well as support to the Irish team riders. In 2011, Aspen Insurance were secured as the Official Sponsors of the senior eventing team.

Public Profile

The Team Ireland Equestrian brand has helped to create a real Irish presence at events and is important for team morale. A further reason for developing the brand was to try to increase the profile of Ireland's equestrian teams, riders and horses. Horse Sport Ireland has a seven day a week press service in place and constantly strives to get more coverage of equestrian sport in the national newspapers, radio stations and on television. The press service, which includes press releases, full coverage of results on the HSI website and a text message service, is coupled with a Twitter service. One of the main ways you can demonstrate your support for the Irish teams is by becoming a fan of Team Ireland Equestrian on Facebook!!