Young Rider Eventing – Selection Policy 2016

Horse Sport Ireland Draft Selection Policy and High Performance Programme –Young Rider Eventers 2016.

SECTION I – TIMELINES

1.1       To be considered for selection for the European Championships in Montelibretti Italy, 22^nd – 25^th September 2016 , combinations will be expected to compete at Ballindenisk CIC2*April 25^th/26th and Tattersalls CCI2* (U25) June 1^st – 6th 2016, or Bramham CCI U25 3* 9^th – 12^th June, or Hopetoun, Scotland CCI2* 17^th – 19^th June 2016, unless expressly excused by the Team Manager.

1.2       In addition, it is recommended that combinations who wish to be considered for selection for the Championships compete at two of the following events:

– Ballindenisk CNC2* March 20^th
– Tyrella1 CNC2* March 26^th

                       Millstreet 1 March 28th

Tyrella 2 CNC2*/3*  April 2nd
– Millstreet CNC2* April 3rd

1.3       The Team Manager will confirm a longlist of combinations for the Championships after Tattersalls International 2016.

1.4       The longlist of combinations will be invited to join the squad and be expected to attend a dressage training clinic and veterinary examination on the provisional date of June ^21st..

1.5       The longlist of combinations will be asked to compete at Barbury CIC2* July 7^th – 9th and Camphire CIC2* July 27^th – 31st, unless expressly excused by the Team Manager.

1.6       The Team Manger will select a squad of up to 6 combinations and 2 reserves following CAMPHIRE CIC2* to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Montelibretti .   The Team Manager’s decision is final.

1.7       The Selected Squad will have a final competition at Millstreet CIC2* 26^th – 28^th Aug

SECTION II – ELIGIBILITY FOR SELECTION

2.1       All horses and riders combinations must achieve the minimum eligibility and qualification standards required set forth by the FEI Rules for Eventing (24th Edition, applicable from Jan 1^st, 2016) The last updates applicable from January 1st, 2016, are shown in red, text which has been deleted is indicated by a strikethrough.

2.2       Rider’s must co-operate fully with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and the Team Manager and comply promptly with any reasonable requests.

2.3       HSI can request that a horse be made available for inspection by the Team Veterinarian at any time. Riders must comply with this request. Riders must notify the Team Manager/ Team Veterinarian of any change in their horse’s health status or of veterinary issues immediately.

2.4       Each rider who is in contention for selection will be required to keep a log book for their horses in which they must record all products and treatments used on or given to their horse from a specified date until the European Championships. The team veterinarian will be entitled to view this log book at any time or can ask for the log to be transcribed into a document with a signed declaration that contains everything given to the horse within a specified timeframe in line with rule 8.12 of the Horse Sport Ireland General Rules.

2.5       Horse Sport Ireland can send an appointed Veterinary Surgeon to take a blood sample from a horse at any time for the purposes of testing for prohibited substances and/or as part of an assessment of the horse’s well being.

SECTION-III

3.1       The primary factor in selecting the team will be form during the 2016 season at two and/or three star level.

The Team Manager will be looking for competitive performances preferably showing improvement throughout the season.

The athlete/horse combination’s results.

Due regard will be given when considering results of the levels of competition, the difficulty of the cross country and jumping courses, the terrain, the competitiveness of the starters, and the rate of progress of the combination

Ability to produce peak performances in conditions similar to the Championships.

3.2       The soundness of the horse to meet the challenges of competing at the European Championships will be an important factor in any selection decision. Riders must keep the team vet fully briefed on any health or soundness issues the horse may have.

3.3       The Team Manager will also factor in the suitability of the horse for the particular characteristics of the cross country course and arena in Montelibretti, Italy.

3.4    Maintaining Form

Athletes should note that Selection decisions are subject to the horse/athlete retaining fitness/performance.

Once a horse/athlete combination has been selected they must maintain their form and fitness in a suitable training and competition programme, to be agreed with the Team Manager. Failure to follow this programme or to discuss amendments to the programme with the Team Manager could lead to the athlete/horse combination being withdrawn from the squad.

3.5       Commitment to the programme will be a factor in selection. In this regard the rider should note the following:

• Prompt communications with the Team Manager, Coaches, Team Veterinarian and HSI in relation to the programme are very important.
• It is important that the riders avail of every opportunity to train with the team trainers and compete at the competitions they will be present at.
• The rider must show maturity and be a ‘team player’ at all times, and the rider’s family, owners and trainers are expected to work together with the Management Team.

Riders should be aware that only a maximum of six places are available for Ireland at the championships. In addition, only four riders can be part of the team at the championships. Riders, their parents/guardians and their personal coaches must understand this and be prepared to accept that potential disappointment is an inevitable part of participation in the High Performance Programme.

** Clear well ridden cross country rounds, close to the optimum time, is what will be required. Riders should note that rough riding or riding too fast during cross country is not acceptable.

If any parent or coach has a query or proposed change to this, please forward to Equestrian Sport Co-ordinator Triona Connors on email: tconnors@horsesportireland.ie  before close of business Friday March 4^th for consideration.