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HORSE SPORT IRELAND
Affi
liate Or
ganisations
HSI Equestrian Showcase Parade
The inaugural HSI Equestrian Showcase Parade took place on 24th April 2012 as
part of the opening ceremony of the Punchestown Festival. Each HSI Affi
liate
and Section, represented by an exhibitor and Chef d'Equipe, presented their
sporting disciplines in full attire in the parade ring before the fi rst race. A
large crowd of equestrian enthusiasts attended this unique spectacle which
showcased the full diversity of the Irish Equestrian Sector.
At the launch of the inaugural HSI Equestrian Showcase Parade
at Punchestown Racecourse on 4th April 2012 were [L-R] Olivia
Casey, from AIRE-approved Toberton Lodge Riding Centre, Co.
Kildare, aboard her pony Daylight Surprise, Camilla Speirs,
representing Eventing Ireland, and Lt Col Brian MacSweeney,
representing the Army Equitation School.
Former HSI Chairman Joe Walsh and HSI CEO Damian
McDonald with the Chefs d'Equipe who represented the
HSI Affi
liates and Sections that took part in the Equestrian
Showcase Parade at Punchestown on 24th April 2012.
Representing AIRE, Nadine Dunne aboard Multi with Chef
d'Equipe Mrs Rita Dunne leading, during HSI's Equestrian
Showcase Parade at Punchestown on 24th April 2012.
Introduction to Horse Riding --
Schools' Programme 2012
The success of the Introduction to Horse Riding for
Schools' pilot programme, which ran during 2010
and 2011 and was developed by Horse Sport Ireland
(HSI) in conjunction with the Association for Irish
Riding Establishments (AIRE), was so well received by
participating educational schools around the country,
that the programme got the green light for 2012.
The programme provides access to aff ordable horse
riding for children who may discover a passion for
horses that could last a lifetime. The participating AIRE
Approved riding schools off er lessons at a subsidised
rate while HSI provides a travel subsidy to participating
educational schools. The travel subsidy fund for 2012
was 8,000 and over 4,500 was claimed by those
schools that took part.
The enthusiasm of schools and students, and the
support of AIRE, made the return of this scheme in 2012
possible. Many children have taken up horse riding on a
regular basis as a result of the programme.
In 2012, 69 educational schools expressed an interest
in the programme with 27 participating during the
year. These schools were represented regionally in the
East/South East (15), West (19), South/South West
(23), Midlands (6) and North West (6). A total of 569
students enjoyed an introductory lesson in 2012. In all,
25 AIRE Approved Riding Establishments signed up
for the programme, covering 14 counties throughout
Ireland.
Annual Report 2012
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