Horse Sport Ireland announces Under 25 Eventing High Performance Squad

HORSE Sport Ireland has announced a new Under 25 Eventing High Performance programme.

The U25 programme is a long term talent development programme aimed at supporting and developing riders and horses demonstrating talent and potential in Three Day Eventing.

The U25 squad will be managed by Young Rider High Performance Manager Sally Corscadden, with coaching support from Young Rider coaches Heike Holstein and Ian Fearon and veterinary support from Will Lalor.

HSI CEO Damian McDonald said today: “Ireland has had unprecedented success at underage level in Eventing in recent years. However we identified a gap in our system once riders were too old for the Young Rider (U21) programme. The introduction of this Under 25 squad will fill that gap and help riders make the transition to the senior squad.

“We are pleased that Sally Corscadden has agreed to take on this role. Sally is part of the Institute of Sports Pursuit of Excellence Programme for High Performance Coaches and this will fit in very well with her new role with the U25 Squad,” he said.

Team Manager Sally Corscadden said: “I am really excited about this opportunity to bring together sports science and equestrian sport to provide athletes with a more advanced and holistic coaching programme.

“It is great to see that riders who have moved out of young rider level will now have an opportunity to remain within the High Performance system.

“I believe this programme will produce a better calibre of rider for the future and increase the selection pool for senior squad teams and championship performances,” she said.

Senior Eventing High Performance Manager Nick Turner added: “I am pleased to see this squad being set up. I will be working closely with Sally to support these riders and hopefully bring them through to the senior squad.”

The U25 programme which is targeted a riders between the ages of 21 and 25 is intended to provide riders with a more holistic coaching support structure.

In addition to veterinary support and coaching on the technical aspects of dressage, show jumping and cross country, riders will be provided with education on sports science areas such as psychology, physiology, fitness, High Performance lifestyle management, elite athlete planning and performance nutrition, in conjunction with the Institute of Sport.

The U25 squad selected by Sally Corscadden in alphabetical order is as follows:

·      Jessica Acheson
·      Alex Donohoe
·      Rebecca Dunlea
·      Alex Houston
·      Brian Morrison
·      Katie Nolan
·      Ciara Power
·      Ruth Robinson
·      Rafael Sanctuary
·      Fred Scala
·      Felicity Ward

A show jumping and cross country training day with Olympic medallist Blyth Tait has been organised for the U25 squad at Grange Farm on Wednesday May 15th.