Horse Sport Ireland to Sponsor New Dressage Ireland 2018 Combined Training Challenge

Horse Sport Ireland are delighted to sponsor a new initiative of Dressage Ireland, the ‘Horse Sport Ireland sponsored Combined Training Challenge.’ This new and innovative league will accommodate both members and non-members of Dressage Ireland and is open to those who are members of Eventing Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Irish Pony Club, Irish Pony Society and Riding Clubs.

Dressage tests will be set at either Preliminary or Novice level and Show Jumping fence heights will range from 80cm – 1.10cm across four different classes. The new initiative will encourage many riders to embrace the discipline of Dressage.

Speaking about Horse Sport Ireland’s involvement, HSI CEO Ronan Murphy said;

“We are delighted to support Dressage Ireland’s new initiative. Much of the feedback we have received from producers and buyers of Irish animals is that there are not enough classes for animals to compete in that will improve their riding ability and so we hope that this new ‘Horse Sport Ireland sponsored Combined Training Challenge’ will fill that gap with a worthwhile prize fund to reward those who take part. We hope that this new initiative will increase participation in Dressage which is already a thriving equestrian discipline.”

Brand Ambassador of the new league, Paddy O’Donnell, who is a former Golden Saddle award winner said;

“As a predominantly Show Jumping based athlete that recognises the importance of Dressage in the riding ability of competition horses, I have found it difficult in the past to give my horses they experience they need in both disciplines due to the lack of affiliated combined training classes. I look forward to following the progression of the league and commend both Dressage Ireland for running with this new concept and Horse Sport Ireland for supporting the league financially.”

Dressage Ireland Chairman Joe Reynolds added;

“We are very excited to see the ‘Horse Sport Ireland sponsored Combined Training Challenge’ come to fruition. It will be of huge benefit to a wide range of equestrian riders in Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing, as it gives riders the opportunity to train and compete in two disciplines simultaneously. We have been delighted to see the recent upsurge of interest in Dressage and I think this new league will further increase participation in the sport. I want to thank Horse Sport Ireland for their generous sponsorship which has resulted in a lucrative prize fund of nearly €10,000.”

Full details are available on the Dressage Ireland website: www.dressageireland.ie or by clicking.

L-R: Ronan Murphy (Horse Sport Ireland CEO), Gillian Kyle (Dressage Ireland Board Member) and Joe Reynolds (Dressage Ireland Chairman)