HSI awarded €30,000 from Sport Ireland to launch national Women in Sport Course Design Pathway

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, have announced investment of €4m under the 2025 Women in Sport Programme

Horse Sport Ireland is proud to announce that it has been awarded €30,000 under the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Programme 2025 to deliver a landmark initiative: “Breaking Barriers: Ireland’s First Female FEI Course Design Pathway.”

This award forms part of the national €4million investment in women’s sport announced by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., and administered by Sport Ireland. The investment aims to increase female participation, visibility, and leadership across all areas of Irish sport.

Set to launch in the autumn, the “Breaking Barriers” programme reflects Horse Sport Ireland’s belief that women belong in technical and leadership roles in equestrian sport. This initiative aims to change long-standing perceptions by building a clear and credible pathway for women to step into course design, a professional, creative, and influential role that plays a central part in the success and safety of competitions. While female representation in course design remains extremely limited, this programme will actively work to change that by identifying and supporting women with the potential to lead in this space.

A competitive selection process will identify a small group of women aged 20–50 who are already involved in course design and who demonstrate potential to progress to international level. These participants will complete a structured development pathway that includes formal training aligned with FEI standards, placements at international competitions, expert-led national workshops, one-to-one mentorship, and a national showcase event to raise visibility and celebrate achievement.

Horse Sport Ireland’s Hayley Devlin joined Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD at the announcement 

Avalon Everett, Head of Sport, Legal and Governance at Horse Sport Ireland, said: “Course designing has traditionally been seen as a male-oriented role, but it’s a vital, skilled and genuinely exciting career path. We want women to see it as a space where they can thrive, progress, and shape the sport at the highest level.

Through this programme, we’re taking direct action to change the landscape, providing the tools, access, and support women need to succeed, including mentorship, international experience, and formal training.

The absence of Irish women at FEI level reflects a lack of opportunity, not ability, and with Sport Ireland’s support, we’re now working to change that. Their continued investment empowers us to build a more visible, inclusive and equitable future for Irish equestrianism.”

“Breaking Barriers” directly aligns with Sport Ireland’s Coaching & Officiating policy pillar and supports national objectives to eliminate the gender participation gap by 2027, while growing the presence of women in decision-making and technical leadership roles.

Horse Sport Ireland will publish full application details, including eligibility criteria, timelines and programme structure in late 2025. Updates will be available at: www.horsesportireland.ie