National Horse Arena receives new jumping feature

A SPECIAL new fence was added to the Olympic-standard show jumping course at the recently opened Horse Arena in Blanchardstown’s National Sports Campus yesterday (Wednesday).

In a special presentation, Irish show jumping manager Robert Splaine introduced fence builder James Tarrant, and Tara Weston, who had generously bought the fence at auction.

The fence was then presented to Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Prof. Patrick Wall.

The project was an initiative by Robert Splaine and HSI High Performance Committee member James Tarrant.

Robert Splaine said: “Today we are seeing yet another magnificent fence being added to those already in place , and it was designed and built by my colleague James Tarrant who is here today and who built the fence without fee or cost.

“We put the fence up for auction and received €3000. The successful bidder was Tara Weston whose very generous gesture means that the proceeds can go to the Jack and Jill Foundation.”

Jonathan Irwin received the donation on behalf of the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Amongst those also attending today were Sean Benton of NSCDA; Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey; Tony Hurley, chair of Show Jumping Ireland; Lt. Col. Brian MacSweeny of the Army Equitation School, and Damian McDonald, CEO of Horse Sport Ireland.