Disciplines

Dressage

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What is dressage?

Dressage is one of the Olympic equestrian sports. It consists of a series of compulsory movements, in walk, trot and canter, in an arena measuring 60mx20m, where 12 lettered markers are placed symmetrically along the fence, indicating where movements are to start, where changes of pace or lead are to occur and where the movements are to end. The judges mark the fluidity, the regularity of the movements and the paces.

It consists of riding a set series of movements, called a dressage test, in a standard arena – 20m x 40m for more basic tests and 20m x 60m for others – with standard letters, or ‘dressage markers’, around the edge. This is done in front of at least one judge. The number  of judges increases as you progress up the levels. Each movement in the dressage test is scored out of 10. Scores are also awarded for the overall impression of the horse and rider – these are known as collective marks.  The final score is then calculated as a percentage, and the rider and horse with the highest percentage wins.

Competitions

National dressage competitions offer a range of classes from preliminary up to advanced. The degree if difficulty increases as you progress up the levels. Lower level tests include movements such as circles, transitions and lateral movements, while higher level tests include advanced movements such as passage, piaffer, pirouettes and flying changes in canter.

International Shows are overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). International competitions include the following tests: Prix St-Georges, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle (Kür).

National Dressage

The sport is administered in Ireland by Dressage Ireland. To find out more about getting involved in Dressage at national level please contact Dressage Ireland. 

Dressage Ireland Clg.
c/o Horse Sport Ireland, 1st Floor, Beech House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: +353 (0)86  782 2487
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dressageireland.ie

Para Equestrian

Para-equestrian is a discipline available to people with disabilities who compete in classes according to the level of their physical disability, in both Dressage and Driving. Para-equestrian disciplines follow the same rules as the other equestrian disciplines. On top of these, the Generic Rules for Para-equestrian events lay out the specifications revolving around the organization of Para-equestrian events.

People with profiles of similar functional ability level are grouped into four competition Grades. The competition test for each Grade is compatible with the functional ability of people with the same potential. There are five Grades for dressage and two for carriage driving. They range from Grade I for the most severely impaired dressage riders, to Grade IV for the least impaired. The competition within each Grade can then be judged on the skill of that competitor on that horse regardless of the competitor’s disability (2007, FEI).

International events are overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

The sport is administered in Ireland by Para Equestrian Ireland. Para Equestrian Ireland promotes training and competition opportunities for riders with a physical disability.

Para Equestrian Ireland  (PEI), c/o Raheen, Brittas, Co. Dublin.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 458 2575
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.paraequestrianireland.com
Contact: Dara Kearney, Representative
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Eventing

What is eventing?

Eventing is one of the Olympic equestrian sports. It consists of three disciplines – dressage, show jumping and cross country. The dressage phase is always completed first, followed by show jumping and cross country, in either order. The same horse and rider combination must complete all three phases.

Team and individual competitions are contested at the same time at Olympic Games and Championships.

Penalties can be incurred throughout all three phases, the aim of Eventing is to have as few penalties as possible with the lowest score winning.

In the dressage phase athletes are required to complete a test showing a set pattern of movements. The dressage phase is judged and each movement is scored out of 10, with the overall score being converted into penalties. The horse and rider are judged on obedience, flexibility and harmony.

In the cross country phase the horse and rider must complete a course of fences, including a range of natural obstacles such a water, banks, logs etc. The cross country phase tests the fitness of horse and rider, as well as the courage, strength and accuracy. Penalties can be incurred for jumping errors and refusals. Exceeding the time allowed also results in penalties being incurred. Any penalties incurred during the cross country are added to the dressage score.

The show jumping phase follows the same rules as pure show jumping, with the horse and rider completing a course of knock-able fences within the time allowed. Penalities are incurred if the horse knocks a fences or goes over the time allowed, these are added to the combined scored following dressage and cross country.

Competitions

Courses vary in the level of difficulty and are generally graded according to the height of the fences being jumped, and the difficulties of the dressage test. National competitions range from 80cm and 90cm up to 1.20m.

International competition starts with CCI1* and progresses to CCI5*. The difficulty of the dressage test, height of the fences and technical ability required all increase as you progress up the levels. International events are overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). 

Ireland hosts a number of international events throughout the year, details of which can be found on the Eventing Ireland Website.

National Eventing

The sport is administered in Ireland by Eventing Ireland. To find out more about getting involved in Eventing at national level contact Eventing Ireland.

Eventing Ireland, 1st Floor, Beech House, Millennium Park, Osberstown, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: +353 (0)83 026 0501 / 353 (0)83 019 8155
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eventingireland.com
Contact: Tricia Clark, Administrator / Jane Grace, Operations

Carriage Driving

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What is Driving?

Carriage driving is a discipline without riders. It consists of a driver who sits on a vehicle drawn by a single horse, a pair or a team of four. The horse(s) and driver have to complete three tests: Dressage, Marathon and Obstacle Driving.

• Dressage is a sequence of compulsory movements in an enclosed arena. Judges award the smoothness of the movements, the obedience of the horses, impulsion and correct positioning.
• Marathon is a course of natural obstacles over a maximum of 22 km, including natural and artificial obstacles.
• Obstacle driving is a cone course that tests the horse shape after the marathon. The aim is to drive through a narrow track outlined by cones with balls balanced on top.

International Driving
International Shows are overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), click HERE for more information.

National Driving
The sport is administered in Ireland by the Carriage Driving Section of Horse Sport Ireland.

Anyone who is interested in carriage driving, particularly if they wish to compete, should consider joining the Carriage Driving Section of Horse Sport Ireland.

Contact us about carriage driving

If you have any question about carriage driving please contact:
The Carriage Driving Section of Horse Sport Ireland, 1st Floor, Beech House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare. Email [email protected].

www.facebook.com/HSICarriageDrivingSection

Endurance

What is Endurance?

Endurance, or Long Distance Riding, consists of a course where the purpose is to complete the course in the shortest time, with a horse in good condition. The horse’s condition is monitored regularly at the ‘vetgates’, to check whether the horse is fit to finish the course.

The winner is the rider who finish in the fastest time, with a horse in good condition. Excessive fatigue, signs of lameness and other indications of problems are grounds for elimination.
Each competitor is given a map in advance showing the route of the course and the location of any compulsory halts or naturally occurring obstacles such as a ditch, steep, climb, descent or water crossing called hazards. Hazards are marked by red and white boundary flags and are left in their natural state as much as possible.

Riders are free to choose their own pace between the start and the finish of the competition. They may lead or follow their horses, but must be mounted crossing the starting line and the finish line.

International Endurance

International Shows are overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). There are three types of international competition, as well as Championship competitons – Concours de Raid d’Endurance International (CEI), Concours de Raid d’Endurance International Officiel (CEIO) and Combined National/FEI events (CEN/CEI).

CEIs only have individual classification. CEIOs have individual and team classification and CEN / CEIs are run in conjunction with national competitions. There are three Championship levels, 1*, 2* and 3*. 1* is between 100km and 119km in one day, in 2* for Young Horse Championships and Junior and Young Rider Championships horses cover between 120km and 130km in one day. In Senior 2* Championships horses cover between 120km and 139km. In 3* Senior Championships horses 160km in one day. 2* and 3* competitions can be run over multiple days.

To find out more about getting involved in Endurance riding at national level contact Endurance Riding Eireann.

ENDURANCE RIDING EIREANN
Endurance Riding Eireann, Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.enduranceridingeireann.wordpress.com

Vaulting

What is Vaulting?

Vaulting is a combination of gymnastics and dance on the back of a cantering horse. It has often been described similar to ice-skating as there are seven compulsory exercises, a technical programme and a free-style programme.

Competing

Vaulting was recognised as an FEI discipline in 1983 and featured as a demonstration sport at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Vaulting is now practised by both men and women, competing together on teams or separately as individuals.

• Team events: A vaulting team consists of a lunger, horse, six vaulters (male and female) plus one alternate vaulter (optional) who must enter and line up with the team. Team competitions are made up of two rounds. During the first round, teams perform a six-minute compulsory and a four minute freestyle test in an attempt to qualify for the second round where they perform a single free test. An exercise will only be scored if two vaulters are in contact with the horse as it is carried out. No more than three vaulters may be on the horse at any one time.
• Individual events: Individual competitions are made up of two rounds. Vaulters perform the compulsory and free tests in the first round in order to qualify for the final/second round. In CVI1* competitions these two tests are repeated in the second round. In CVI 2* the second round is made up of a technical test and a freestyle test. Individual vaulters have only one minute for their freestyle performances. At Championships, men and women compete separately.
• Pas-de-deux: Two vaulters, a male and a female, perform a freestyle programme held over one or two rounds.

 Competitions

International Vaulting competitions are referred to as CVI and may be 1* or 2*. The main Vaulting competitions are the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) held every four years and the biannual Continental Championships and the annual Junior Open European Championships.

Vaulting in Ireland

Vaulting is still quite an unknown sport in Ireland, though it has a good following in England, Scotland, Germany and the US. In 2009 Charlotte Rimaud who had been training and competing in France on a national level, became Ireland’s first vaulter and competed in Saumur, France, in April as an Irish Competitor. Charlotte is the grand-daughter of Jim Marsh (formerly of the Irish Turf Club and the Curragh Racecourse). Horse Sport Ireland hopes to see an increase in popularity of vaulting as an equestrian activity in Ireland in the coming years.

For more information on vaulting please visit the Equestrian Vaulting Ireland website www.equestrianvaultingireland.com

Reining/Western Riding

What is Reining?

Reining is designed to show the athletic ability of ranch type horse in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run one of ten approved patterns, divided into seven or eight manoeuvres, including small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360 degree spins done in place, and the exciting sliding stops that are the hall mark of the reining horse.

Despite the seemingly relaxed attitude of both horse and rider and the loose reins typical of the discipline, Reining is a high level competition sport requiring concentration and high riding competence. Learn more about Reining and Western Riding »

The sport is administered in Ireland by the Irish Quarter Horse Association.

Useful Links

• Irish Quarter Horse Association: www.iqha.ie – Affiliated to Horse Sport Ireland
• UK Western Equestrian Society: www.wes-uk.com/
• US National Reining Horse Association: www.nrha.com/

Contact Reining & Western/Irish Quarter Horse Association

If you would like further information on the Irish Quarter Horse Association visit www.iqha.ie .

IQHA Secretary: [email protected]

IQHA President: [email protected]

IQHA Admin: [email protected]

Tel: 086 083 0267

Postal Address:

Irish Quarter Horse Association CLG

Office C/O, Cochise Stud, Moystown Demesne, Shannon Harbour, Birr Co Offaly. R42 EK54

Hunting

What is Hunting?

Hunting with hounds is a tradition in Ireland that goes back to ancient times and features strongly in Celtic literature and legend, but never in our history has hunting been so popular. In twenty-first century Ireland as many as 300,000 people from every walk of life, between the years of 8 and 80, participate in some form of the sport. It is quite common to find three generations of a family hunting together.

The HAI is the national body, which coordinates and promotes hunting with hounds. It comprises six constituent and autonomous bodies, which represent and control the six hunting disciplines active in Ireland. The HAI works for everyone who loves the countryside and the rural way of life. Through campaigning, lobbying, publicity and education, the Association influences legislation and public policy that impacts on the countryside, rural people and their activities.

The hunting field is an ideal nursery for both horse and rider. Many of Ireland’s leading jockeys, event riders and show jumpers have learned skills on the hunting field. The traditionally Irish-bred horse is the ideal animal as they combine sure-footedness, agility and are particularly suited to riders of varying ability.

With over 30,000 mounted hunt followers and 300 hunt clubs in every corner of the country, hunting constitutes the largest equestrian activity in Ireland during the hunting season which runs from October to March. Most hunts welcome visitors with a ready supply of well-schooled local horses that are always available. The market for well-schooled hunters continues to expand with suitable horses finding a ready market both in Ireland and overseas.

For more information on your local hunt club visit the Hunting Association of Ireland website. 

HUNTING ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (HAI)
Friarstown Lodge, Grange, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
Tel: +353 (0)85 1100 645 (Richard Power)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.huntingassociation.ie4

Mounted Games

What is Mounted Games?

Mounted Games is a discipline where a range of fast games, often completed by teams, are played by people of all ages on ponies. The ponies must be 15 hands (152cm) or smaller.

Mounted Games riders require a high degree of athletic ability, good riding skills, hand-to-eye coordination, determination, perseverance, and a competitive spirit. Ability to work well as a team and a willingness to help one another is also very important.

International events are overseen by the International Mounted Games Association. The Association was formed in  2003 and now has members in twenty two countries on five continents

The sport is administered in Ireland by the Mounted Games Association of Ireland. National competitions take place around Ireland throughout the year, further details can be found on the Mounted Games Association of Ireland website.

Mounted Games Association of Ireland (MGAI), c/o Eilidh Hyland, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mgaireland.com
Contact: Eilidh Hyland, Secretary4

Polocrosse

What is Polocrosse?

Polocrosse is a team sport that is played all over the world. It is a combination of polo and lacrosse, played on an outdoor field, known as the pitch. Each rider uses a cane stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately four inches across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between the opposing team’s goal posts.

This unique sport originated in Australia in 1939. Since its arrival in Ireland, polocrosse has been compared to many things but perhaps the most fitting comparison is one that incorporates our own native sport; “Hurling on Horse Back”.

Goals are scored in a game by the designated ‘attack’ player on each team. The player must shoot the ball between the goalposts which are 2.5 meters apart and located at each end of the playing field. The attack player must be inside the designated goal scoring area before shooting and the designated defence player from the opposition is the only player allowed to tackle.

Polocrosse is governed by the International Polocrosse Council (IPC), is currently played in 18 countries and boasts over 10,000 players worldwide. Anyone who can ride a horse can play polocrosse. All ages and abilities are encouraged to play.

Polocrosse in Ireland is governed by the Irish Polocrosse Association (IPA) and is responsible for the coordination of all polocrosse activities in this country. For updates on upcoming competitions and how to get involved please visit the Irish Polocrosse Association website.

There are a series of tournaments run during the year with clubs from around the country hosting an event at their local venue. The highlight of the competition season is the Nationals, held at the end of August each year and rotated amongst clubs so that everyone gets the “home field advantage” on a round robin basis.
For each tournament, players and teams are graded according to their ability, which ensures everyone gets to compete against players of similar skill levels, adding to the safety and enjoyment of all competitors.

Irish Polocrosse Association (IPA), Whitehcurch, Carrick-on-Suir, Co.Tipperary
Tel: +353 87 980 5113
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.polocrosseireland.com
Contact: Paul Scott

Showing

What is Showing?

Showing provides an opportunity for riders and owners to exhibit their animals. Classes are divided into ridden and in-hand sections and there are many different classes for different horses and ponies. Classes may be broken down by the age, type or breed of the horse or pony. For in-hand showing classes, the horse is led without a saddle, not ridden, and its conformation and gaits are judged.

Showing in Ireland is administered by The Irish Shows Association Ltd. which evolved from a Federation of Show Societies initially founded in 1931. Membership of the Association is open to all recognised Agricultural Show Societies throughout the island of Ireland.

Shows generally take place in the spring and summer months around Ireland. For upcoming show dates and more information on how to get involved please visit The Irish Shows Association website.

Aims and objectives of The Irish Shows Association are:

• To promote and assist in the development of Agricultural Shows;
• To act as a negotiating instrument between members and outside bodies;
• To liaise with Government Departments and Agencies in matters affecting members and show exhibitors;
• To organise and oversee annual All Ireland Championships for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, dogs, horticulture and home industries;
• To publish an annual shows Guide Book and Judges List;
• To provide a group insurance scheme for members;
• To provide a national secretariat and head office for receiving and processing material relevant to members and their interests.

Irish Shows Association (ISA), Tullyraghan, Drumakill, Castleblayney, Monaghan.
Phone: 04297 46323
Mobile: 086 2783725
Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.irishshows.org
Contact: Jim Harrison, Secretary

TREC

What is TREC?

TREC is an equestrian discipline which was originally developed in France in the 1970’s to improve the skills and competency of trekking guides and horses. It grew from there and is now a sport enjoyed by thousands of riders throughout Europe, America, Canada and more recently Japan and has an international governing body FITE (Federation Internationale de Tourisme Equestre). The first World Championships were held in 1997 and a team representing Ireland competed at the European TREC Championships in 2006. Members of this team are now working as trainers with TREC Ireland.

Competitions and Scoring

There are three phases to the competition and they are run at Levels 1 to 4. The phases are: Orienteering, Control of Paces and Obstacles, and competitions are usually run over two days at the higher levels, but the format can be changed to suit the event. Adults and children can compete together and there is no height restriction on horses and ponies.

• Phase 1: Orienteering
  The first phase of the competition is the orienteering phase. The route length varies from 10 to 45 kilometres, depending on the level of competition. Competitors take down the route from a master copy and are given a speed at which to ride the route. Along the route are manned checkpoints (locations unknown to riders) where riders take a mandatory rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Upon setting off they are given a new speed. Points are calculated against an optimum time and are out of a total of 240 points.
• Phase 2: Control of Paces
  The Control of Paces is where riders canter and walk along a corridor that is 150m long. The aim is to not break the pace and to canter as slowly as possible, and to walk as fast as possible. Maximum points are 30 for canter and 30 for walk.
• Phase 3: Obstacles
  The obstacle course consists of 16 obstacles over a set course to be completed in a maximum time. Courses can take place in arenas, fields, woods etc. and can be up to 3kms long. There are at present 32 FITE approved obstacles to choose from but each national organisation may approve additional obstacles for use in non international events.

The sport is administered in Ireland by TREC Ireland.

TREC groups

• What are they?
  A TREC Group is made up of individuals with an appointed secretary who have registered with TREC Ireland (see below) for the purpose of holding TREC events. These groups may use TREC Ireland insurance to cover their events, (with prior approval from the TREC Ireland Secretary). Such events include training and competitions for all or any of the phases of sport.
• What does TREC Ireland do?
  TREC Ireland was formed in 2007 to encourage, support and promote the sport of TREC in Ireland. Tourism Related Equestrian Competitions Ireland Ltd. is a company limited by guarantee and provides training and support throughout Ireland. Trec Ireland also runs TREC competitions and training for competitors, judges, traceurs and event organisers and provides insurance cover for approved TREC events run by its affiliated TREC Groups. The organisation is endeavouring to make the sport accessible to everyone so you do not need to be a member of to take part in an event, and non members simply pay an 8Euro insurance fee on the day.

How can I get involved?

To find out more about a group in your area or if you are interested in setting up a Group, contact TREC Ireland.

TREC IRELAND LTD.,
C/O Judi Pheysey, The Mill, Gortaneden, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry
Web: www.trecireland.com
Facebook: Trec Ireland
Telephone: +353(0)877111516
Email: [email protected]
Secretary: Judi Pheyseyim Harrison, Secretary