Get Involved:
Equestrian sport is something that anyone can get involved in – the term “equestrian” covers all aspects of the sport, from beginners’ riding lessons to High Performance programmes where athletes compete for medals on the world stage. Whether you have experience with horses or are a complete beginner, Horse Sport Ireland can help you get involved with equestrian sport in Ireland.You do not need to come from a long lineage of Olympic riders to pick up this sport. This is a sport that is for everyone.
Ireland, also known as Land of the Horse, is the perfect place to explore this very rewarding activity. There are excellent training facilities throughout the country where you can learn to ride in approved centres. For more experienced riders there are many riding clubs and an interschools leagues specifically for students.
You can also get involved in equestrian sport without having to actually ride –the sport of driving is a great option, as well as getting involved in volunteering or working on the ground. Organisations such as the Riding for the Disabled Association of Ireland (RDAI), the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and many others are always looking for extra hands. Roles within the equestrian industry vary hugely – from competitive riding in a huge range of disciplines, to coaching, breeding, course building, competition judging and organising, administration, marketing, networking and so many more, there is something to suit everyone.
Focus Areas
- Newcomers
- Clubs and Societies
- High Performance Programmes
So, where to start?
Newcomers
If you are a complete newcomer and want to learn to ride, or want to improve your riding but don’t have your own horse or pony, search for an AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishments/ www.aire.ie) approved centre near you, give them a call or email, and book yourself a lesson! All approved centres will have instructors, horses, ponies and packages to suit all abilities. They also organise events and competitions and conform to all safety and insurance standards for Ireland.
Quick Links
Clubs and Societies
If you already have your own horse or pony and wish to get involved in more activities or competitions; or would like to improve your riding and connections in the industry, look into joining your local Pony Club (www.irishponyclub.ie) or Riding Club (www.airc.ie). Joining a club is a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends, improve your riding and discover activities, competitions and other social events that are going on in the industry that you might not already be aware of. The Irish Pony Society (www.irishponysociety.ie) will also have lots of information on pony breeding, showing and competition.
The Irish equestrian interschools is aimed at students, and hosts team competitions throughout the year at various venues. More information can be found at www.equestrianinterschools.com, where you can enter competitions, view the calendar, current results and league tables. They also have lots of information on their Facebook page.
High Performance programmes
Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance strategy is that our athletes, horses and the people who support them are at the heart of everything we do. We want to make the best athletes better. Horse Sport Ireland places an emphasis on providing comprehensive support to both horse and athlete and ensuring that their experience of the system is positive during and beyond their sporting involvement.
Our High Performance team managers and directors design, plan and implement all elements of Horse Sport Ireland’s equestrian high performance teams programme to ensure sustainable excellence by all Irish athletes.
The international body governing equestrian sport, Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), recognises seven disciplines under global governance in both equestrian and para-equestrian competition. For an overview of these disciplines, please click here.
If you are interested in participating in one of Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance Programmes, please get in touch at [email protected]: