WHEN Robert Splaine is asked to consider what he has learned in the five years since becoming Ireland show jumping team manager, he pauses, before settling on the importance of communication.

IRELAND’S bid for eventing glory at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky got off to a disappointing start yesterday.

MARK KYLE and Step In Time will lead off Ireland’s challenge today as the eventing competition begins at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

SARAH WARDELL yesterday took the first step in making up for an aborted effort with Kincluny earlier this month at Burghley, by taking poll position on day one of the CCI three-star at Ballindenisk, Co Cork.

CAPTAIN GEOFF CURRAN and eventing high performance manager Ginny Elliot are confident the Army officer’s mount, The Jump Jet, will be fighting fit for the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

IRELAND’S show jumpers finished in equal fifth place yesterday in a closely-fought nations cup at Gijon, Spain.

MICHAEL RYAN was yesterday named among the six eventing riders to carry Irish hopes in the Alltech World Equestrian Games (WEG), which begin this month in Kentucky and he took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the Cork venue, Ballindenisk, to the sport in Ireland.

HORSE SPORT Ireland (HSI) has opted to send the full complement of six horses to compete in the eventing competition of the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.

DENIS LYNCH, Cian O’Connor and Billy Twomey were yesterday named by Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine to be part of his squad for the Alltech World Equestrian Games, which begin next month.

SHANE BREEN yesterday gave Ireland the perfect start at Hickstead ahead of today’s nations cup, taking two of the three international classes.

IRELAND show jumping manager Robert Splaine says the coming outdoor season will be “tough”, as he tries to balance the demands put on resources by the Meydan FEI Nations Cup Series and September’s Alltech World Equestrian Games.