Equestrian sport ‘needs funding to build on Olympics’

The governing body of equestrian sport in Ireland has said it needs more funding to build on the success of Irish riders at the recent Olympic Games in London and other international competitions.

Horse Sport Ireland said it believed the performance of Ireland’s international competitors this year had made a strong case for the sport to receive extra financial support from the Government.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh — a former Fianna Fáil TD and agriculture minister — expressed concern there was an “imbalance” in the level of support offered to equestrian sports in comparison to the horse racing and greyhound industries.