Change overdue in SJAI, admits chairperson

THE Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) has not adapted quickly enough to meet the changing needs of the sport, but is working to address this, its chairperson, Patricia Furlong, said yesterday.

With the association’s procedures coming under scrutiny, following Millstreet’s decision in August to go “independent” of the association and also Cavan’s decision to hold unaffiliated shows, Ms Furlong agreed that change is overdue in the SJAI.

“A sub committee is due to come back this month to address how the benefits of running an affiliated show can be maximised,” said Ms Furlong. “We have to make it more attractive for shows to be affiliated.”