Board make-up of new body

HSI brings together equestrian’s breeding and sporting sectors. The former is currently regulated by the Irish Horse Board with the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (made up of 15 affiliates) governing the latter.

HSI’s board is made up of nominees from the IHB and the EFI affiliates. It is expected to put the industry on a more professional footing and allow the streamlining of functions. There is a promise of big government support.

Aside from chairman Mr Walsh, HSI’s board is comprised of the following 17 members: Larry O’Neill (Irish Long Distance Riding Association, Carriage Driving Association and Para-Equestrian Ireland), Joan Keogh (Dressage Ireland), Brian Mangan (Eventing Ireland), Gerry Leahy (Eventing Ireland), Patricia Furlong (Showjumping Association of Ireland), Brian Gormley (SJAI), Tommy Dixon (SJAI), Eamon Rice (SJAI), Alice Mernagh (Irish Pony Club/Irish Pony Society), Lt Col Gerry O’Gorman (Army Equitation School commanding officer), Helen Mangan (Association of Irish Riding Clubs/Association of Irish Riding Establishments), Bernie Brennan (RDS), John Jude Doyle (IHB), Paul Duffy (IHB), Michael Duignan (IHB), William Kennedy (IHB), Harold McGahern (IHB).