Ireland’s eventers get Olympic boost as HSI agrees support

THE likelihood of Ireland being represented in eventing at this year’s Olympics has received a boost, with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) opting to fully support riders if they should qualify.

Riders recently received a letter outlining HSI’s backing as they bid to achieve Olympic qualification. HSI listed a number of events riders can attend for selection purposes.

Meanwhile, riders must work to boost their standings in the International Equestrian Federation’s Olympic rankings.

If at least three riders qualify, it is possible that Ireland could make up a composite team for the Games, which takes place in Hong Kong.

Ireland will not have a show jumping team at this year’s event, but world number four Jessica Kürten tops the sport’s Olympic rankings and is likely to earn an individual place.

Importantly, the rules state that while the rider wins the Olympic slot, who goes is decided by the national governing body, in Ireland’s case, HSI.

HSI’s decision to support the eventers came following consultation with the new high performance manager Ginny Elliot, who on Thursday undertook her first training session with riders at Kill, Co Kildare. Attending were Michael Ryan and his wife Patricia, Jayne Doherty, Sam Watson, Sally Corscadden and Sarah Wardell.

Elliot is expected to name her full international squad at the end of May.

The Olympic qualification process is complicated, but the consensus among the riders is that if they get into the top 25 they will have a chance. The current Olympic rankings show Ryan up to 21st place, with Patricia Ryan three places behind. Jayne Doherty is 31st, Niall Griffin 35th and Sacha Pemble 38th. Ireland must wait until June 15 for the end of the qualifiers to see who, if any, can travel to the Far East.

Ryan is one of those hoping to line out at the Games and says, assuming qualification is achieved, that he and his compatriots will not be there just to make up the numbers.

“This year, there are a couple of individual riders that can give a good account of themselves. We may not be medal contenders, but our performance will be respectable. Also, it is an opportunity to gain experience ahead of London 2012,” said the Bandon-based Limerick man.