Splaine confident as Ireland take on the world
Dealing with athletes is a prerequisite for any manager, but throw into the mix the demands of riders vis-a-vis their horses and you need someone who can listen, but also deliver any message in clear terms. It’s all about compromise and striking a balance.
“What have I recognised in my years as manager? The true meaning of communication and patience. I am lucky, I have always been confident in my ability to recognise talent. Communication is key though. I am conscious of the need to explain your position. You could write a book on it... couldn’t you?” he asks.
Splaine is a consummate horseman, that is indisputable, but he has shown he can get riders onside too in a sport where team participation can be subordinated to the demands of making a living on a weekly basis as an individual. He will bring his leadership skills to bear in Kentucky next week at the Alltech World Equestrian Games, where he has at his disposal a squad that, realistically, is this country’s greatest hope of conjuring up gold.
The eventing squad are not without hope, but like dressage, reining and para-equestrian representatives, it is more about continuing the learning curve.
No, it is Ireland’s show jumpers who carry the weight of expectation. They are feared and admired in equal measure by their foreign contemporaries and Denis Lynch (Lantinus), Cian O’Connor (K Club Lady), Billy Twomey (Tinka’s Serenade) and Dermott Lennon (Hallmark Elite) were supreme in winning the German Nations Cup in Aachen in July, the pinnacle of the sport if you strip out championships. Win at Aachen and you can win anywhere.
Splaine believes that any suggestion of winning a medal is justified, even if he is throwing a hostage to fortune.
“We are not favourites, but not an underdog, either. There is no pressure from any sense of expectation, these are highly motivated, successful riders with exceptional animals. Nothing can detract from our own belief. We were fourth in the world this year in the Meydan Series, that is a genuine reflection. Should we have been higher? We finished ahead of Germany and, anyway, I can’t put out my best team every week. It’s all about horsepower. Other countries have great riders too, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, for example, but they also have a greater pool of horses to draw on. For the size of Ireland, we punch above our weight,” says 55-year-old Splaine.
He stresses, though, that the main goal in Kentucky is to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, for which, Ireland must finish in the top five, outside of the host nation, Britain. In that respect, considering the potential of the team, he rejects aspirations are not high.
“Our main goal is to qualify for the London Olympics, as Kentucky is the first of only two chances we will get to do this. I don’t think the bar is set too low. It would be hugely significant if we qualify for the Olympics. We could settle down to plan, in earnest, with confidence for London. It would allow us to focus more on the goal of winning a medal there, rather than having to consider qualification again in the European Championships in Madrid next year.”
In terms of show jumping, the Olympics have been memorable for the wrong reasons, but it is indicative of the determination of Irish riders that Cian O’Connor and Denis Lynch, who fell foul of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) dope/medication testing regime, have risen from the ashes.
Splaine knows too well that only time and achievement will help to erase the memories, but he is anxious to point out, too, that Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) have done much to guard against a reoccurrence.
“Of course it is painful to recall the episodes of the last two Olympics. But HSI has structures and policies to ensure that, as far as is possible, there will be no repeat of what happened in Hong Kong and Athens. The Holmes Report addressed the issue of drugs/medications and recommendations were taken on board. Riders are now better educated and the FEI has also recognised the need for clearer guidelines.”
Splaine’s contract, meanwhile, is up for review after the World Equestrian Games, something he welcomes: “I think we, as a group, ie the riders, myself, HSI and the horse owners, have achieved a lot. As a result, I am looking forward to the review.”
He regrets, however, that sometimes the sport doesn’t get the recognition in the media it deserves.
“Personally, for the amount of success, I think there should be more coverage. It has become routine for Irish riders to win grands prix at the highest level, yet they don’t achieve due recognition. We have three riders in the top 15 of the world rankings, and five in the top 50. I don’t know of any Irish sport that can say that.”
Perhaps the Bluegrass State will provide an opportunity for headline news.
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