Showjumping great Kürten takes reins as Ireland manager

Legendary rider is excited to work with the team ahead of the World Championships and LA28 Olympics

Jessica Kurten, the new Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Jumping Manager, pictured at the Aloft London Excel in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile 

Former showjumping great Jessica Kürten has been appointed Horse Sport Ireland's new High Performance Jumping Manager, succeeding Michael Blake.

A former world number two in the FEI rankings, Kürten enjoyed a glittering competitive career at the very highest level of the sport. A dual Olympian, she represented Ireland at Atlanta in 1996 and at Athens in 2004 and was a key member of Ireland’s historic European Championship gold-medal winning team in 2001.

She is also an Aga Khan Trophy winner for Ireland and was a regular representative at World Cups and major championship events, earning her place as one of Ireland’s most successful and respected international riders of her generation.

Kürten said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager. Ireland has a strong track record in Jumping and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position.

“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships and Olympics in 2028.

“I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.” 

In her role, Kürten will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping programme, working closely with athletes, coaches and support teams.