‘Are they riding for themselves or their country?’

THE vow by a number of riders to never join Cian O’Connor on a nations cup team demonstrates the depth of acrimony felt towards the rider in some quarters.

Many feel that the controversy that has surrounded the 25-year-old over his Olympic victory has brought the sport into disrepute and, accordingly hindered their means of making a living.

Their enmity, as such, may seem understandable and nobody could argue that show jumping has not been cast in a poor light.