Irish Horse Board reaffirms it’s backing for umbrella body
The move follows the recent announcement that the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) is to plough ahead with a modernisation plan, seen as a precursor to the umbrella body.
With the latter not envisaged for 12/15 months at the least, the EFI felt compelled to forge ahead to satisfy the demands enforced upon it by its inclusion in the Irish Sports Council High Performance Programme for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Notably, however, the EFI opted to proceed without full integration of the Irish Horse Board.
With the concept of an umbrella body stagnating in the past 18 months, the EFI restructuring plan came as a major jolt. Particularly, with the decision, in its move forward to uncouple itself, for the present, from the board.
Accordingly, in a statement issued this week, the IHB felt to need to clarify its position. It said it:
*had submitted a substantial document to the Strategic Group/Task Force developing the process of establishing an appropriate umbrella body and many of these proposals were adopted;
*believed the Liam Connellan document of November 2001 entitled Proposals on the establishment of Horse Sport Ireland, the new non-Governmental body (NGB) for equestrian sport represented a workable structure for the council/board and executive of the proposed new body.
* had exhorted the EFI to present the document to the relevant Government departments, with a view to attracting an increase in Government support for the sector;
* was currently participating fully in discussions with the organisations in the sector, and with the relevant Government departments and agencies, with a view to expediting the establishment of the new organisation.
Speaking yesterday, before a meeting between the the IHB, the EFI and the Irish Sports Council, IHB vice-chairman Ralph Conroy said there was no disagreement between the IHB and EFI concerning the umbrella body, particularly in relation to IHB representation on any proposed council or board, etc.
"If we are to succeed, we must go forward on a united front and that is how we would envisage it," said Mr Conroy. "We want the umbrella bodyimplemented as soon as possible. Something has got to happen sooner, rather than later."
He said that while there was the obvious dichotomies between the breeding sector and sporting sector, both were dependant on each other.
"Without the breeding policy implemented in full to provide international-standard horses, there will be no sporting group.
"The two industries have to work hand in hand; riders need horses and horses need riders," said Mr Conroy, who is also on the executive of the Show Jumping Association of Ireland.
The clarification of the IHB position is a welcome development. Doubts had emerged as to the part it would play in the umbrella body. The board, which represents the breeding sector, is a recipient of State funding, which it would bring to the table in the new umbrella body and money is pivotal to why Horse Sport Ireland should be formed. If the bodies representing equine interests in this country can sing from the same hymn sheet, it would sound a lot sweeter to any government minister.
The bottom line is that the required funding would be forthcoming to provide those involved in equestrianism with the service they deserve.
THE showjumping community was shocked and saddened this week by the tragic death of former pony rider Cliona Magner in a shooting tragedy.
The Magner family is well known in showjumping circles. Pat is secretary of Fermoy Gymkhana, while Cliona competed in The Ballyrafter Centre, Lismore, during her pony years. She also competed at the Kerrygold Horse Show and Millstreet International Show on the pony Collatin Beauty.
Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) executive member John Hannan, a close friend of the Magners, said they were endeavouring to come to terms with the tragedy.
"I was with the family on Saturday night. They are distraught and coping the best they can, but it isn't easy," said Mr Hannan from his yard in Mallow, Co Cork, yesterday.
"As chairman of the Cork/Kerry branch of the SJAI, I would like to convey the sympathies of the show jumping community to the family," said Mr Hannan.
TREVOR COYLE placed fifth in the World Cup competition at Vigo, Spain, on Saturday, greatly strengthening his chances of a place in the finals in April.
Riding the US-owned Fleur, the Armagh rider was one of eight to make it into the jump-off. While he posted the fastest time on the bay mare, four faults kept him off the top spot, which went to Swiss rider Markus Fuchs and Grannie. The result leaves Coyle in equal 13th place on the Western European League and well on his way to being one of the 18 to qualify for the Las Vegas finals (April 16-20).
Peter Charles, however, is all but out of the running for the American showcase, finishing equal tenth on a first-round score of four faults with Carnavelley in the Spanish round. Joining him in 10th was Corkman Robert Splaine (Coolcorron Cool Diamond). England-domiciled Corkman Billy Twomey, notched up five faults with the Dutch warmblood stallion Luidam in the first round to finish down the line.
CANADA LIFE is to renew its sponsorship of the four regional RDS horse qualifiers and the national horse jumping competitions plus championships at the RDS in August of this year. The company has operated in Ireland since 1903 and now provides SJAI members with reduced rates for life and accident cover. Details of the scheme are available from Peter Quirke at: 086-2401790.
THE Irish Draught Horse Society has confirmed its national show will again be held at Ennis Co Clare, on August 2. The Kennedy Equestrian Centre, Tralee, and Lee Strand Dairies will put up 2,000 for a brood mare championship at the show. Ulster Bank is again backing the All-Ireland Yearling Colt or Gelding Championship, which this year will boast a prize-fund of 2,500. The society will hold its AGM in Portlaoise on March 16.
