Showjumping selectors’ chairman quits post
Taylor Vard, who headed up the Show Jumping Association of Ireland’s (SJAI) International Affairs Committee, tendered his resignation yesterday.
His decision to resign is a blow to the SJAI as it battles to regain credibility following months of turmoil in the sport over the selection process.
It is believed he had differences of opinion with other members of the committee as to the procedure in the negotiating of the contract for a new chef d’equipe.
Robert Splaine is the chef d’equipe designate, following a ballot of riders, but he has yet to sign a contract.
The International Affairs Committee held a meeting on Thursday from which Dubliner Vard is said to have walked out. He was not available for comment last night.
Meanwhile, the SJAI executive has opted not to extend the contract of its director general Robert Joyce. He was recently given a three-month extension to his six-month probationary period after being appointed to the position in March.
Show jumping was left reeling this year with Cian O’Connor stripped of his Olympic gold medal. In addition, two riders - Harry Marshall and Jessica Kürten - refused to ride for Ireland, questioning the selection process. Meetings were arranged between a group of riders and management, and a new selection process was ratified last week by the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI).
But these latest troubles for show jumping could prove costly and could result in difficulties as the EFI prepares to submit an application to the Irish Sports Council for funding for show jumping.
