ELECTRIC spurs used on a horse...

Most horsepeople can’t even comprehend such a thing and for it to repeatedly occur at some of the world’s most elite show jumping competitions simply beggars belief.

The FEI are to be applauded loud and clear for imposing a 10-year ban on USA show jumping rider Andrew Kocher (see 83) for his use of electric spurs on his show jumpers, both in competition and in training.

For his part, Andrew Kocher came out strongly saying he had been completely wronged and that he intends to appeal to CAS so we will await developments there.

There is absolutely no place for abuse, mistreatment or cruelty in any sport, let alone elite equestrian sports. The FEI have delivered a strong message with this ban which comes on top of a three-year suspension also issued this week against Brazilian dressage rider Leandro Aparecido Da Silva, filmed riding and mistreating his daughter’s very small pony last year.

Spotlight on Ballindenisk

International eventing action takes place this weekend at Ballindenisk, behind closed doors of course with all Covid-19 protocols in place. The event offers a welcome chance for chef d’equipe Sally Corscadden and the selectors to see most of the top Irish squad in action. The Irish eventing Olympic team of three and a reserve will be announced at the end of June. Well done to Peter Fell and his team at Ballindenisk for all their hard work – the Cork venue certainly sparkled on their Thursday evening slot on RTÉ.

Meanwhile, there continues to be mixed news coming from Tokyo with just over 90 days to go to Olympic Games. Public support for the Games in Japan is low due to increasing coronavirus case numbers coupled with the ever spiralling financial costs, now billions over budget.

However, the Olympic Games has always represented more than just sporting greatness, shining as the world’s strongest beacon of achievement and hope over adversity – needed now perhaps more than ever.