It will be his fifth year in total to hold the role, having previously been in the position for three years up to 2013.

On his re-election, Hurley said: “I’m delighted to resume as chairman once more and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. There is no doubt we have a challenging year ahead once more, however, we accomplished a lot of what we set out to do in 2013 with regard to insurance and the new health and safety programmes have been a huge success.

“We were very pleased to be able to reduce the cost of animal registrations for 2014, along with maintaining several of the members’ benefits that have been in situ for the past number of years. Bringing the bulletin online has been a huge success so far and the numbers that are subscribing for the publication are very encouraging.”

Ray Buchanan will assume the role of vice-chairman once again, while Liam Murphy is again the chairman of the management and finance committee.

Former Irish show jumping chef d’equipe Eamon Rice is the new chairman of the national competitions committee, while Michael Hennessy is new to the chair of the judges’ committee. Niall Duffy and Paul MacKenzie are taking on the roles of chairman for the veterinary and training committees respectively.

Michael Blake, who has played an influential role in setting up a young rider placement programme with senior Irish riders in Florida, remains as chairman of the young rider committee. Katy Saunders will also continue to fill the position as chair of the pony committee, while Ray Halpin (health and safety), Paddy Mullen (amateurs) and Ray Buchanan (course designers) remain in their respective roles.