OWNERS of Irish event horses have called for better funding of the High Performance programmes run by Horse Sport Ireland, after being left disappointed when there was no team vet sent to the FEI Nations Cup Final at Boekelo in The Netherlands recently, where the Irish team landed a comprehensive victory.

Owner of Belline Equestrian, Richard Ames, was among the owners of horses at the four-star event, where he said there was “no team vet, no team dressage coach and the show jumping coach was only there because the riders paid for him to come themselves.

“The High Performance programme belongs to HSI, and they make it abundantly clear that it belongs to them, in which case they need to make sure it’s funded properly. It should be costed and funded properly, which it is absolutely not. Eventing has been left on the side, like the poor relation,” Ames added.

Peter Cattell, owner of a number of horses for UK-based Irish rider Padraig McCarthy, made his thoughts known on social media, commenting: “What amazes me is that they [Ireland] can pull off a result like this using their own resources and the resources of their owners. If Team Ireland want results like this at major championships and what they achieved back in 2018 World Equestrian Games, then it’s about time Horse Sport Ireland started to help the riders with support for training etc. Time for a good look in the mirror HSI - you should not like what you see, but you have the power and responsibility to change what you do.

“I have first-hand experience of how other Nations develop their High Performance programmes, especially New Zealand, having owned horses with Mark Todd and now Tim Price. It is chalk and cheese.”

Committed

Asked about veterinary resources at the Nations Cup final in Boekelo, a spokesperson for Horse Sport Ireland said: “Horse Sport Ireland is fully committed to the well-being and performance of both our athletes and horses. The allocation of veterinary support at international events is determined by the design of each specific programme, with resources prioritised for key events.

“In cases where additional veterinary support is required beyond routine matters, the chef d’equipe has the option to request assistance from another National Federation. This is a well-established practice, and the Irish NF team vet has previously supported other nations in situations where they did not have a vet on-site. Through these strong collaborative networks, we ensure that our horses’ welfare remains a top priority at every competition.”

Adamant

Four-time Olympian Austin O’Connor was part of the winning team in Boekelo and is “adamant” that athletes should have veterinary support at big three-day events. “Unfortunately, I’ve been in that position in the past, where you end up begging and borrowing, which isn’t a testament to the programme. Weighing it all up, it’s a real shame, given the success we have had; the team manager is doing an unbelievable job,” O’Connor said.

“The whole High Performance and funding structure has got to be seriously looked at and made public, too much is happening behind closed doors; we need more transparency - what is Sport Ireland putting in to eventing in Ireland and how is it distributed by Horse Sport Ireland?

“I don’t want to turn it into a complete negative, because results are at a level they have never been at – two Nations Cup victories and so many big results throughout the year prove the quality is there to invest. Everything’s going in the right direction, thanks to very good owners and a lot of world-class event riders. Between riders and owners, it is going to another level, it’s time for Sport Ireland and HSI to step up to the mark.”