THE popular SJI Pony Spring Tour, due to start in Kernan’s Equestrian Centre in Armagh, has been postponed with the SJI citing the Covid-19 restrictions on numbers as the reason.

In Northern Ireland, competitive sport can resume from July 17th with ‘limited numbers’ of outdoor spectators, to be increased from July 31st, all going well.

Chairperson of the SJI, Eamon Rice, explained: “Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the numbers that were expected to partake, we would have been in breach of current regulations.”

James Kernan also confirmed the reason for the postponement and said Kernan’s EC is committed to hosting a Grand Prix Show on July 11th.

He added: “This show is still very much on the calander as there are positive indications that restrictions will be eased by this point which will allow the show to go ahead. It is something that we are looking forward to and riders are very keen to travel up.”

The Meadows Equestrian Centre also announced on social media that it has cancelled its upcoming show, saying: “We have had to take the decision to cancel our SJI jumping this Saturday. Anyone who had entered will receive refunds. Our horse and pony jumping training day will instead take place in Arena 1 with classes to suit all abilities – 50cm-1.30m.”

Reduced fees

Meanwhile, social media posts had raised questions about the possible reduction of SJI membership fees as well as the situation regarding temporary tickets which allow riders pay to compete in an SJI class without being members of the organisation.

In response, the SJI are bringing forward a 50% discount for animal registrations and also introduced a special Covid-19 Sports Membership Rider rates.

“The Executive Committee (of SJI) would like to thank their members for the patience and understanding during this difficult time.

“They will also be exploring the best possible discount packages for 2021 for members that have already registered before July 1st 2020. As you are aware, our income was totally depleted throughout this lockdown.

“Our Association depends on its memberships and levies from show income and any future packages are related to the income for the remainder of 2020. Again we would ask our members to be cognisance of this,” said Show Jumping Ireland online,