BONJOUR from Paris. As I type from the well-equipped media centre with excellent Wi-Fi, it’s an overcast 20 degrees day, which started with rain but cleared about halfway through the morning’s veterinary inspection, where all Irish event horses were thankfully accepted to start the competition.

On meeting Susie Berry afterwards (see more from her in the adjoining story on this page), she was beaming from ear to ear; she swiftly said that, despite telling herself that it is just another competition, it really doesn’t feel like that and Olympic fever is starting to take over.

I am told by my press room colleagues that this is an exceptional venue in comparison to those of the last few Games. Athletes are very happy with the facilities; it is going to be an amazing experience for them and everyone who is involved in any capacity, and what a memorable moment for Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Abigail Lyle to take part in the opening ceremony on Friday night.

Social licence

As equestrian fans, we are all hoping for a clean Games that presents really good pictures to the world and gives the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a good reason to keep the sport in the schedule for the Olympic Games past the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

On Tuesday, the world was shocked following Charlotte Dujardin’s withdrawal from Paris and then followed the video of her whipping a horse from the ground during a lesson. It was a shocking video and very damaging for the sport, especially given its timing.

Among the first places it was aired was Good Morning Britain which has over 600,000 daily viewers. Dujardin is the most well-known dressage rider in the world, she is the sport’s poster girl and was on track to become Britain’s most-medalled Olympian in any sport. And while this kind of abuse is not acceptable on any level or from anyone – famous or not – her status heightens the damage.

It again brings the social licence into focus, especially as the Olympic Games kick off. If the sport wants a future in the Games, it is increasingly important that welfare is put first.

There is a preview of the show jumping and dressage competitions, as well as a round-up of the Irish horses competing at the Games in this week’s paper. Follow updates live from Paris on www.theirishfield.ie.