WHAT an amazing and jam-packed year on the equestrian circuit 2022 has been, and there is no signs of it slowing down just yet!

The pages of Irish Horse World have been filled with colour and competition from all across the country and world so far this year. This week, we cover the FEI Eventing World Championships from Pratoni where Ireland qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Just like they did in 2018 and like the show jumpers did last month in Herning, getting that early qualification is so important in the Olympic cycle as it allows riders to plan their horses, or source horses, and team managers to draw out a two-year plan to peak in Paris. High Performance is all about being prepared and our eventers and show jumpers now have the best chance of performing in two years’ times.

Susan Finnerty takes an interesting look at the breeding patterns at the championships in Pratoni last week which is well worth a read on pages 82-83.

International action continues in Co Cork with the Ballindenisk International Horse Trials underway, while the Slieve Bloom National Dressage Championships take place in Barnadown, Co Wexford. Meanwhile, in Lanaken, the Irish Studbook is well supported and will hope to bring home medals.

Budget asks

Budget 2023 will be announced on Tuesday, September 27th amidst the worst cost of living crisis in 50 years and against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As covered last week, Horse Sport Ireland’s pre-Budget ask is €33.5 million, in addition to a further €80 million slice of TAMS (over CAP 2023-2027). This week, HSI CEO Denis Duggan said the discussions with multiple TDs and Senators have been encouraging. What is crucially important for the sector is that those people in power understand the industry and the challenges it faces, in order to lend the proper supports.

Next week’s Irish Horse World will bring you all the information of Horse Sport Ireland’s Budget 2023 allocation.