CONGRATULATIONS to Debora Pijpers on a superb tenure at the helm of High Performance para dressage in Ireland. The Dutch native has announced her decision to step away from the job she took up in February 2020, first on an interim basis.

Interactions with Debora have always been incredibly positive, with her passion, good humour and enthusiasm shining so bright. Perhaps the highlight was speaking to her just moments after Ireland finished 10th at the Paralympic Games in Paris in early September.

She had set an ambitious goal of a top 10 finish in Paris and was extremely proud to achieve it.

Debora has a lot of experience in the sport, having previously spent seven years at Dressuurstal Van Vaalen and has also completed a Masters in Business Administration. She has indicated an interest in a strategic role at an international sports organisation. Wherever the path brings her, I wish her the best of luck. I know the athletes and everyone she came into contact with feel the same, judging from the reaction to her departure on social media.

HSI has not announced their plans to replace Debora, they have however advertised for a senior eventing High Performance manager. Details of that can be found elsewhere on the page.

Christmas is in full swing now and so are all the events that come with it, once Storm Darragh doesn’t put a complete halt to everything this weekend - make sure to check before travelling. Thursday sees the fourth annual Treo Eile Christmas Show take place at Emerald Equestrian Centre. Stars of racing and equestrian sport are lining up for the special day; including Oisin Murphy, Colin Keane, Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Nina Carberry, Robbie Power and Paul and Jody Townend, eventing Olympians Sarah Ennis, Sam Watson, Caroline Powell and Austin O’Connor. More details can be found on www.treoeile.com.