HORSE Sport Ireland has been announced as the sponsors of the HSI Affiliate Combined Training Challenge, which will be run by Eventing Ireland in the Spring of 2022.

A press release said: “Following on from the success of previous year’s sponsorship of Combined Training Leagues and off the back of the positive HSI Autumn Development Series in 2021, this initiative is crucial to the beginning of a successful competition season and the production and training of young horses in Ireland.”

The HSI Affiliate Combined Training Challenge aims to encourage members of all HSI affiliates to compete at levels to suit their abilities, and to encourage the use of correct training on the flat and jumping. Qualifiers are open to all Horse Sport Ireland affiliate members including Eventing Ireland, Dressage Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Irish Pony Club, Irish Pony Society and Riding Clubs. All athletes must be a member of one affiliate at the time of entry. Horses/ponies may compete on a day registration.

This HSI Affiliate Combined Training Challenge will fall under Eventing Ireland rules and will cover the three disciplines of eventing, and incorporating, where possible, some cross-country fences. Prize money will be on offer for every class in every qualifier including the final. It begins in The Meadows on January 29th and finishes on March 13th at CoilÓg Equestrian Centre.

Speaking about the announcement of the upcoming HSI Affiliate Combined Training Challenge, Acting CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, Joe Reynolds, commented: “The series proved extremely successful in 2018 and 2019. Following on from the difficulties posed to running competitions over 2020 and in the beginning of 2021, we are delighted to provide this opportunity to the industry to get their best foot forward to a successful competition season in 2022. We look forward to seeing our affiliated athletes competing early in the season and watching them take on the final in CoilÓg in March.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Eventing Ireland commented: “Eventing Ireland is delighted to be hosting this Combined Training League on behalf of the affiliates. This is a great opportunity for members of all disciplines to experience the thrills of dressage and jumping in one day against their peers and a league makes it all the more exciting.”

All rules, regulations and entries are available on www.eventingireland.com.