A LIVELY AGM of Eventing Ireland this week saw a strong attendance and plenty of robust discussion exchanged over a range of topics.

New chairman Nikki Potterton said yesterday (Friday), he is “looking forward to the challenge of the role’’ while well known equine veterinary expert Bridget McGing is the new vice-chair.

“It was a really good AGM, a lot of people came and spoke out what they felt and how we can move things along. It’s good that people came and said what they had to say in the open. There was hearty discussions. These are difficult times for our sport - insurance issues, rising costs, we have to give value for money to people.

“We hope to get a grassroots championship going through the pony clubs and bring new blood into the sport,” said Nikki Potterton who is married to top international rider Olympian Sarah Ennis.

“Time will tell whether we have too many (fixtures) or not. We are trying to keep venues as far apart as possible,” added Potterton on the topic.

Among those elected to the Board at the AGM was successful businessman Richard Ames of SemaLease, title sponsor of Camphire International Horse Trials, which issued a press release last October about a 2023 dates crux.

Richard Ames told The Irish Field: “I am delighted to have been elected onto the Board of Eventing Ireland.

“I hope my experience over many years in eventing as an owner/rider/sponsor will enable me, along with my business knowledge, to bring some new dimension and direction to the Board. I also would like to be the link between Eventing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland as I see this to be paramount in the future of our sport.”

Board moves

Fleur Creed was co-opted onto the Board of Eventing Ireland following the resignation of Don Hannigan, who had served for 12 years.