SHOWJUMPING Ireland has applied through a participation grant scheme for funding to set up new incentives to ensure a stream of new officials, judges and stewards, continue to come into the sport.

That’s according to the chairman of The Showjumpers Club, Ronan Corrigan yesterday (Friday).

Earlier this week, a statement was released by the RDS and SJI extolling the principles of good horsemanship and horse welfare at its central core while also encouraging respect and courtesy among all officials and riders.

RDS/SJI statement

“The RDS and Showjumping Ireland met recently to discuss the operation of forthcoming Dublin Horse Show qualifiers, and the show itself, which will take place from Wednesday, the 17th to Sunday, the 21st of August. Horse welfare is paramount and must be at the core of all equestrian pursuits and sporting occasions. It is the responsibility of all those involved in the sport – competitors, parents, trainers, officials, organisers and volunteers – to safeguard it for future generations; to ensure it is always reflected in a positive light, that its many benefits to mental, physical and emotional wellbeing are extolled, and that those who take part in it, can appropriately communicate the mutual benefits of the human and horse relationship to the wider and increasingly urbanised public.”

Never compromised

“Principle to all this is that horse welfare is never compromised for competitive or commercial reasons. Our stewards and officials help to ensure that this is the case, and that best practice and best horsemanship is observed. In addition to applying the rules of competition, they ensure a level playing field, and that bullying and un-sportsman-like behaviour do not go unchecked. Officials and competitors must be positive role models for each other, engaging with each other respectfully and in a courteous manner in order to ensure that the correct behaviours prevail and that the sport is safeguarded into the future.

“The organisations wish to assure all competitors that the full complement of stewards and officials will be on hand for all forthcoming qualifiers,” concluded the statement.