THERE is growing concern over the prospect of disruption to some of the country’s most important show jumping fixtures on the national circuit due to clashing dates.

Time is now ticking for both Showjumping Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland to sort out calendar clashes which threaten to adversely affect SJI’s National Grand Prix series and HSI’s 2023 ISH Studbook Series, as well as the Dublin Horse Show young horse qualifiers.

The smooth scheduling is essential for the development of the sport on the home circuit. However, statements issued from both organisations this week gave no indication of an early resolution to what appears to be a stalemate situation over the calendar clashes.

No consultation

Chairperson of SJI National Competitions, Marguerite Ryan, said yesterday (Friday): “At this time, SJI have not received correspondence to confirm venues or dates selected or allocated a round of the Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Series 2023. It had been agreed between the SJI and HSI, that prior to the allocation of dates and to ensure that the calendar was not overly crowded or congested, that there would be consultation between the two organisations prior to the final allocation. This would allow for consideration for animal welfare and also affordability for riders, owners and breeders.

“The RDS qualifier dates and venues were discussed and agreed and finalised between Showjumping Ireland and the RDS during December of 2022 and the SJI were mindful of these dates when we were setting out our National calendar. SJI have written to HSI as recently as Thursday, outlining their concerns, as there are now date clashes identified between HSI Studbook Classes and National Grand Prix.

“SJI is extremely concerned in relation to the proposed scheduling of the HSI Studbook Series without final consultation with Showjumping Ireland. We await correspondence from HSI regarding dates and venues of Horse Sport Ireland Stud Book Series 2023,” concluded Ryan

Series funding

While the dates for the 2023 Studbook Series have not yet been published, it is understood venues have been contacted.

Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland commented yesterday (Friday): “Horse Sport Ireland is committed to funding the Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Series during 2023, subject to available funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. All venues were encouraged to apply during an open application process which was initiated on November 23rd 2022 and closed to applications on December 4th last.

“Venue applicants were asked as part of the application process to indicate their preferred date to host a leg of the Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Series.

“In total 16 venue applications were received for the jumping discipline for a series that traditionally takes place in seven venues, making it oversubscribed. Horse Sport Ireland reviewed the applications and has issued letters of offer to the successful venue applicants based on the dates those applicants indicated. The Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Series remains subject to funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, and is open to any horse registered in a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine approved studbook,” concluded Dr Egan.