THE SJI National Pony Committee implemented a new incentive this year in the SJI Pony Academy. This incentive involved selecting the highest-ranking rider in each height division from the two Equijump Ltd Pony Spring Tour competitions in every region to participate. On April 21st, 24 pony riders made their way to Mullingar Equestrian Centre to partake in the academy.

At 8:45am sharp, the day commenced with a mandatory tack inspection and trot-up for all junior athletes. Subsequently, the participants were assigned to their respective groups, where they received coaching sessions on the flat and over jumps from Ian Fearon, Johnny O’Connell, Marie Burke, Annmarie Dunphy, Joanne Jardin, Ger O’Brien and Laura McCann Brown.

Following lunch, the participants were treated to informative talks by esteemed figures in the equestrian industry, including high performance coach Poppy Blanford, FEI judge Suzanne Macken, and a course walk by Gueorgui Gueorguiev, an FEI Level 2 course designer.

Flor Madden from the RDS was in attendance and told the riders: “In 2031, when the RDS will be 300 years old, that someone who attended the academy today will represent Ireland in the Aga Khan. The future of equestrian in Ireland is really on your shoulders here today. Full marks to all involved.”

Desmond McFadden, chairman of the National Pony Committee, stated: “On behalf of Showjumping Ireland, The Irish Field, the RDS and to everyone involved, I would like to thank everyone. It is an absolute credit to everyone that this can be done. I would like to thank all of the athletes, their parents and everyone who attended here today. It is a great success to see this happening.”

Ian Fearon, one of the leading coaches, added: “It’s an honour to be asked by Robert a few months ago would I lead the coaches and straight away Mary Ryan was the first person I thought of. When I got asked about this, straight away I thought this is a new incentive as I have been fortunate to do something similar with the Juniors and Young Riders. As a point of view from the coaches it is an honour for us as these riders are here on their own incentive, they haven’t been handed anything they got here as they earned it.”

The academy, organised by the SJI National Pony Committee, was a great success, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Irish Field and The RDS for their invaluable support. Special thanks also go to Ian Fearon and Mary Ryan for their diligent efforts in organising the day, and to Mullingar Equestrian Centre for generously allowing us to utilize their facilities.