THREE of four new Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) ‘Advisory Forums’ have been formed, albeit without the input of several major affiliate groups.

HSI has advised that three of the forums have now met to elect chairpersons and nominate candidates as potential non-executive directors of the body.

The development is a result of recent changes, made by HSI, to how its board would be made up - changes that were not universally accepted by industry stakeholders, including the Olympic disciplines of dressage, para-equestrian and show jumping.

As a result, the High Performance forum has not yet been formed. Other stakeholders who have declined to engage with the new structure as yet include the RDS, the Army Equitation School, the Irish Horse Board, the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland and Leisure Horse Ireland.

HSI advised that 42 members representing 34 different affiliates and stakeholder groups were nominated to the forums for Breeding and Production, Equestrian Sport and Recreation and Coaching and Education. Those three forums have also selected six candidates to enter the selection process to become a Director of Horse Sport Ireland.

“All 42 members who attended the meeting were duly nominated by their respective organisations, thus ensuring a strong level of engagement within the industry, as a result of an open democratic process,” a HSI spokesman said.

“The Board and Management of HSI wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to those who gave of their time to participate in the initial Advisory Forum meeting.

“The Advisory Forums, which replace the four Councils, are part of a new model for electing industry nominees to the Board of Horse Sport Ireland, and provide a forum for collaboration and engagement across the industry.

“The Forums are designed to ensure that 50 affiliates and industry stakeholders can interact and engage with each other and with Horse Sport Ireland. This system ensures the widest possible level of engagement and inclusivity from our industry partners.

“Under this new model, which was approved by the Horse Sport Ireland Board in January following an open public consultation process last year, there is no change whatsoever to the representation that each of the four groupings will have on the Horse Sport Ireland Board.

“One of the two candidates from each Advisory Forum will be selected by an independent panel as a HSI Director and this new system creates a cast-iron guarantee that each of the four Advisory Forums will continue to enjoy the same representation as in the previous Council system.

“Moving to the new system ensures that the Board of Horse Sport Ireland meets the Government’s gender representation requirements. Of the two candidates selected by each Forum, one must be female. The independent panel will select four directors, and will be minded to appoint at least two female directors to fill two of four vacancies.

“Regrettably, the fourth Advisory Forum has not yet met. Horse Sport Ireland offered to meet representatives of this group recently to discuss any concerns they might have in relation to the new process, but this request was declined. HSI remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders in relation to the move to the new Advisory Forum structures.”

The Irish Field has been informed that, while this invite was indeed extended to the Olympic sport affiliates, it was given at short notice and it was not possible for them to attend. They are awaiting an invitation to a rescheduled meeting at a future date.