A FLURRY of correspondence has been flying back and forth this week in the dates clash row between the McCusker family of The Meadows Equestrian Centre and Showjumping Ireland (SJI).

Legal letters were sent to SJI from the McCusker’s solicitors this week over the clash of dates which saw SJI pull authorisation from last weekend’s planned fixture at The Meadows some 24 hours before it was due to be held.

Grounds of a ‘significant’ calendar clash of dates at The Meadows and an Ulster Region fixture at Castle Irvine, Necarne were last week cited by SJI as the reason but this was roundly rejected by the McCuskers then and now.

Correspondence has also been sent by the McCuskers directly to the SJI Ulster Region, strongly maintaining that correct procedures had not been followed in the matter. Aaron McCusker outlined in his letter to the Ulster Region, his views that the decision was ‘anti-competitive’, adding it showed ‘disdain for the grassroots competitors who fund show jumping’.

“To refuse to authorise any show removes the ability of paid up members to choose where and when they wish to compete. We are all acutely aware of the ramifications arising from the Millstreet debacle and the consequences of SJI seeking to dictate to competitors where they can or can’t compete and if anything this goes a step further in seeking to extend restrictions within SJI events,” Aaron McCusker wrote.

There was no comment from SJI by time of going to press.