With so many changes to the Irish Senior International showjumpers and the EFI taking over control of this important part of the sport, the Juniors and Young Riders had their own concerns when the SJAI (Showjumping Association of Ireland) announced they no longer wanted control of International competition for the future senior riders.

These concerns can now be laid to rest and the Junior and Young Riders can be comfortable in the knowledge that the new committee formed to take care of their interests is one filled with experience and knowledge.

The newly formed committee which has the full support of the EFI (Equestrian Federation of Ireland) and the Irish Sports Council, is now in place with Vina Buller, from Northern Ireland, taking the Chair and she is ably assisted by Liam Buckley, Sheila White and Taylor Vard.

Vina has a wealth of experience as a former International Showjumper and Eventer. Sheila White is currently competing on the National and International circuits and Taylor Vard, still jumping comes to this important committee as the former Chairman of International Affairs, for the Senior riders. Liam Buckley has also served time on International Affairs and has been a highly respected Chef d'Equip for the Juniors and Young Riders for some four years now.

In recognition of the importance of these younger riders, the EFI and Sports Council have a funding program in place which will see one of the main objectives for this year to have two successful teams competing for Ireland at the European Championships in Athens mid way through this year and they will fund the necessary international competitions required in the lead up to the Championships.

Another of the important objectives of this committee is to expose as many Junior and Young Riders to as many European shows as possible as well as possibly fielding a team for the first ever World Championships for Young Riders, which will be held in Lanaken in September this year.

The committee have secured the services of Trevor Coyle and Liam Buckley has been appointed as the Chef d'equip for the year - this is news which will no doubt please all the riders who have worked under Liam's guidance at important international competitions in the past years.

This latest news from the EFI is a huge step forward for the 16 to 21 year old riders, and after some concerns about their future, the riders can rest assured that they will be given every opportunity to prove that they are the future senior riders for Ireland through the support of the the EFI and Irish Sports Council.

The success of these Under 21 year olds is now dependent on horses and riders being at the right level for international competition. The riders must now be realistic and honest about themselves and their horses ability as they have a committee who are looking for top level combinations with the plan being to field medal contention teams - they are not planning to trek to Athens for appearance money!

The Committee will be watching the riders at the final leg of the Guidam Spring Grand Prix Tour, which will be held at Boswell in Ashford, County Wicklow this Saturday and they will also be watching the riders throughout the Boswell sponsored Summer Outdoor Grand Prix League which begins shortly.

The EFI are to be congratulated for the formation of this super committee who will no doubt see the Junior and Young Riders achieving great results throughout this year and future years.

So now we have seen the EFI appoint top quality committees for the Senior Showjumpers and now the 16 - 21 year old riders - no doubt the next announcements will see the Pony Riders and Amateur Riders sorted as well - and when all committees are in place everyone looks forward to a calm and successful season for Irish Showjumping.