SJAI DIRECTORS MANDATE EFI WITH TRAINING AND SELECTION OF ALL TEAMS

After much discussion and debate and in the best interests of our wonderful sport the SJAI Directors have issued a mandate that the E.F.I. embrace and manage the training and selection of all teams from ponies, juniors, young riders, through to the senior teams, including amateurs. This decision has been taken to ensure fragmentation of our sport is avoided - and to also contribute towards a future devoid of conflict, which supports our vast array of talented riders at all levels. Riders wishing to compete for Ireland at international level should contact the EFI directly at their offices in Kildare Paddocks, Kill, Co. Kildare. Tel. No. 045 886678

The SJAI Board of Directors unanimously agree that in the interest of the continued progression of the sport, and continuity of the Irish International Show Jumping teams, it is imperative that we do our utmost to gain maximum success for our international teams in the future. The current programme, which has been honed over many years, of Pony training, viewing days, selection, varied international shows at European venues, through Juniors, Young Riders and development teams, has proved very successful, and these need to be continued in an atmosphere of certainty and professionalism.

We the present Directors want to recognise and applaud the SJAIs support and commitment to international teams , which has been a corner stone of our Show Jumping success, for over 40 years. This has spanned the successes of Seamus Hayes, Iris Kellett, Tommy Wade, Tommy Brennan, Eddie Macken, Paul Darragh, Capt. Con Power, & Lt. Colonel Gerry Mullins, through to recent major successes as European Team Champions, Samsung Super League Champions (currently holding the record number of wins within the league), Dermot Lennon, individual world champion, and most recently the first Irish rider at No.2 in the world Jessica Kurten. It must not be forgotten the incredible success that Ireland has had in the ranks of Ponies and Juniors culminating in individual and team European gold/silver & bronze medals at all levels, many of whom have gone on to represent our Senior teams. All of us are rightly proud of what has been achieved by one of the smallest nations in the world - and we want this success to continue.

This decision to mandate the EFI with all training and selection will leave the way open for the SJAI to concentrate on the grass roots members and they are redirecting resources towards national finals in all categories. To complement the established Pony, Young Rider & Amateur Championships, the Association is currently actively progressing a National Young Horse Championships for the latter part of the summer, and has issued an invitation to Show organisers to tender for the hosting of this inaugural event. The SJAI envisage a prize fund of €50K, with classes for all categories.

Editorial comment: This is an interesting release from the SJAI which I suspect will bring up many questions. It would seem a strange time for the SJAI to make such a major change to the procedures for International competitors especially the younger riders who will no doubt be feeling the uncertainty of their futures with all the changes happening.

The other question which must now be asked is what happens to the funds that SJAI members pay to the International fund through their entry fees - if the SJAI no longer have control of International jumping then surely the monies raised from shows must revert to the EFI for the benefit of the International showjumpers.

This latest news from the SJAI sadly raises questions about whether the hoped for peace in Irish Showjumping has just once again moved further from beginning a reality - one hopes not!