Source:  News Release

Crucial week for equestrian Olympic hopefuls as selection looms

Ireland’s equestrian athletes, in showjumping, eventing and dressage, are competing in their final competitions before Horse Sport Ireland make their selection nominations to the Olympic Council of Ireland next week. Ireland has qualified a team of four eventers for Rio,12 riders have been short listed for selection by Horse Sport Ireland’s Eventing Team Manager, Nick Turner. All 12 riders will compete at Tattersall’s International Horse Trials this weekend. The Cross Country phase takes place on Saturday and Sunday with tickets selling out fast as fans are expected to flock to the event to see the riders in action against top combinations from abroad.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, Showjumping Olympic hopefuls Bertram Allen, Greg Broderick, Denis Lynch and Cian O’Connor will compete in the Irish Nations Cup team on Friday. Horse Sport Ireland’s Showjumping Team Manager Robert Splaine will also make his Olympic decision next week. Ireland has secured one individual place in showjumping.

In dressage Judy Reynolds competes at the Austrian dressage show, Achleitin, this weekend in preparation for the Rio Olympic Games.

Along with Tattersall’s International Horse Trials, Ireland is host to a 2 star international showjumping competition in Mullingar Equestrian, with the Grand Prix taking place at 15.00 GMT on Bank Holiday Monday.

Nations Cup action also takes place at the 4 star show in Langley BC (CAN).

In total this weekend, 230 Irish riders will compete internationally in 10 different countries this weekend.

All Irish international entries for this week’s shows are now available to view on Horse Sport Ireland website by clicking on the individual shows under ‘FEI Entries & Results’. Live links to results from this week’s shows are also available. Follow your Team Ireland Equestrian riders on the HSI website, Facebook (Team Ireland Equestrian) and Twitter (@TeamIRLEq).