Equestrian sport’s International Governing Body the FEI have confirmed that Ireland will now have a full team of five riders in three day eventing at the Olympic Games in London.
Ireland had originally secured three places but following the failure of some riders from other qualified countries to meet the minimum eligibility requirements Ireland has now been allocated two reserve places.
Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said he was delighted that Ireland could now send a full team.
“I want to thank all the owners and riders who made such a commitment to pursue the team qualification. I would also like to acknowledge the huge contribution made by our High Performance coaches Ginny Elliot, Ian Fearon and Ferdi Eilberg as well as Team Vet Marcus Swail. I also want to give due credit to High Performance advisors Jean Mitchell and Jessica Harrington as well as David Lee and Janet Murray who have also made a huge commitment to the programme,” he said.
“I also wish to thank the Fell family in Ballindenisk. Their international event in February was very important in terms of giving Irish riders the opportunity to gain extra world ranking points,” he said.
“The support of the Irish Sports Council has also been critical to being able to achieve qualification as has the contribution of our affiliate body Eventing Ireland, as well as the Olympic Council of Ireland and its support services,” he concluded.
Eventing High Performance Manager Ginny Elliot will nominate the five combinations for the places to the Olympic Council of Ireland on July 2nd. A long list of 10 riders and 11 horses was announced recently.
