SJAI look to improve image Equestrian News

Equestrian news: In their first official statement since the Waterford Crystal Olympic doping controversy broke in early October last year, the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) yesterday announced that they will be making "a concerted effort" to ensure no further criticism can be levelled at the sport because of any lack of responsibility or action by the national governing body.

Referring to adverse press coverage of "malpractices" within the sport, the SJAI stated yesterday that they "will not condone any form of cruelty or abuse to horses or ponies".

In an attempt to improve the public perception of the sport, the SJAI are to establish a team of officials, similar to the stewards used at international fixtures, who will be responsible for supervising and monitoring the management of all animals competing at SJAI-affiliated shows.

The association's executive committee has already introduced new regulations to allow for dope testing and the checking of boots and other items of tack to prevent abuse.

"The objective of this initiative is to proactively deter any misdemeanours which may cast a slur upon the sport," the statement continued.

A two-day seminar has been arranged for February 26th/27th in Co Kildare to update stewards and judges on the new regulations.

Meanwhile, former Olympic rider Jack Doyle has been elected unopposed as the new chairman of the Show Jumpers Club. Doyle takes over from Clement McMahon, who resigned the post in December following a public row over the presentation of the leading international rider award to Cian O'Connor at a pre-Christmas awards ball.

Show Jumpers Club vice-chairman Barry O'Connor also resigned in the wake of the awards controversy. The vacancy left by his departure has been filled by seven-time national champion Francis Connors.

"The first thing we have to do is set up a panel to pick the awards winners," Doyle told The Irish Times yesterday. "It won't necessarily be riders. In all fairness it shouldn't be the most difficult thing to do to pick the winners, it just needs a bit of consideration."