Resignations plunge HSI into fresh controversy

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the state-funded body overseeing equestrian sports in Ireland, is embroiled in a fresh controversy following a series of resignations linked to governance issues.

Representatives from both professional riders and equine veterinarians have resigned from senior positions within HSI. They stated that their roles have become untenable at the authority responsible for showjumping, eventing, dressage, and other equine disciplines. These departures follow revelations that the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, was reportedly unaware of an industrial relations tribunal's finding against a senior vet appointed to the HSI board just two weeks prior.

The tribunal ruling from 2021 in Northern Ireland had criticized Dr. Robert Huey for "intimidating" and "patronizing" behavior towards a whistleblower who had raised animal welfare concerns. Subsequently, Dr. Tamara Bronckaers received a £1.25 million (€1.42 million) settlement from Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs after successfully pursuing a constructive dismissal case.

“

This decision follows ongoing governance concerns that have made continued representation untenable at this time. While regretting the need to take this step, the Irish Equine Veterinary Association remains committed to constructive engagement across the sector and is open to future collaboration with Horse Sport Ireland

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) announced its immediate withdrawal of representation from HSI, citing "ongoing governance concerns that have made continued representation untenable." While regretting the decision, the IEVA expressed commitment to constructive engagement within the sector and openness to future collaboration. Dr. Siobhan McAuliffe of the IEVA confirmed her resignation from the HSI board, noting that two other IEVA members had also stepped back from HSI committees.

Separately, Barry O'Connor, the athlete representative, resigned from HSI's High Performance Advisory Group. O'Connor, who had been involved in preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, previously highlighted the economic benefits of horse sport to the Exchequer. "Stakeholders in the industry haven't a say in the execution of policy any longer. I've been involved in the industry for 25 years. I was picked by the riders to be the high performance riders representative. But I now believe it is a waste of time," O'Connor told RTÉ News. He also criticized the perceived lack of engagement with the Departments of Agriculture and Sport to leverage the potential economic advantages of the horse sport industry.

A spokesperson for Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon stated that the resignations were a matter for Horse Sport Ireland. Regarding Dr. Robert Huey's appointment, the spokesperson noted that HSI's Articles of Association stipulate that one board appointee must come from Northern Ireland. The nomination process involved interviews by a Department Official and a representative of the Northern Ireland Sports Forum to assess competencies.

“

Stakeholders in the industry haven't a say in the execution of policy any longer. I've been involved in the industry for 25 years. I was picked by the riders to be the high performance riders representative. But I now believe it is a waste of time