Take showjumping leap

WITH horse riding becom-ing more and more popular, Showjumping Ire-

land is looking for new

ways to introduce and

educate people as to what is involved in showjumping and how they can become involved through Showjumping Ireland.

Taking up the gauntlet of encouraging riders into the sport, the SJI Ulster region are holding an open day on January 29 in Portmore Equestrian. The “Discover Showjumping” day, which is funded by Sport NI’s ‘Building back better programme’ is aimed at riders both young and old and is geared towards those riders that are looking to do more jumping but are not quite sure what they need to do or what is expected of them.

The packed day, which will run from 11am until 3pm, will include talks from course designers, coaches, judges, to name but a few.

Other areas will include how to become a member, the packages available, how to find shows and how to enter. There will also be talks on arena etiquette, SJI Rules, safeguarding of athletes and members, training days, animal welfare, pony measuring and vaccinations.

For those who want to join Showjumping Ireland on the day, discounted incentivised membership offers will be available and assistance will be given to those looking to complete the membership forms.

Speaking ahead of the event Ray Buchanan, Ulster Region Chairperson, said: “There are new SJI packages to encourage riders into the sport and sometimes it is a lack of knowledge that stops people actually joining the organisation.

“Our Sports membership package, for example, is for a rider jumping up to and including 1m. The new junior package offers a discounted rate for junior members who have not been previously registered with the SJI.

“The organisation is not just for elite riders, it also caters for aspiring and leisure riders. For younger riders we have training programmes and an academy that all riders can aim for. We hope that this day will educate and encourage riders to become involved.”

n To register for the day, you must express your interest by emailing ulsterregionsji@gmail.com