For both horse and rider, compromise is at the root of equestrianism. Compromise for the horse, who instead of running free and jumping or doing passage at will, must subject itself to training in return for food, care and shelter. There is compromise for the rider as well, who instead of going at a wild gallop must submit to the discipline of equitation art.

The same goes for the organisations that make equestrianism possible – both the governing body and the riding centres where the action takes place. Compromise is at the heart of their co-operative effort. As was said in Tom Browns’ School Days: “It’s more than a game, it’s an institution.”

Bridging the gap

One benefit resulting from the mini-controversy that arose over Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) proposed move from Kildare to west Dublin was that it pointed out the gulf that exists between the governing body and the leading equestrian centres. This will not be bridged by Dáil questions but rather by communication and compromise.

HSI has a very specific job to do – to lead, to guide and to regulate the riding sector and the industry. The riding centres have taken upon themselves the job of servicing the needs of riders in all of the disciplines. As with all sporting bodies, the danger arises when governance exceeds its remit and encroaches on the initiatives of stakeholders.

I for one fully support HSI’s move from stuffy offices that cost €250,000 a year to the open air of Greenogue. Fair play to Minister Charlie McConalogue for basically saying where HSI lives is its own affair. But the most basic objection posed by equestrian centres to the proposed plan is that it will displace existing enterprises.

In other words equestrian centre managers are worried that the creation of large indoor and outdoor arenas will take away business from their establishments. They have compared it to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) running its own race course in competition with existing tracks.

Consultation time

HSI has clearly stated that it has no intention of going into competition with the equestrian centres. But suspicion lingers and – regardless of how the objection to the Greenogue plan by the Equestrian Competition Venue Owners Alliance (ECVOA) fares – there will still have to be dialogue, consultation and indeed compromise between HSI and ECVOA. HSI needs to spell out very clearly the uses to which Greenogue is to be put. ECVOA needs to clearly state its fears and prove they are realistic.

The two organisations have to get to grips with the fact that they both need each other and ask what they can do for each other in order to make Irish equestrianism work.