Tom Slattery has stepped down from his position as high-performance coach for the Irish pony show jumping team. Slattery took the role with Horse Sport Ireland in 2011 and is now taking up a private coaching job in Britain.

Since taking up the position, he has led the team to a number of European medals, including three team silvers, one team bronze, one individual gold, one individual silver and one individual bronze, not to mention numerous Nations Cup wins and placings.

Tom Slattery said: “I have been lucky enough to have been involved with Ireland’s pony teams over the last five years. We have had some great results, especially at the European championships. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chef d’équipe/team coach and am extremely grateful to the HSI pony committee, HSI staff, the riders and their families who put in so much hard work and dedication to make it all possible.

“We have incredible pony riders in Ireland at the moment and the next couple of years are going to be good. I want to wish my successor the very best and hope that they enjoy the whole experience as much as I did.”

HSI CEO Damian McDonald said: “We would like to thank Tom for the top-class job he did. He always performed the duties with courtesy and he brought great success to Ireland. We wish him well in his new role in the UK.”