Following Ireland’s outstanding performance at the Nations Cup in Bratislava, where the team took home the win, Chef d’Equipe Taylor Vard and his team, consisting of Jason Foley, Matt Garrigan, Jenny Rankin, and Conor Drain headed to France in the hopes of qualifying for the EEF Nations Cup Semi Finals. 

Ireland’s performance in stage one of the competition was an unfortunate one, with Jason foley and Oscar v/h Hulstenhof, owned by Bruntwood Stables Bvba and Karel Cox Horses BV, being the only clear round for the team. 

Luck was not on the Irish side as Rankin and Imar, owned by Barry O’Connor and Elizabeth Phillips, Garrigan and Quantum Robin V, owned by BWG Stables and Sova Sporthorses, and Drain and Imagine, owned by Conny Viscaal, all acquired an unlucky four faults, progressing Ireland through to round two on a team score of eight.

“As a team we were all very disappointed, When I say we had no luck we really did not, Things just did not go our way in the first round”, says team manager Mr. Taylor Vard.

However, it was in the second round where Ireland showcased their true capabilities, finishing on a team score of zero. Chef d’Equipe Mr.Vard encapsulates the team’s frustration saying, “This showed we had the ability to not only qualify but to win the Nations Cup at the semi-finals”. With only five places up for grabs, Ireland was left just out of the qualifications for the EEF Nations Cup Semi Finals.

When asked how he manages the Nations Cup teams to preform at their best, Mr. Vard replied;

“Teams are constantly changing because different shows suit different Horses and Riders, and it is Michael Blake’s and my job to try and match who goes where. As Chef d Equipe at the shows you have to be cool and calm to manage everyone from the Riders to the Horses, Owners, Grooms and Show officials.

 There is a lot of pressure on everyone which sometimes makes small problems look very big, so it is your job to look for answers and keep everyone happy so they give their best.

It must be mentioned none of this can happen without HSI, the Owners and sponsors.”

Ireland is a happening place for the production of top-quality athletes, both horses and riders alike. When asked if there was anyone to keep a close eye on, Mr. Vard explained;

“We have so many good riders at all levels, From Children on Horses to Young Riders all waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves, so it’s impossible to mention any one rider.

The training programmes run by SJI and HSI for Trainers and Shows around the Country, in addition to Course Building, are all part of our success in producing good riders; we are renowned for the standard of our riders, and the envy of most countries.

Although The Nations Cup in Deauville did not go to plan, it is undeniable that Ireland’s wealth of talent will continue to prove itself over the rest of this season. 

A massive thank you to Mr. Taylor Vard for his contributing comments in the article.