As an amateur and grassroots event rider, the recent standoff between Eventing Ireland (EI) and a group of event organisers (EOGs) has left many of us grassroots riders worried about the future of the sport we love. 

With several key events withdrawn from the 2025 calendar and public disagreements over governance and finances, it is hard not to question where the sport is headed. Are we on the brink of losing the very events that form the foundation of Irish eventing?

The recent standoff between Eventing Ireland (EI) and a group of event organisers (EOGs) has sparked serious concerns for the future of the sport at grassroots and amateur levels in Ireland. The removal of several established events from the 2025 calendar, coupled with public disagreements over governance, finances, and communication, raises a critical question: Is this situation good for the sport of eventing in Ireland?

From my perspective, eventing is about community, especially at the grassroots and amateur levels. At the heart of the sport are the events themselves, organised by dedicated teams who pour time, energy, and resources into providing opportunities for riders of all levels.

Where Did It Go Wrong?

The statement from the event organisers highlights a breakdown in communication with Eventing Ireland. It paints a picture of unfulfilled promises, postponed meetings, and a lack of action on issues raised during discussions. The cancellation of the traditional dates meeting, where organisers would historically work together to create a fair calendar, was particularly concerning. Without input from those on the ground, how can decisions truly reflect the realities of running events?

The organiser’s decision to withdraw six key events from the calendar, including Scarteen and Lisgarvan, can be seen as drastic. Their concerns about financial sustainability, insurance policies, and prize money. Eventing in Ireland is already expensive for amateur riders. Will the loss of these events create further challenges, such as increased travel distances, higher entry fees, and fewer opportunities to compete?

The Cost of Compromise:

From Eventing Ireland’s perspective, the demands of the EOGs appear difficult to meet without passing on significant costs to members. An entry fee increase and the introduction of a start fee are notable examples. For amateur riders, even small cost increases can be prohibitive, something myself I have noticed in the recent years when paired with rising transport, training, and expense of just having a horse.

However, the organisers argue that current pricing structures are unsustainable for them, particularly when considering insurance costs, prize money, and the lack of volunteers. 

The heart of the matter is whether the EOGs and EI can strike a balance that keeps eventing accessible for riders while ensuring organisers can continue to run events without operating at a loss.

The Bigger Picture:

For grassroots riders, the ongoing dispute raises several pressing questions:

Will there be enough events in 2025 to make competing viable? The withdrawal of six events leaves significant gaps in the calendar, particularly in regions where these venues are cornerstones of the sport.

Can the sport remain affordable? If compromises result in higher entry fees or start fees, will amateur riders be priced out something I have feared for myself. 

Is communication broken? 

The apparent lack of timely updates from both sides has created confusion and uncertainty within the eventing community. Riders, volunteers, and organisers alike deserve transparency and clarity.

Ultimately, the health of eventing in Ireland depends on collaboration. The sport thrives when all stakeholders, organisers, governing bodies, riders, and volunteers work together to address challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. A unified approach is critical to maintaining eventing as a vibrant and inclusive sport.

What I believe personally needs to happen?

From the grassroots riders perspective, several steps could help resolve the current crisis:

What Does the Future Hold?

For riders, the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 calendar is deeply unsettling. If the situation continues unresolved, we risk losing not only key events but also the spirit of camaraderie and opportunity that makes eventing special. For grassroots participants, every competition is a chance to test their skills, build their confidence, and share in the love of the sport.

The question remains: 

Is this dispute good for the sport of eventing in Ireland? The answer, at this point, seems to be no. Unless EI and the EOGs can find common ground, the very foundation of eventing in Ireland could be at risk. It is up to everyone involved to ensure that the sport remains safe, inclusive, and accessible for all who wish to take part whether at the elite level or as passionate amateurs giving it their all.