‘The TRI Equestrian Grassroots Championships aims to give a platform for our incredible Grassroots members, those competing at EI80 to EI100, to compete against each other in their own Championship format.  This year sees the launch of a new EI100 Open class, for athletes competing on horses that have previously competed at EI110 or above with other riders.’

As the clock counts down the days and hours leading up to the annual Grassroots Eventing Ireland Championship, adrenaline and nerves are building, slowly but surely. 

Having only been introduced in 2023, The EI Grassroots Championship is truly still in its infancy. Despite this, it has garnered an insurmountably positive reputation, and a real sense of notoriety, within the community of Eventing Ireland. Introduced to provide a championship solely dedicated to riders competing at EI80-EI100, The Grassroots Championships have amassed a great following, made up of competitors, and of loyal spectators alike. 

‘The EI Grassroots Eventing Championship makes Eventing so inclusive for everyone. It’s important that the grassroots riders get to have the opportunity to compete within their level at a big event. Last year’s Championship was a great event to take part in.’ – Claire O’Dwyer, EI100 Grassroots Champion 2023.

After only one year, the influx of support and popularity was plain to see, with a plethora of positive reviews and experiences by competitors. A common theme throughout the comments, was the fact that for one day a year, the normal eventer has the opportunity to jump in these international arenas, across such testing,exciting cross country courses, and to quote Emer Esler the championships allow ‘the amateur rider to feel like a professional for the day.’

‘I really enjoyed the grassroots championship last year. It was my first year eventing, so it was a chance to meet new people. It was very well organised with a fabulous cross country course! I loved being able to showjump in the international ring as there was a great atmosphere!’ Mya Byrne- Winner of the 2023 competition.

‘I really enjoyed my first experience at Eventing Ireland national championships. I thought it ran very smoothly. The venue in Lisgarvan was fantastic, the ground was in  perfect condition, and the cross country was great. It was open and flowed nicely while also asking the horses some decent questions in combinations. It was also a privilege to get to do the showjumping in the big ring which made the amateur rider feel like a professional for the day’ – Emer Esler

 What lovely sentiments these are, because to be able to compete in such renowned venues, at such a hotly contested event, is undoubtedly the stuff of dreams for the majority of us equestrians. It truly sets an exemplary standard for the type of event that Grassroots Riders want, and deserve, to be able to compete in, across all disciplines. This is an event that will only continue to grow in size and popularity as time goes on, and for very good reason. Following the success of last years event, we received feedback on what makes The Grassroots EI Championship so special, and different from other events, and what our competitors’ favourite part of the event was.

‘The best part of grassroots eventing is all the competitors are on an even playing field. When you get chatting to other riders, grooms, partners and parents we all realise that everyone that’s involved in grassroots eventing is there to enjoy the day and have fun.This was my first experience eventing since I was a kid. I had done pony club eventing but had taken a step back from eventing when I went to college and studied a science degree with Veterinary Nursing. I’ve been working full time since college and knew it was going to have to be a juggle school and train to be able to compete and be competitive in the big classes. This is where the grassroots saved the day. Nobody is a professional in these classes. We all enjoy eventing as a hobby.’ – Emer Esler.

‘ I definitely enjoyed the cross country the most as the course was expertly designed alongside the international course. A great highlight for me was getting the opportunity to meet Laura Collette and walking the course with her! As was having my dressage judged by an international dressage judge. There was a great energy there, the whole event was extremely well run and it was very exciting for grassroots participants to have the championship alongside the international and to have the chance to showjumping in the main arena created a great atmosphere!’ – Mya Byrne

In the lead-up to this year’s Championship, we have some very encouraging words of advice from last year’s Champions to this year’s hopeful competitors.

‘My message to Grassroots competitors is to train hard, try their very best and to enjoy this great experience! Best of luck everyone’ Says Mya Byrne, Grassroots Champion 2023. 

‘Make sure you go into the event knowing you have your work done ready for the challenges and you and your horse are in peak fitness.’ Adds Claire O’Dwyer, EI100 Champion, in 2023. 

So, to all of our readers headed to Ballindenisk this weekend, competing or spectating, we wish you the very best of luck and a safe journey and event. And remember- very often it is about the journey rather than the destination, so sit up, kick on, and enjoy the ride!