In the wake of recent restructuring within Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), a multitude of concerns have arisen surrounding the new advisory forums set to replace traditional affiliate roles. Historically, affiliates were pivotal in running individual sports, managing studbooks, and orchestrating equestrian organisations. Their expertise fueled not only the growth in membership but also the development of high-performance pathways and governance within the sport. Financial responsibilities and national rules for each organisation were firmly in their hands, ensuring a deep-rooted understanding and efficient management of equestrian affairs. It hasn’t always been perfect, but affiliates have always tried to represent grassroots equestrians, their area of focus and helped hold HSI accountable.

However, under HSI’s new constitution, significant alterations have muddied the clear definition and roles of these affiliates. Crucially, the deletion of references to affiliate input across the document raises questions about the future of these foundational partnerships. For instance, previous clauses explicitly called for collaboration with affiliates to enhance the national strategy and benefit equestrian sports and recreational activities broadly. These have now been conspicuously removed in favour of a structure centred around advisory forums.

One might question whether these forums can effectively replace the robust involvement that affiliates have traditionally provided. It could suggest that the shift towards advisory forums is less about enhancing collaborative efforts and more about centralising control, potentially diluting the expertise and input from seasoned stakeholders in the grassroots community.

Moreover, issues have already surfaced with the implementation of these forums. Reports indicate a troubling lack of transparency during the nomination process for forum members. Some participants allegedly prepared pitches and nominated themselves, a fact unknown to many others involved. If this is the case, one could possibly think that information was selectively distributed, benefiting a few at the expense of many. This might imply that the forums are not the democratic, inclusive bodies they are portrayed to be.

Is this the Illusion of Inclusion?

Another genuine question has to be, how can advisory forums function effectively if significant representatives from the equine industry are either not present or unaware of their full participatory rights? The lack of nominations from some of the largest representative bodies in the equine industry could suggest that these forums may not be truly representative or equipped to handle the nuances and complexities of grassroots equestrian needs.

Just imagine the GAA doing this without the input of Hurling or Gaelic Football?

Simply put, it would never happen.

It might be that these forums, described by some as merely “paper weight,” are an orchestrated effort to present a facade of inclusivity while strategically excluding critical voices and concerns. The essence of what made affiliates effective—deep knowledge, grassroots connections, and specific expertise—seems to be sidelined in favour of a more controlled and less confrontational forum.

If you were a conspiracy theorist, you might think that the restructuring is a calculated move to consolidate power within HSI, under the guise of simplification and efficiency. This might raise further questions about the ultimate goals of such changes. Are they truly in the best interests of the sport and its passionate community, or do they serve a narrower agenda?

The grassroots equestrian community, with its rich history of active participation and contribution to the sport’s development, deserves more than token representation. They deserve to have Affiliates, clearly recognised in the constitution representing all equestrians. Affiliates that genuinely reflect their interests, backed by clear processes and transparent governance. Without these, the risk of alienating the very base that supports and sustains the sport looms large.

As Horse Sport Ireland continues to navigate these changes, the equestrian community is left pondering the real implications of these new advisory forums. Are they a true replacement for the proven structures of old, or are they a strategic reduction of grassroots influence, camouflaged within procedural adjustments? These are not just theoretical concerns but pressing issues that may determine the future direction and health of equestrian sports in Ireland.

The call for a reevaluation of these forums is not merely a challenge; it’s a necessary step to ensure that all voices are heard and that the legacy and future of equestrian sport are preserved with integrity and respect.

The Grassroots Gazette has reached out to HSI for Comment and is awaiting their reply.