As we all wait excitedly for the launch of the Grassroots Rider Academy on October 30th, I wanted to talk a little more about the importance of grassroot riders and indeed their grooms to the equestrian sport.

Following on from a Google search – for “What is the definition of Grassroots?” – It came back with the following:

Something grassroots is at the most basic level of something, down there in the dirt with the roots of an idea or activity. If you’re looking to make a change from the ground up, start at the grassroots.

When I first read it, I will admit, I was a little like – Jesus, that’s very harsh – but the more I read it – the more it resonated with me – that actually, no, it is the definition of the Grassroot Community in the Equine sector.

Grassroot riders are the bread and butter of most local show and leagues, be it showjumping, dressage or cross country – they usually represent the biggest entries per class on weekly basis, turning up in all sorts of weather and sacrificing weekends for months to win that coveted title of “League Winner”.  That nice rug, or bags of feed, maybe a nice voucher for the local tack shop are usually as far as prizes go – but you never hear a grassroot rider complain, because they are so proud of their horse.  Grassroot riders are the ones continuously posting their achievements on social media – beaming at their achievements, sharing their not so good days – but always so proud of their horses. But yet – when we compare them to professional or higher level riders – they are almost treated like a different species.  The prize money on offer – even the rosettes, can be worlds apart – and whilst I am not naïve in realising that entry fees can be higher, risk is higher and often competition is a lot stiffer – it still makes me wonder why more was not being done to showcase our Grassroot Riders in a similar fashion.

I say why more WAS not being done – because there has been changes in the last year – Grassroot Leagues and shows being run – the likes of The Baby Star Tours were introduced recently and the interest and attendance shown, just proves that the niche was there to cater more to Grassroot riders.

The Grassroot Rider Academy catered specifically towards this level rider. With over 1000 applicants – the demand shows the need that was there – someone to say “Hey Grassroot Riders – want to have a show focused all around people of your level, to have the same opportunities as higher-level riders?” The answer was a resounding YES.

I am so proud to have had the opportunity to be involved in this as a co-host – along with my fellow hosts, who just like me, were also “Grassroot hosts” – it took everyone involved on a journey of the unknown, the fear of pushing us out of comfort zones and being part of something amazing. 

As the definition at the start of this article said. If you’re looking to make a change from the ground up, start at the grassroots.

Well, we’ve started at the grassroot level and those changes can be inclusive and beneficial for riders, coaches and everyone involved in Equestrianism from the bottom up. I think the riders chosen to represent the Grassroot Riders of Ireland have done an exceptional job – their determination, dedication, love of horses and the sport can only but echo the sentiments of those that they stood to represent.