Dressage Ireland has hired German born Brit Ferdi Eilberg as national coach in their effort to stimulate dressage in Ireland. Eilberg requested to hold a Dressage Assessment clinic to check the quality in Ireland and decide which riders are allocated a place on the 2011 Irish training plan.
"Before a long term training plan can be put in place Ferdi Eilberg has requested that he is given the opportunity to see other combinations that were not on the original group who were allocated a place on the 2011 National training," said the Dressage Ireland press officer.
The Dressage Assessment will hapen on 14 - 16 June 2011 and Eilberg will watch those combinations who consider that they have international potential. The assessment will consist of a private session of 15-20 minutes with the horse warmed up and ready to go. From these assessments days a list of riders and horses will be drawn up for the long term training plan.
The original group will continue to have National training until the end of 2011. The clinic in June will also be an assessment for their place in 2012. If there are horses/riders selected from the assessment day they will be allocated a place on the national training and extra days will be organised.
Dressage Ireland posted that riders with more than one horse may bring them for assessment, however they will be allocated only one place on the subsidised national training and may choose which horse they will bring.
Criteria for the assessment day:
- Riders with horses at all levels may apply.
Preliminary and Novice horses must have achieved 70% within in the last year. Elementary and above must have achieved a minimum of 63% or above, at National Championships, Winter Finals or Dressage Festivals, in 2010/2011. - Have the ambition and drive to work towards competing on the International stage.
- Are willing to travel regularly, to a central venue for training.
- Are eligible to ride for Ireland (hold an Irish Passport or is in the process of applying for an Irish Passport.
- The horse is an age where it would be fit and able to compete at WEG 2014 and major internationals beyond.
- The rider is prepared to keep a “log book” with details of the horse’s training, feeding, etc.
- Should the occasion arise, the owner will allow the horse to have a Veterinary examination, by an Equestrian Vet, approved by Horse Sport Ireland.
The fee for the assessment day if €80
Applications close Wednesday June 8.
Gerd Liekens-Schurmans,
Secretary Dressage Ireland Ltd.
Dove House,
Killedmond,
Borris (Via Kilkenny) Co. Carlow
Tel/Fax: +353 59 977 17 28 / Office Mobile 087 1686 252
Photo © Astrid Appels
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