The boat keeps rocking at Dressage Ireland following the non-selection of a team for the 2026 European Junior Riders Championships.
Mark Ruddock has tendered his resignation as Chair of Dressage Ireland. Joan Adrain has immediately been appointed the new chairperson.
Ruddock Resigns
Ruddock sent an open letter to the members of Dressage Ireland.
I have tendered my resignation, most importantly I want to thank you and your support network for participation in the sport of Dressage. Without you and your trainers we would still be trying to work out the outside rein!!
However seriously Dressage Ireland (DI) has achieved so much in recent years. In the past few days, I’ve taken account of all the achievements of DI whilst I was chairperson.
Training camps, up to 5 this year covering the whole of Ireland and the first in the West. Training is the foundation of Dressage so the popularity of camps youth, senior, grassroots and advanced is just fantastic.
Senior home nations, they are now so popular that we had to create a tough selection policy and riders have really stepped up to the mark. Congratulations to all those that have made the recently published long list.
With me Dressage Ireland has launched a steward training course working towards FEI standards. We now have stewards at National Championships. I would like to remind riders please ask the stewards about anything you are unsure about, it’s heart-breaking to get eliminated just because you didn’t check whether your tack is legal or not.
I like a party as most of you know so the Ball started again. Thank you Lorna and her committee for the first Ball and to Anna Hughes for heading the team for this year’s one. We agreed to run this every second year so please book tickets early. I know communication between members with what is happening in different regions, judges and the board can sometimes be difficult so thank you to Roisin Winters who has been the driving force behind the magazine which I have proudly overseen and look forward to the next edition.
I also asked the board to agree a travel bursary for our high performance athletes, this is now in place and in addition we managed to secure a donor who would support riders that achieved 68% in Grand Prix. These will be given out at the AGM.
I also wanted to recognise those who wear the flag proudly and have travelled and competed abroad. In recognition of this DI has awarded certificates to those who represented Ireland. Again, these are given out at the AGM.
With the development of Irish Dressage Youth academy (IDYA) training through both Elevate and IDYA it was possible two years ago to run the first youth national championships ensuring that our developing riders could have a festival of their own. And this year we have combined them into the festival of dressage. This is a new development and I hope it will showcase how we can celebrate Dressage.
Sometimes we seek to reach targets that are just a number but my job as Chair was to increase membership and participation. I’m happy that in 2023 we reached over 1000 members a true milestone.
I want to thank you all for making memories and supporting me especially through my ill health, which thankfully now has turned a corner.
I look forward to seeing you out and about. I wish the Board all the best for the future.'
Adrain Appointed New Chair
On the same day, Dressage Ireland has appointed Joan Adrain as Chairperson of the organisation.
The press release reads:
Joan brings a wealth of experience, dedication and commitment to Irish dressage and has been actively involved in the sport for many years. Her appointment marks an important step forward as Dressage Ireland continues its work to support riders, owners, officials, volunteers and clubs across the country.
Speaking following her appointment, Joan said:
"I am honoured to take on the role of Chairperson of Dressage Ireland. Our sport is built on the passion and commitment of our members and volunteers, and I look forward to working with the Board, our committees and the wider dressage community to continue developing opportunities for riders at every level. Together, we can strengthen participation, support excellence, and ensure a positive future for dressage in Ireland."
The Board of Dressage Ireland would like to thank outgoing Chairperson Mark Ruddock for his service, commitment and contribution to the organisation during his tenure and wishes him every success in the future.
The Board also wishes to acknowledge the continued commitment of its directors, volunteers, committees and members during this period of transition and looks forward to working together to further strengthen the organisation and the sport.
The appointment comes at an important time for Dressage Ireland as it continues to focus on member engagement, good governance, participation, youth development and the growth of dressage nationwide.
Dressage Ireland remains committed to providing opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities, promoting the highest standards of horsemanship and horse welfare, and supporting the development of dressage from grassroots through to international competition.
The Board looks forward to working with Joan as Chairperson and to building on the strong foundations already established within the organisation.
Related Link
Dressage Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland Disagree on Team Selection for 2026 European Junior Championships