The ERQI system is proving an extremely accurate predictive tool in preventing horse falls and Eventing Ireland will continue to work closely with EquiRatings to further improve rider safety in 2017.
For 2017, Eventing Ireland is moving forward with its drive for safety and now all Eventing Ireland Course Designers must either be accredited, or work under the supervision of an accredited mentor, an initiative introduced by the Board of Eventing Ireland.
An Education Day was held at Tattersalls on Saturday 4 February with 26 Course Designers in attendance. Top Olympic and International 4* Course Designer, Mike Etherington-Smith explained the process to becoming an Eventing Ireland accredited Course Designer and why course design – at all levels – is so important.
Course Designers will now be required to fill in a Log Book, detailing which tracks and courses they have produced. They will be mentored by an FEI accredited Course Designer during this process who will ensure that the courses comply with the Eventing Ireland Cross Country Course Guidelines and will sign off the log book prior to the accreditation process.
Sam Deverell, Chairman of the Course Designers Committee said:
“This is a new initiative from Eventing Ireland to implement a credible, sustainable education and evaluation system that will benefit all members of the society. With the knowledge sharing and implementing of good standards we plan to help produce horses and riders capable of reaching the highest accomplishments within our sport”.
David O’Meara summarised:
“Cross Country is the most likely phase where riders will fall. We want to ensure that all Eventing Ireland events have an accredited Course Designer to ensure the tracks comply with our Cross Country Guidelines and are consistent throughout the country. The feedback from the Education Day has been fantastic, with Course Designers saying this has been long overdue”.
