FAQs

All Members:

All memberships and registrations will be for a period of 12 months from the date of joining/registration.

All members pay a fee of €75 to join Eventing Ireland.

For a horse to compete within an Eventing Ireland competition, it must be registered with the society, in the name of the legal owner, as a Full or Restricted animal or on a Day Ticket.

Current Registration Fees for horse, pony and restricted horses, which are for 12 months from date of registration are:

Please note any upgrades to your membership/registrations purchased after the initial membership/registration will expire on the date of the the first purchase.

You can upload the required documents when registering a new horse or pony through your EI account.  See the list below as to what is required.  Otherwise, please EMAIL only to Head Office – [email protected] photographs of the following pages showing-

1. the registered name
2. issuing authority
3. registration number
4. gender
5. date foaled
6. colour
7. breeding and breeder (if any noted)
8. your ownership
9. if a pony, the height measurement.

We need all these images before the horse or pony can enter/compete in any national events or training days.

Eventing Ireland is divided into five regions, each responsible for the running of events within their area.

Northern Region: Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone

North Leinster Region: Cavan, Dublin (North of Liffey), Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath

South Leinster Region: Carlow, Dublin (South of Liffey), Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow

Munster Region: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford

Western Region: Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo

Please CLICK HERE to view the respective committees.

Day Memberships and Day Registrations are available to a member or non-member to enable them to ride a registered or unregistered horse at EI105, EI100, EI90 and EI80.

Restricted Day Membership/Registration Information (EI105, EI100, EI90 or EI80 Classes)

Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations can be purchased online and the process is as follows:

1. Log into the website using your membership number and password.  If new to Eventing Ireland, please create a web-only account
2. If your horse has never competed at an event before, click ‘my horses’ and then add a horse. Fill out details as requested. Update.
3. If your horse is already in the database but not registered (ie: paid for), go straight to the Event of your choice and click enter button for your class. You will be asked to ‘Choose this horse (enter with a day ticket at additional cost)’. Select the horse.
4. If your horse’s name does not appear, use the Search Box to select your horse (it is only necessary to put in the first few letters of the horses name for the details to appear). From the list given, select your horse as detailed above.
5. The process is then repeated to select an athlete.
6. When you view your shopping cart, you will see that you will be charged for a day ticket. Please remember, if you are entering a Northern Region event, you will be charged in Sterling, for Southern Region events you will be charged in Euro.
7. Training classes – EI80(T), EI80, EI90(T) and EI100(T) do not incur extra day membership or day registration fees, you just pay the entry fee.

Day Membership and Registration Costs

For example, if you were a restricted member and wanted to ride an unregistered horse at EI90 level, you would pay €0/£0 day membership (as you are already a restricted member) and €20/£20 for an unregistered horse plus your entry fee. Non-members may apply for Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations to enable them and their horses to compete in Eventing Ireland competitions.

Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations can only be used in EI105, E100, EI100A, EI100J, EI100P, EI100J, EI90, EI90A, EI90P and EI80 classes.

EI Members are also able to purchase Restricted Day Registrations in order to give an unregistered horse introductory runs.

Restricted members can upgrade their memberships/horse registrations at any time.

A Senior or Restricted Day Membership and Registration effectively registers one horse and rider for a competition. The owner if different from the rider is not registered.

Underage Athletes

Athletes must be in the year of their 12th birthday in order to be eligible to compete on a Restricted Day Ticket. Note: The first Day Membership for UNDER 18’s must be accompanied by a signed  Parent Consent Form along with a Letter of Competency /approval from their Regional Pony Club or approved riding instructor, and for Athletes aged 13 and under only, a Data Consent Form   Once the initial day membership/registration has been approved for that combination, day memberships/registrations can then be purchased online with your entry.

In addition, Eventing Ireland now offers Day Memberships and Day Registrations for athletes/horses who wish to compete at EI110 / EI110 (Amateur), provided the horse/rider combination has met the criteria mentioned below:

EI110 Day Memberships and Registration Information

Who can compete on EI110 Memberships?

• Restricted member on restricted horse or unregistered horse
• Non-members with horses that are not registered
• Non-members who wish to compete on a registered horse
• Overseas riders with equivalent qualifications

Criteria for Riders to Compete on EI110 Day Memberships:

• Riders must be in their 19th year or over and either restricted or fully paid Owners/Riders
• Riders must have completed at least 3 Eventing Ireland EI100 competitions or higher on the horse that will be ridden on the Novice Day Registration within the last 12 months with clear xc  rounds (jumping) and with no more than 16 show jumping penalties per event, or have completed at least 5 EI100 competitions or higher on any horse in the last two years.
• Horses must be five years or over
• Ponies must be five years or over
• Points are not awarded to EI110 Day Tickets.

Which Horses can compete on EI110 Day Registrations?

• Horses that are not registered with Eventing Ireland – See Criteria below
• Restricted Horses

Criteria for Horses to Compete:

• Horses must have completed at least 3 Eventing Ireland EI100 competitions or higher in the last two years with the specified rider with clear xc rounds with no more than 16 sj penalties in total.
• Horses that have competed overseas must have completed at least 3 equivalent EI 100 competitions or higher in the last two years with the specified rider with clear xc rounds with no more than 16 show penalties in total .
• Horses must be five years or over
• Ponies must be five years or over

How much will EI110 Day Memberships/Registrations cost?

• Please note: Entry fees are in addition to theEI110 Day Membership and Registration fees

Why Should I buy?

• EI110 Day Memberships/Registrations are ideal for combinations who are currently competing at Restricted level and would like to try EI110 level, without the expense of upgrading first. This gives the combination an opportunity of competing in an EI110 class before making that decision.
• If combinations meet the above criteria, you can purchase day tickets online

How do I buy EI110 Memberships or Registrations if I am Not Registered with EI?

Riders must provide their qualifying results by email to [email protected] or [email protected] which will be validated by Head Office before it is accepted, along with all other required documentation. Please allow 5 working days to process your application – so enter your chosen event in plenty of time in case of queries.

Additional Information

If you would like to know more about Eventing, please click FAQ

If you are intending to compete more than three or four times during the season, it could be more cost effective to join up as a restricted member (€95) with a restricted horse (€45).

Insurance

It is recommended Day Member Athletes have Personal Liability Insurance and will be asked to enter these details on their application form. We also recommend that all Day Member Riders are covered under their own Personal Accident Insurance.

Withdrawals

If you can no longer compete at the event, you can withdraw your entry online (for a full refund excluding the €3 / £2 admin fee) so long as it is done by the Monday at noon before the event.  In the event of a forced withdrawal before the event closing date (ie: the event cancels), the Day Membership, Registration and Entry fee will be refunded in full excluding the €3 / £2 admin fee.

a) An amateur athlete is one who receives no income from riding, producing horses or
coaching athletes.
b) Athletes may compete in any amateur competition from the beginning of the calendar year in
which they reach the age of 21 (twenty one).
c) Amateur athletes must enable amateur status in their account when renewing membership to identify themselves as amateurs or they will not be able to enter Amateur classes
d) Amateur athletes must complete the questionnaire and send to Amateur Committee to
confirm their amateur status
e) Amateurs may register a maximum of three horses in any one season in their own name
f) The amateur athlete must comply with the ethos of the amateur class at the discretion of the
Amateur Committee. Anyone who feels they are technically outside these qualifications but
could qualify within the spirit of the amateur class may apply in writing to the Amateur
Committee for consideration prior to entering any Amateur Classes. The decision of the
Amateur Committee is final.
g) An Amateur athlete who competes in a CCI3*-S or L class or above will not be permitted to
ride in EI110 Amateur classes or below on that horse for the remainder of that calendar year.
h) Amateur athletes will not be permitted to compete in classes over 1.30m at SJI or equivalent.
i) Amateur athletes who are in High Performance Training or on Athlete Bursaries in the
current season will not be allowed to compete as in Amateur Classes
j) No athletes are allowed to compete in Amateur classes for a season after they have
competed for their country on any team or nominated as an individual
k) All Amateur Rules are policed by the Amateur Committee. Full details regarding eligibility as
an Amateur can be found under the ‘Amateur Section’ on the Eventing Ireland website.

You can enable Amateur status in your accunt at any time, by logging into your Members Area and clicking on “Settings.” At the bottom of the Account Settings screen, there is a toggle button labelled “Is Amateur”. Click this to the on position, so that it turns green.

If there are any queries regarding the eligibility of an Amateur athlete, these should be emailed in confidence to the Amateur Committee Here

Forms are available in the Info Portal. This can be found by clicking on the menu – the three horizontal bars at the top right hand side of your screen.

You can manage your entries through the Members Area. Whilst entries are still open, you can change a class, horse or rider, and you can make withdrawals until the Event begins. Log in and select “My Entries”, then click “Manage” beside the relevant entry:

Then click the relevant button to make the change:

Until the deadline for refunds has passed, you can make your own withdrawals (and receive refunds) in the Summary section of your account.

If a rider or horse has sustained an injury after the deadline for refunds (which can be found in the individual event details section) then a refund can only be given at the discretion of the event organiser, if a vet/medical certificate is emailed to Head Office before noon of the Thursday before the event.

We cannot transfer entries between events under any circumstances.

(P) classes are Pony classes. These classes are limited to riders in their 12th to 16th years on ponies between the heights of 138cm and 148cm. Ponies may compete from the age of 5. Combinations must be graded to compete in Pony classes – for more information on grading and competencies see the Youth Eventing FAQs

(J) classes are Junior classes. These classes are limited to riders in their 14th to 18th years, on horses over 148cm. Combinations must be graded to compete in Junior classes – for more information on grading and competencies see the Youth Eventing FAQs

(T) classes are Training classes. Training classes are run under Eventing Ireland rules – all of the same rules regarding eliminations, tack, dress, etiquette etc apply as in regular classes. Training classes are open to all riders/horses and results are not kept on the system. Results remain visible for the weekend of the event, but are removed on Monday morning.

• Results earned in Training classes may NOT be used as MERs towards Internationals or any Championship
• Underage riders competing in Training classes are required to submit a competency form for the correct horse/level
• Results earned in Training classes do not count towards improvement of ERQI Ratings

All entry requests can be made through the Members Area. Select “Manage” beside the relevant entry, and then click “Change Entry Request”

Type your request and hit save!

NOTE: once Head Office begins working on dressage times for the event, this facility is no longer available.

You can add stabling or hook up to an existing entry through the Members Area. Click on “Manage” beside the relevant entry. You will then see the stabling and/or hook up options as available for that event:

An MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) is achieved when an athlete has no more than 45 penalty points in the dressage test (minimum of 55% dressage good marks), no more than 16 show jumping penalties and clear jumping cross country.

Underage athletes competing at EI90 or EI100 will need to contact their regional co-ordinator if they wish to upgrade to EI110 level.  Underage athletes looking to upgrade to EI110 will need to be assessed by an HSI Level 2 or 3 Eventing Coach.

The ERQI must also be green or amber for an athlete to upgrade.

You may be able to upgrade a level or compete at international level when you have the required MERs. You can read more about MER’s here.

Day Memberships and Day Registrations are available to a member or non-member to enable them to ride a registered or unregistered horse at EI105, EI100, EI90 and EI80.

Restricted Day Membership/Registration Information (EI105, EI100, EI90 or EI80 Classes)

Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations can be purchased online and the process is as follows:

1. Log into the website using your membership number and password.  If new to Eventing Ireland, please create a web-only account
2. If your horse has never competed at an event before, click ‘my horses’ and then add a horse. Fill out details as requested. Update.
3. If your horse is already in the database but not registered (ie: paid for), go straight to the Event of your choice and click enter button for your class. You will be asked to ‘Choose this horse (enter with a day ticket at additional cost)’. Select the horse.
4. If your horse’s name does not appear, use the Search Box to select your horse (it is only necessary to put in the first few letters of the horses name for the details to appear). From the list given, select your horse as detailed above.
5. The process is then repeated to select an athlete.
6. When you view your shopping cart, you will see that you will be charged for a day ticket. Please remember, if you are entering a Northern Region event, you will be charged in Sterling, for Southern Region events you will be charged in Euro.
7. Training classes – EI80(T), EI80, EI90(T) and EI100(T) do not incur extra day membership or day registration fees, you just pay the entry fee.

Day Membership and Registration Costs

For example, if you were a restricted member and wanted to ride an unregistered horse at EI90 level, you would pay €0/£0 day membership (as you are already a restricted member) and €20/£20 for an unregistered horse plus your entry fee. Non-members may apply for Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations to enable them and their horses to compete in Eventing Ireland competitions.

Restricted Day Memberships and Registrations can only be used in EI105, E100, EI100A, EI100J, EI100P, EI100J, EI90, EI90A, EI90P and EI80 classes.

EI Members are also able to purchase Restricted Day Registrations in order to give an unregistered horse introductory runs.

Restricted members can upgrade their memberships/horse registrations at any time.

A Senior or Restricted Day Membership and Registration effectively registers one horse and rider for a competition. The owner if different from the rider is not registered.

Underage Athletes

Athletes must be in the year of their 12th birthday in order to be eligible to compete on a Restricted Day Ticket. Note: The first Day Membership for UNDER 18’s must be accompanied by a signed  Parent Consent Form along with a Letter of Competency /approval from their Regional Pony Club or approved riding instructor, and for Athletes aged 13 and under only, a Data Consent Form   Once the initial day membership/registration has been approved for that combination, day memberships/registrations can then be purchased online with your entry.

In addition, Eventing Ireland now offers Day Memberships and Day Registrations for athletes/horses who wish to compete at EI110 / EI110 (Amateur), provided the horse/rider combination has met the criteria mentioned below:

EI110 Day Memberships and Registration Information

Who can compete on EI110 Memberships?

• Restricted member on restricted horse or unregistered horse
• Non-members with horses that are not registered
• Non-members who wish to compete on a registered horse
• Overseas riders with equivalent qualifications

Criteria for Riders to Compete on EI110 Day Memberships:

• Riders must be in their 19th year or over and either restricted or fully paid Owners/Riders
• Riders must have completed at least 3 Eventing Ireland EI100 competitions or higher on the horse that will be ridden on the Novice Day Registration within the last 12 months with clear xc  rounds (jumping) and with no more than 16 show jumping penalties per event, or have completed at least 5 EI100 competitions or higher on any horse in the last two years.
• Horses must be five years or over
• Ponies must be five years or over
• Points are not awarded to EI110 Day Tickets.

Which Horses can compete on EI110 Day Registrations?

• Horses that are not registered with Eventing Ireland – See Criteria below
• Restricted Horses

Criteria for Horses to Compete:

• Horses must have completed at least 3 Eventing Ireland EI100 competitions or higher in the last two years with the specified rider with clear xc rounds with no more than 16 sj penalties in total.
• Horses that have competed overseas must have completed at least 3 equivalent EI 100 competitions or higher in the last two years with the specified rider with clear xc rounds with no more than 16 show penalties in total .
• Horses must be five years or over
• Ponies must be five years or over

How much will EI110 Day Memberships/Registrations cost?

• Please note: Entry fees are in addition to theEI110 Day Membership and Registration fees

Why Should I buy?

• EI110 Day Memberships/Registrations are ideal for combinations who are currently competing at Restricted level and would like to try EI110 level, without the expense of upgrading first. This gives the combination an opportunity of competing in an EI110 class before making that decision.
• If combinations meet the above criteria, you can purchase day tickets online

How do I buy EI110 Memberships or Registrations if I am Not Registered with EI?

Riders must provide their qualifying results by email to [email protected] or [email protected] which will be validated by Head Office before it is accepted, along with all other required documentation. Please allow 5 working days to process your application – so enter your chosen event in plenty of time in case of queries.

Additional Information

If you would like to know more about Eventing, please click FAQ

If you are intending to compete more than three or four times during the season, it could be more cost effective to join up as a restricted member (€95) with a restricted horse (€45).

Insurance

It is recommended Day Member Athletes have Personal Liability Insurance and will be asked to enter these details on their application form. We also recommend that all Day Member Riders are covered under their own Personal Accident Insurance.

Withdrawals

If you can no longer compete at the event, you can withdraw your entry online (for a full refund excluding the €3 / £2 admin fee) so long as it is done by the Monday at noon before the event.  In the event of a forced withdrawal before the event closing date (ie: the event cancels), the Day Membership, Registration and Entry fee will be refunded in full excluding the €3 / £2 admin fee.

The level at which your horse can compete are explained below:

Hors Concours is still available to a horse with over 11 points wishing to compete at EI80, EI90, EI100 and EI105 (Hors Concours means you can compete in the class but will not be placed – your result will show HC)

Horses registered as Restricted may only compete in EI80, EI90, EI100 and EI105 classes.  Those wishing to compete at EI110 level will need to purchase a day registration or can upgrade at anytime if they wish.

By definition EI80, EI90, EI100, EI110 Amateur, EI110J (ie. the Amateur and Junior classes) are open classes and therefore horses with any number of points may compete in them.

Full details can be found in the Eventing Ireland Rule Book, Rule 32, Grading of Horses (See Downloads Section)

Please note: Horse Registration is valid from 12 months from date of registration.

ERQIs are automatically generated safety ratings based on a horse or pony’s previous Cross Country form. For more information on the ERQI 2.0 system, including a calculator for your ERQI, please click HERE

You can enter training events, included EI80 (T) and EI80 classes as a free, Web Only member. See the “Website How-To” section of the FAQ. Your horse must also be added to your account, or, if you’re under the age of 18, the account of its owner or your parent/guardian.

Click this link Dressage Tests  then select National Tests.  Make sure you check the required tests in plenty of time – and double check again before the event should there be any updates!

Dressage times are usually published on the website at least 2 days prior to the event. All entries need to be compiled, collated and checked before dressage times can be confirmed.

We will try to accommodate requests regarding times wherever possible, however sometimes we are not able to facilitate these requests.

Please make sure that these requests are added to the ‘special requests’ comments box when you make your entry – we cannot add requests to entries after they have been made.

Please check the Event Details section on the individual event page for directions. If you are still not sure, please telephone the event organisers directly. Call before the morning of the event!

It is no longer standard practice for Event organisers to issue bib numbers.  Ahead of each event, you should download and print your bib numbers from the Members’ Area of the Eventing Ireland website. Print two numbers – one for the front, one for the back.

Your bib number will also display information such as rider and horse name, and whether you are riding multiple horses on that day. This information helps the stewards!

When you arrive on site at your first event, take each of your hats to the secretary’s office and inform him/her that you need to get your hat tagged.  They will arrange for you to meet the hat tagger to get this done.

Your hat(s) must be tagged prior to your dressage, show jumping or cross country run or the steward will not let you compete.

Your hat is only tagged once – so you will need to have all hats used in competing tagged.  You do not need to do this every time you compete, unless of course you buy a new hat!

You can check the current Hat Standards HERE

You should always query your score at the event within 30 minutes of them being posted if you think it is incorrect.  Score sheets can be checked there and then and recalculated if your claim is confirmed. Queries must be logged through the Event Secretary, who will have a queries log to record the details.

As per the EI Rule Book, Rule 20.1, there is an Objection Form (the Event Secretary will have a copy) which can be filled in and lodged with the Secretary along with €50. As always, the Steward’s decision is final.

If you have left the event before final scores were published and you have a discrepancy, it is unlikely it will be changed.  It is your responsibility to check the final results before you leave, or have a friend check them for you.  

Athletes can compete with Eventing Ireland from the beginning of the calendar year in which they turn 12:

• Athletes may compete as pony riders from the beginning of their 12th year, until the end of the year in which they turn 16
• Athletes compete as junior riders from the beginning of their 16th year, until the end of the year in which they turn 18

In order for a new underage athlete to create an account with Eventing Ireland, a parent or guardian will first have to create an account.

Underage athletes who are new to Eventing Ireland need to submit a few supporting documents in order to create an account:

• Parental Consent Form
• Competency Form (must be submitted by the rider’s trainer/instructor) – This is necessary in order to ensure that both rider and horse are as safe as possible when they both start out.
• A photo/scan of the athlete’s birth certificate or passport.

These documents should be uploaded when you create the athlete’s account. The forms can be found by clicking on the Info Portal button at the top right of the screen.

Your regional training coordinator will be able to help. View the regional co-ordinators here.

How to Create a New Underage Rider Account:

Pony Riders

Pony athletes may complete as a Pony rider from the start of the year in which they turn 12, until the end of the year in which they turn 16.

Junior Riders

Junior athletes may compete as a Junior from the start of the year in which they turn 14, until the end of the year in which they turn 18.

Young Riders

Young Rider athletes may compete from the start of the year in which they turn 18, until the end of the year in which they turn 21.

All forms can be found in Info Portal – which is located via the menu (three horizontal bars) in the top right of your screen. Alternatively, CLICK HERE

All underage combinations must be graded to compete at their chosen level. A grading will be assigned once a competency or upgrade form has been received.

• Pony or Junior Combinations competing at EI80, EI90 or EI100 levels require a competency form to be graded. This should be submitted by the combination’s trainer at least TEN DAYS before the event. The form is available HERE.
• Pony or Junior Combinations wishing to compete at EI110 must me the criteria below.

Upgrades to EI110

• As per Eventing Ireland rules, recommended Minimum Requirements for an upgrade to EI110 (Junior or Pony), is 3 cross country clear jumping rounds in the current or preceding year at EI100J/EI100P or EI105 as a combination
• Athletes wishing to upgrade to EI110 level must be assessed by a Level 2 or 3 Eventing Coach, or a senior rider (one with a proven record at 4*) who holds current vetting and child safeguarding certs. The assessor must not be their current trainer, to avoid a conflict of interest.
  • Horse Sport Ireland List of Accredited Coaches
• Assessments for EI110 can be done by the coaches privately (at their own venue or at an agreed venue). Cross Country MUST be assessed on grass, not in an arena. Alternatively, assessments may also be done at a HP Training day (arranged by HSI – please see below).
• The coach will send the approved assessment form to Head Office by email, to be received at least TEN DAYS before the event at which the athlete wants to compete. No exceptions will be made.
• All upgrades are subject to approval by both the relevant Regional Co-ordinator and High Performance Manager.
• The EI110 Upgrade Form can be found HERE.

If you have any queries regarding upgrading, please contact your regional co-ordinator, whose details can be found HERE.

(P) classes are Pony classes. These classes are limited to riders in their 12th to 16th years on ponies between the heights of 138cm and 148cm. Ponies may compete from the age of 5. Combinations must be graded to compete in Pony classes – for more information on grading and competencies see the Youth Eventing FAQs

(J) classes are Junior classes. These classes are limited to riders in their 14th to 18th years, on horses over 148cm. Combinations must be graded to compete in Junior classes – for more information on grading and competencies see the Youth Eventing FAQs

(T) classes are Training classes. Training classes are run under Eventing Ireland rules – all of the same rules regarding eliminations, tack, dress, etiquette etc apply as in regular classes. Training classes are open to all riders/horses and results are not kept on the system. Results remain visible for the weekend of the event, but are removed on Monday morning.

• Results earned in Training classes may NOT be used as MERs towards Internationals or any Championship
• Underage riders competing in Training classes are required to submit a competency form for the correct horse/level
• Results earned in Training classes do not count towards improvement of ERQI Ratings

I have a child who will be going into Juniors next year.  They are riding a pony which is measured at 148cm.  Can this pony be registered as a horse so my son/ daughter can compete on it next year?

As per Rule 2.2h, if a horse/pony is measuring at 148cm, it may be registered either as a horse or a pony.  If the animal has recorded results for the current calendar year (ie: as a pony) the registration type may not be changed during the same year. If the animal was registered as a pony in 2022, it may be registered as a horse in 2023.

A new set of FEI regulations were introduced in 2020 in relation to the measuring of Eventing ponies, you can read more about this here: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FEI-General-Assembly-Report-Pony-Measuring-2020.pdf

To compete at international level your Pony must be FEI registered, and newly FEI registered ponies must be 148cm (149cm with shoes).

Your pony must be measured at an FEI Official Measuring, there is typically one every year in Ireland, usually taking place in January or February. You can read more about this on the Pony Measurement page on the HSI website here: https://www.sji.ie/Ponies/Measuring-Venues

The EI Youth Committee is the structure through which parents/guardians can work together for the best possible experience for their young riders (aged 12 – 25 years). The committee is here to provide support and guidance to youth members and their families. They can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

If you are starting out, or you’re a seasoned campaigner, the purpose of this page is to act as a central focal point and resource of information related to Youth activities that you can use throughout the eventing year.

• Follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Eventing-Ireland-Parents-Youth-Committee-110313608346073
• Or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ei_pyc

Any athlete or horse who wishes to compete at an international level must first be a member of Eventing Ireland and the horse/pony registered with Eventing Ireland.  They must then apply for an FEI licence and registration which is managed by HSI and information can be found on the HSI website here: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/passports/ and here: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/team-ireland-equestrian/fei-passports/

Also, in relation to Ponies, they must have an official FEI Height Measurement of 148cm (149cm with shoes). To learn more about this see the answer to the next question.

As from 1 January 2023, the FEI Athlete category will be updated at the end of each month taking into account the rolling four and a half years (4.5) in order to take into consideration the cancellation of events due to the 2020 Covid pandemic.

Please click Athlete Categories  to see your FEI Athlete Category.  Click the NF, and select Ireland.  You can then download this information as a pdf.

Please note, the athlete category at the closing date of definite entries prevails.

Registering a horse with the FEI

All FEI horse registration forms need to be accompanied with either a copy of the horses breeding passport or the original breeding passport. This will be compulsory for all newly registered horses.

It will be necessary for HSI to upload scans of a horse’s approved identification document to the FEI Database.

The passport pages needed for an FEI horse registration are:

Those pages have to be send to HSI as very clear scans by email or very clear scans by post since the FEI won’t accept any copies that aren’t readable. If you aren’t in a position to send clear copies please send the original breeding passport and we will copy the relevant pages here and post the passport back to you.

PLEASE NOTE: No applications (name changes, recognition cards, registrations, ownership change sand revalidations) will be done without the relevant forms filled out and signed. All forms can be found on the Horse Sport Ireland website here.)  If you have any questions please click  HERE or contact:

Susann Tschoerner

Horse Sport Ireland

Phone: 045-854507

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.horsesportireland.ie

All athletes should make themselves aware of the current FEI Eventing Guidelines on Tack, Equipment and Dress which can be found below:

FEI Eventing Guidelines on Use of Tack, Equipment and Dress 06.09.2022

All Irish competitors who intend to enter an international event, whether in Ireland or Overseas, must pay an application fee to ensure eligibility before they can enter the event. Please note, an approved application does not guarantee an entry to the event.  You must still make your entry prior to close of entries.

You can add stabling or hook up to an existing entry through the Members Area. Click on “Manage” beside the relevant entry. You will then see the stabling and/or hook up options as available for that event:

An MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) is achieved when an athlete has no more than 45 penalty points in the dressage test (minimum of 55% dressage good marks), no more than 16 show jumping penalties and clear jumping cross country.

Underage athletes competing at EI90 or EI100 will need to contact their regional co-ordinator if they wish to upgrade to EI110 level.  Underage athletes looking to upgrade to EI110 will need to be assessed by an HSI Level 2 or 3 Eventing Coach.

The ERQI must also be green or amber for an athlete to upgrade.

You may be able to upgrade a level or compete at international level when you have the required MERs. You can read more about MER’s here.

A new set of FEI regulations were introduced in 2020 in relation to the measuring of Eventing ponies, you can read more about this here: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FEI-General-Assembly-Report-Pony-Measuring-2020.pdf

To compete at international level your Pony must be FEI registered, and newly FEI registered ponies must be 148cm (149cm with shoes).

Your pony must be measured at an FEI Official Measuring, there is typically one every year in Ireland, usually taking place in January or February. You can read more about this on the Pony Measurement page on the HSI website here: https://www.sji.ie/Ponies/Measuring-Venues

Eventing Ireland is the national body responsible for the national sport of Eventing in Ireland.  Its role is to organise and manage training, national events and the rules at national level.

Eventing Ireland is affiliated to Horse Sport Ireland.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.  HSI is responsible for managing all high performance programmes for all affiliates, including training and selection of athletes for squads.  HSI appoints High Performance Managers to run these programmes.

EI fence juding instructions SHORT FEB 2022

In addition, please see link below to a Fence Judging Video guide courtesy of British Eventing

Fence Judging Video

Without volunteers there would be no events.  If you are regularly competing in eventing, you should also regularly help your region by volunteering.  We ask that you volunteer once in the season for Southern Region Members and three times if you are a Northern Region Member, so please make yourself available.  It doesn’t have to be all day – but a couple of hours makes all the difference.  You can select which event or events you will volunteer at through your EI account.

If you are competing and have a gap in your schedule on the day – why don’t you ask if you can relieve a fence judge for an hour.  Your time will be greatly appreciated.

You will be asked to volunteer when you become a member.  You can always amend your volunteering roles or venues if you are unable to make your original choice.

You will be reminded one month before your volunteering event to confirm that you will be attending.  If you can’t attend, you must nominate someone to volunteer on your behalf.

If you just like helping at events, contact the Event Organiser and they will be more than happy to find you a role!  We couldn’t run events without you!

Happy Volunteering!!

EI Rulebooks can be ordered from your local Amazon website, simply search for Eventing Ireland, or can be downloaded from the website: 2024 Rule Book.

Eventing is the ultimate test of horsemanship. It is distinctive in that male and female athletes compete against each other on level footing for equal rewards.

Eventing consists of three equine disciplines – Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country usually taking place on one day.  The penalty scores from each discipline are combined to produce an overall total. The combination with the lowest total penalties is the winner.

Eventing Ireland (EI) organises, schedules and runs all national events which run across the country during the competition season — March to October each year — and training sessions run throughout the whole year.

To participate within Eventing Ireland competitions, owners and riders must be members of the organisation, and their horses must also be registered.  Alternatively, day memberships and registrations can be bought so aspiring eventers can get a taste of competing in EI80 (80cm), EI90 (90cm),  EI100 (1m)  or EI105 (105cm) classes, before committing to full membership.

At national events there are various classes to compete in. Horses start at EI80. EI90, EI100, EI105 level and progress to EI110 (1.10m), EI115 then EI120 level with some athletes aiming their goal at International competition.  The level at which you compete is decided by the grade of your horse or pony, or by the level of your own riding (as your horse may be more experienced than you!). Therefore, you often find amateur riders competing alongside professional athletes, who may be training their younger horses in EI80, EI90 or EI100 classes. This fascinating feature makes eventing inclusive, aspirational and highly competitive!

The first test is the dressage, which comprises a set sequence of compulsory movements in an area 20m wide and 40m long  or 60m long at higher level competitions.  The test is scored by one or more judges who are looking for balance, rhythm, suppleness and most importantly the obedience of the horse and its harmony with the rider.

The show jumping phase is usually the second phase and is one round of jumping over coloured, knockable poles with a maximum time allowed for EI110 classes and higher, the objective being to jump a clear round inside the time. Four faults are incurred for every pole down and these, along with time faults (0.4 seconds for every second over the maximum time) for EI110 classes and above are added to the dressage marks.

The fences will test a horse who does not specialise in show jumping.  At three-day event level, the show jumping phase will come on day three (after the cross country phase) and tired horses may make more mistakes which will be expensive.  At three-day events (usually international events) the show jumping is based on reverse order of merit, so the rider in last place jumps first and the current leader jumps last – which usually makes for gripping viewing!

The third phase is the cross country where a course of natural obstacles has to be jumped within a time allowed (optimum time).  Being over the optimum time incurs penalties (0.4 penalties per second) as do stops (20 faults per stop).  If there is a tie, it will be the rider closest to the optimum time who will win.  Elimination results from either a fall, 3 stops on course or omission of obstacle.  A good cross country horse must be brave and straight as well as fast.  A good cross country athlete must also be brave and know the exact speed to travel to get inside the time safely.

Eventing Ireland is divided into five regions, each responsible for the running of events within their area.

Northern Region: Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone

North Leinster Region: Cavan, Dublin (North of Liffey), Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath

South Leinster Region: Carlow, Dublin (South of Liffey), Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow

Munster Region: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford

Western Region: Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo

Please CLICK HERE to view the respective committees.

Eventing Ireland is the national body responsible for the national sport of Eventing in Ireland.  Its role is to organise and manage training, national events and the rules at national level.

Eventing Ireland is affiliated to Horse Sport Ireland.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.  HSI is responsible for managing all high performance programmes for all affiliates, including training and selection of athletes for squads.  HSI appoints High Performance Managers to run these programmes.

Yes! If you prefer to use the desktop version of the website on your phone, follow the instructions here:

The following is a very comprehensive document from the BEF outlining what to do if an athlete sustains concussion.   To view please click HERE