I want to refer to the work of Horse Sport Ireland and to wish Team Ireland every success as it prepares for the world championships in Aachen, Germany, which commence on 11 August. Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport. It is responsible for every aspect of the sport, from riding centres where thousands learn to ride horses for the first time each year to Olympian and Paralympian teams competing in showjumping, eventing, dressage and para-dressage. These upcoming world championships offer the first opportunity for Ireland’s equestrian athletes to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This is a significant milestone in the Olympic cycle. I extend my best wishes to our teams competing in showjumping, dressage, eventing and para-dressage. They will represent Ireland at the highest level in one of the world’s primary equestrian competitions.

Equestrian sport is one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women compete together on equal terms and where athletes from across generations compete at the highest level. Ireland punches above its weight internationally in this regard, reflecting the quality of our athletes, horses, owners, breeders, coaches and support teams.

Horse Sport Ireland is one of the finest examples of practical, all-island co-operation in Irish sport. Working in partnership with Sport Ireland and Sport NI, it supports athletes from every part of the island, as well as Irish riders across the world, who come together proudly as Team Ireland. I particularly acknowledge Daniel and Jordan Coyle from Derry and international event rider, Susie Berry, from Down, who were all nominated in the world championships, as well as Jessica Kürten from Antrim, who leads a high-performance jumping programme. Together, they reflect the strength of our 32-county equestrian community and the international reach of Irish sport.

As Ireland holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Horse Sport Ireland will welcome international equestrian delegates to Dublin by hosting the European Equestrian Federation’s general assembly in September and the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses’ general assembly in October. These events will bring leading organisations from across Europe and the world to Ireland, showcasing our international standing in equestrian sporting and breeding.

I recognise the commitment of the management, board and staff of Horse Sport Ireland. They work behind the scenes supporting athletes, developing high-performance programmes, administering breeding and coaching initiatives and a world-class studbook and promoting Irish equestrian sport nationally and internationally. They are fundamental to the success we see in the arena. I congratulate Horse Sport Ireland on all it continues to achieve. I wish the organisation every success with its upcoming international events. Above all, I wish Team Ireland every success in Germany as it begins its journey towards Los Angeles 2028.