Ian Fearon steps down as Irish pony show jumping coach and chef d'equipe

From Horse Sport Ireland

Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed that Ian Fearon will step down as coach and chef d'equipe of Ireland's pony show jumping team. However, he will continue to work as a coach on Horse Sport Ireland's eventing high performance programmes.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald said that he was disappointed that Ian had decided to step down, but he said that this had always been the plan when Ian agreed to take on the role for one more year in 2010.

"Last year we agreed a three-year contract with Ian, which included being pony show jumping coach/chef d'equipe for one more year in 2010 and a role as show jumping coach with some of our underage eventing teams and the stepping stones programme for young event horses for three years," he said.

"Ian has made a massive contribution to the pony team and, while we would like him to stay on in the role, we respect his decision that he wants to focus on other teams.

"Ian has had huge success in what is a very difficult role. Aside from coaching the riders, he also had an input into selecting the teams and deciding which four of the five travelling riders jumped at the championships. These are very tough decisions particularly when children are involved."

Ian said: "I have really enjoyed the role and I want to thank all the children and their families for their huge commitment. The last two years have been especially good in terms of results and there were very strong structures in place within Horse Sport Ireland, which allowed us to make the necessary decisions to get the best team in the ring for Ireland. I want to thank the other members of the pony committee: Mark Bolger, Keith Griffen and the SJI nominee Katy Saunders.

"Part of my role was to put good structures and development in place so that the bar could be raised. It is my hope that it will stay raised and that Ireland will continue to bring home medals and success.

"I'm now looking forward to working with six- and seven-year-old horses preparing for the Young Event Horse championships in Lion d'Angers. I've already been working with the junior eventing team and I'm really looking forward to continuing this work with Horse Sport Ireland."