Professor Patrick Wall:

The IHRA has been an affiliate of HSI since 2013 because it had no home. Since then it has been fully engaged with us and is keen to develop its sector. We have found its members to be committed and ambitious for the future of their sport.

HSI is an umbrella for lots of different horse sports. The issues Mr. Kavanagh raised with regard to equine health and welfare are equally big issues for us. It would be the equivalent, for example, of a hypothetical Ball Sport Ireland, which would include table tennis, basketball, rugby and hockey all under the one umbrella. We have affiliates as diverse as polo, mounted games, the hunting association, show jumping and dressage. The issues of equine health and welfare are crucial for us also. Harness racing is there because it had nowhere else to go. Mr. Bolger will outline what has happened up to now.