Irish eventing's resurgence is timely for Olympic cycle

The European silver is a sign of strength in depth and good results to come as the horse world looks towards LA28

- By LUCY ELDER

THE Irish team success at the 2023 Agria European Eventing Championships is cause for celebration and an exciting start to this Olympic cycle.

Ireland won its first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years at Blenheim (report, 25 September). It came hot on the heels of Austin O'Connor and Colorado Blue's second place at Defender Burghley – Ireland's best finish at the CCI5* since 1963 – and weeks after Ireland won team silver at the young rider Europeans (20–24 August).

The 2025 Europeans were the first in the cycle building towards the 2026 World Championships in Aachen and the LA28 Olympics. And for Ireland to have won a medal when the majority of horses on the squad are only 10 or 11 is promising for the future.