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"He has a great natural flair
forequitation. When jumping he has that gift of rythm
and timing, on any type of horse." He trained at the world famous
Talland School
of Equitation achieving his British Horse Society Instructor
qualification before
being asked to return to Ireland to start up an equestrian centre
specialising in
event horses. Shortly afterwards he and Sue decided to 'go it alone'
and they set
up their present establishment at Fir Tree Farm, some 23 years ago.
In 1982 Eric became Irish Field Event
Rider of the Year. For the next few years he
built up a string of horses and gained his first team selection in 1985
for the
European Championships at Burghley. Since then, he has represented
Ireland at
two European Championships, gaining team bronze medal on each occasion.
Three
World Equestrian Games and been on four Olympic Teams competing at
Barcelona
and Atlanta. A consistent and regular participant at Burghley and
Badminton, he
has also represented Ireland at all levels of International
competitions throughout
Europe.
A passionate and enthusiastic teacher, Eric has conducted clinics
around the world
from the continent of America to Dubai and South Africa to Denmark. In
1995 he
took the Fellowship of the British Horse Society examination. The
highest teaching
qualification the world with only 59 so qualified. He brings a unique
blend of
competition experience and education to an audience of all levels.
An FEI International Judge who regularly
acts as a Ground Jury member.
For 18 years Eric was Director of the Golden Saddle Scheme, identifying
talented children in all equestrian disciplines and coordinating their
training bursaries.
He has been Chairman of Eventing Ireland (Northern Region) for a total
of 5 years throughout the last 15 years. His many interests and talents
keep him extremely busy but he still manages to find time for them all
and regularly
compete.
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