Horse Sport Ireland has this evening confirmed the appointment of Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa as Irish show jumping’s new High Performance Director.

It had been speculated for some time that Pessoa was a leading contender for the position, and this evening’s announcement marks a new adventure for the sport with Olympic success a key target.

“I wish Rodrigo the very best of luck in his new position and we look forward to a new chapter in Irish show jumping with a shared goal of delivering medals”, said HSI acting CEO James Kennedy.

Pessoa is one of the most decorated show jumpers of modern times, following in the footsteps of his equally prolific father Nelson.

“I am looking forward to working with this very talented group of riders and horses in the near future”, said the Brazilian. “At the end of August we have the European Championships in Sweden where we want to have a strong team ready to battle for top positions.”

Pessoa takes over from Robert Splaine, whose contract expired after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Josh Tobin

(photo FEI Thomas Holcbecher)