Dear FEHL Supporter,

We are delighted to present the 2010 FEHL Schedule. The prevailing national and global economic climate presents increasing challenges for breeders, producers, riders and organisers. All are under intense pressure to rationalise their commitment. Standards of animal welfare, equitation and best practice in sport cannot be compromised under any circumstance - regardless of these pressures.

We all unite in our profound gratitude to HSI which continues to endorse the Future Event Horse League for its eleventh glorious season. Our organisers are also worthy of special mention for producing the unique challenges of their beautiful courses. No enthusiasm can disguise the fragility of this equation where each input is dependant on the grace and favour of dedicated enthusiasts. The Irish Sports Horse has dominated the WBFSH Eventing Table for the past fifteen consecutive years. This eminence can only be sustained by matching our best horses with the best riders where their potential can be achieved and maximized.

Training is fundamental to success. FEHL frustrates those who try to short circuit basic training and flatters those who recognise that equine talent, no matter how precocious, needs careful and systematic nurturing to mature into what wins at the top level of sport. This fact and focus must not be obscured by rosettes in novice classes. The tenets of classical training must be acknowledged and applied to underscore any serious ambition to funnel Irish Sport Horses into the top level of international sport. This is the raison d'être for FEHL.

So even in a hostile economic environment, the pursuit of excellence remains a legitimate objective. This year's WEG and the London Olympics in 2012 will make no allowance for mediocrity. Our profound hope is that whoever mounts the medal podium dismounts from Irish Sports Horses. Such a fillip would be the perfect antidote to the industry of those dedicated horsemen who germinate seed corn in Ireland. Dreams fuel our ambition and success justifies our enterprise.

2010 will produce another crop of stars - perhaps one of them is or will be yours!

With best wishes,
Ronnie MacMahon | Harold McGahern | Lars Bjoerk
on behalf of all the Organisers