The Board of Directors of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs has appointed a five-member advisory group to review the grading structures within the organisation.

Members are currently graded in dressage, show jumping and cross-country and this determines at what level they can compete at in AIRC competitions.

The panel will review the current grading structures including the definition of each grade, the process for changing a members grades and any impact on the structure of championships in terms of the grading of members.

The role of the club and regional grading officers is also to be reviewed while it is hoped the advisory group will also set out recommended parameters for their respective roles.

It is envisaged that the review process will involve all key stakeholders including affiliated clubs and their associate members to gauge their views.

AIRC chairman, Tony Ennis, said,

as the environment in which we operate continues to evolve and adapt, we must as an organisation review how we operate to ensure we can best meet the needs of our member clubs and their associate members.

“The Board wishes the panel the best of luck as they carry out this important task on behalf of our members and I hope as many stakeholders will engage in the review process to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our members in the years ahead,” he added.