Horse Sport Ireland, the Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in Ireland, are pleased to announce the appointment of the three Team Managers for Ireland’s Youth Eventing High Performance Programme.
Becky Cullen has been reappointed to the position of High Performance Team Manager for Ireland’s Under 16 (Pony) Eventing team. In 2017, Becky guided the GAIN Irish U16 (Pony) Eventing team to win the Bronze Medal at the FEI European Championships and in 2018 her team added a European team silver and an individual silver medal.
Speaking on her reappointment, Becky Cullen said:
“I am delighted to be Involved once again with the High Performance Pony squad. We only have one athlete left from last year’s Championships so I am looking forward to the challenge of taking a new group of athletes to Strezgolm (venue for the 2019 European Championships for Ponies) to try and win more medals.”
Swedish-born Dag Albert has been appointed to the position of High Performance Team Manager for Ireland’s Under 18 (Junior) Eventing team. Dag is one of Sweden’s most experienced Eventing riders. He has enjoyed success representing his country at Under 16, 18 and Under 21 level and is a BE Accredited Coach. Dag has competed numerous times at Badminton and Burghley International Horse Trials and has represented his country at European and World Championships along with the Olympic Games at Atlanta in 1996 and Beijing in 2008.
Dag Albert commented:
“I am really looking forward to working with the Juniors and hope I can really contribute to their success from my own experiences and to assist them to maximize their potential and enjoyment of this fantastic sport.”
Sue Shortt has been appointed to the position of High Performance Team Manager for Ireland’s Under 21 (Young Rider) Eventing team. A native of Kildare, Sue Shortt has represented Ireland in Eventing at Under 18, Under 21 and Senior level including the Athens and Sydney Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. From 2005 to 2013, Sue was High Performance Team Manager for the Irish Pony team during which time the team and individual riders achieved numerous medal successes at European Championship level. In 2013, Sue assumed the role of Team Manager and rider for the Yulong Provincial Equestrian Team in Shanxi, China, which enjoyed podium success at Chinese national level.
Sue Shortt is looking forward to taking up her new role and said:
“I am honored and excited to accept the role of HSI High Performance Manager to the Young Rider Team. I would like to thank HSI for this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with a talented team of coaches and riders. My aim is not only to achieve podium success in 2019, but also to develop strength and depth in the Young Rider Squad, to produce well educated riders who can fully maximize their talents and resources and become our Senior Team riders of the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Debbie Byrne (Irish Under 21 team manager in 2018) for her help, advice and support which has been invaluable.”Becky Cullen, Dag Albert, Sue Shortt
