Jessica Kürten has been appointed as new High Performance Jumping Manager for the Irish elite showjumpers, succeeding Michael Blake, Horse Sport Ireland announced on Friday.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager,” Kürten – currently a FEI Executive Board member and Chair of the FEI Athletes’ Committee – said in a press release from Horse Sport Ireland. “Ireland has a strong track record in jumping and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position.”

“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships and Olympics in 2028,” Kürten continued. “I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.”

In her new role, Kürten will be leading Ireland’s High Performance Jumping programme through the next World Championship cycle and towards the Olympic Games in 2028.

“Jessica Kürten is one of the most iconic figures in Irish jumping, and her record speaks for itself,” HSI Chief Executive Denis Duggan, said in a press release from Horse Sport Ireland. “A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivalled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”

“The Request for Tender and interview process was comprehensive and highly competitive, and Jessica presented the strongest vision for the future of the Irish programme. Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”

Kürten succeeds Michael Blake, who has concluded his tenure as High Performance Jumping Manager. In the press release, Horse Sport Ireland extended its thanks to Blake – who took over the role in December 2019 from Rodrigo Pessoa – for his outstanding contribution to Irish showjumping. “On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, I would like to thank Michael for his dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport, and to wish him every success in the next chapter of his career,” Duggan said.