Horse Sport Ireland will be fielding a team of dressage riders to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen on 11 - 15 August 2026. Last year Ireland sent no rider to the European Championships in Crozet.
Five riders achieve their MER score, but only four have declared to go.
Irish Dressage Team
The Irish dressage team includes:
- Kevin Acres - Ganesh
- Alex Baker - Top Gear
- James Connor - Vanotti
- Jessica Dunn - Dan Its Carston
Olympian Withdraws
The fifth Irish dressage rider who obtained her MER scores to compete in Aachen, but who has surprisingly forfeited a start is Irish Olympian Abi Lyle.
The 2024 Olympic rider took a sabbatical after Paris citing mental health, the financial strean of showing, and motivational issues on her social media. In 2026 she made a full come back to international competition sport and competed her number one, 15-year old Giraldo (by Rousseau x Flemmingh), at the CDI's in Hartpury, Hickstead, and Wellington Heckfield. She is coached by Carl Hester and Gareth Hughes.
Lyle has withdrawn from riding in Aachen for personal reasons.
"Although I am very privileged to have an amazing, fit horse and the opportunity to be selected, this is an incredibly personal decision to which I have given a lot of thought," she said. " I intend to keep training, competing and most importantly, enjoying my horses and giving them the best life possible."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the World Championships Dressage
Kevin Acres Wins the 2025 Irish Grand Prix Championship
Bigwood Wins Grand Prix and Irish Comebacks at 2026 CDI Hartpury
No Irish in the Running for 2025 European Championships in Crozet