As a quick news item, according to Eventing Ireland and an EN tipster, Eric Smiley of Ireland has been named the Belgian eventing coach. A source told me that there were 9 applicants for the Belgian job, including Andrew Nicholson, who withdrew when he learned that the Belgian coach wouldn’t be allowed to ride at the Olympics. Congratulations to Eric and Eventing Ireland on the hire.
Eric Smiley spent 10 years in the Irish Cavalry and then took up a professional riding career. In 1982, Eric was named the Irish event rider of the year, and since then has represented Ireland at two European Championships, three WEGs, and 4 Olympics–including Atlanta. Eric is also an FEI judge and is regularly a member of Ground Juries. [Eventing Ireland, Eric’s website]
