asked the Minister for Defence if in view of the time required to train riders and horses for show jumping, he will again start the Army Equitation School.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equitation School.
It is not proposed to reorganise the Army Equitation School at present.
Can I take it from the Minister that he does not share the view recently expressed in public against horses?
Not by a Minister?
No. That view is believed to be prevalent in high circles in the Army at the moment.
I do not think that view is prevalent in any circles in the Army at the moment. We feel that we will be very much better prepared than most of the Continental countries to take part in competitions if such competitions are inaugurated.
Is the Minister aware that it takes years to train horses for these competitions?