Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced the appointment of show jumping athlete Jessica Kürten as its new High Performance Jumping Manager, succeeding Michael Blake, who concluded his highly successful eight-year tenure in October.
One of Ireland’s most accomplished figures in international show jumping, Kürten brings valuable coaching, leadership, and governance expertise to the role. Once ranked second in the FEI Jumping World Rankings, Kürten enjoyed a stellar competitive career that included two Olympic appearances — Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 — and being a member of Ireland’s European Championship gold medal-winning team in 2001. She won multiple Grand Prix classes and competed at four World Cup Finals, placing second in 2006 with Castle Forbes Libertina.
After stepping back from FEI competition in 2015, Kürten continued her involvement in the sport as an HSI Level 3 Coach and amassed significant leadership and management experience as team manager of the Prague Lions in the Global Champions League, as well as serving as Athlete Representative on the FEI Board. A respected broadcaster and expert analyst, Kürten has provided insightful commentary at major international events.
In her new role, she will be responsible for the planning, delivery, and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping program, working closely with athletes, coaches, and support teams, while also strengthening the pathway for youth and development squad athletes toward senior Nations Cups and championships.
Kürten told HSI, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager. 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.”
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