Horse Sport Ireland has announced the appointment of Avalon Everett as Chief Operations Officer, adding to her current role as General Counsel.

The promotion reflects Everett’s decade-long leadership within the organisation, where she has been central to HSI’s legal, regulatory, and operational strategy across the last three Olympic cycles.

She has been instrumental in major governance reforms, structural realignment, and the delivery of high-performance programmes.

Everett will now oversee the coordination of HSI’s operations across high performance, participation, coaching, corporate affairs, registrations, and communications. The inclusion of communications within the COO remit signals a renewed emphasis on stakeholder engagement and strengthening the public profile of equestrian sport in Ireland.

“Avalon has been an invaluable member of our team for over 10 years,” said HSI CEO Denis Duggan.

“Her expertise across governance, legal affairs, and high-performance sport makes her the ideal leader to drive operational excellence as we continue to enhance Ireland’s international reputation in the sport horse world.”

In her dual role, Everett will retain responsibility for legal, governance, and regulatory matters, continuing to provide legal oversight across all HSI business units. A qualified solicitor, she previously practised in commercial law with a Dublin-based firm, bringing experience in litigation, regulation, and dispute resolution to her work at HSI.

She also served as Chief Risk Officer until 2024, leading the development of internal risk and compliance systems. Her legal background has underpinned the implementation of governance reforms following the 2020 Indecon Review and helped align HSI’s programmes with Sport Ireland’s funding frameworks.

During her tenure, Sport Ireland’s investment into both high performance and participation has grown significantly. Everett’s leadership has contributed to Ireland’s success at international level, including Nations Cup wins, podium finishes at major championships, and enhanced Olympic qualification pathways.

“I’m honoured to continue serving Horse Sport Ireland in this expanded capacity,” said Everett.

“We have a unique opportunity, with breeding and sport under one roof, to support Irish equestrianism at every level. I’m grateful to my colleagues and to the broader equestrian community for their support and commitment to growing the sport.”

She also plays an active role in representing Irish interests on the global stage through the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the European Equestrian Federation (EEF).

As part of the executive restructure, HSI will shortly begin the recruitment process for a new Head of Performance and Coaching, who will report to the COO and lead the next phase of Ireland’s Olympic and international programme development.

This appointment comes at a time of strategic importance for the national federation, as it prepares for future Olympic cycles and the continued global growth of Irish equestrian sport.

 

 

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