You may know her best as an interviewer and analyst on the live stream, but Jessica Kürten has just been appointed Horse Sport Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager, succeeding Michael Blake.
One of Ireland’s most accomplished, and influential figures in international show jumping, Jessica brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive pedigree, advanced coaching expertise, leadership experience, and global governance insight to the role.
Jessica Kürten
A former world number two in the FEI rankings, Jessica is a dual Olympian who represented Ireland at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 and at Athens in 2004. She was a key member of Ireland’s historic European Championship gold-medal winning team in 2001. She is also an Aga Khan Trophy winner for Ireland (at the Dublin Horse Show) and was a regular representative at World Cups and major championship events, earning her place as one of Ireland’s most successful and respected international riders of her generation.
Jessica said: “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 (2027) and Olympics in 2028.
“I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.”
HSI Chief Executive Denis Duggan,said: “Jessica Kürten is one of the most iconic figures in Irish jumping, and her record speaks for itself. A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivaled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”
Since stepping away from competing, Kürten has remained deeply connected to elite sport. A HSI Level 3 Coach, she is widely recognized for her technical expertise, performance insight and ability to develop riders across youth, development and senior levels. Her advanced coaching qualifications, combined with her first-hand experience of championship environments, position her uniquely to lead Ireland’s High Performance Jumping program through the next World Championship cycle and forward to the Olympic Games in 2028.
Jessica served as team manager of the Prague Lions in the Global Champions League for three years, overseeing high-performance athletes and support teams in high-pressure international environments. In addition, she currently acts as Athlete Representative on the FEI Board, contributing to international governance, athlete welfare and high-performance policy, giving her an exceptional understanding of the global jumping landscape.
Highly regarded worldwide as a broadcaster and expert analyst, Jessica has also built a respected media career, offering insightful commentary at major international events. Her communication skills, tactical understanding and ability to articulate complex performance concepts will add further strength to the role when representing Irish jumping on the world stage.
In her new position, Jessica will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping program, working closely with athletes, coaches and support teams to build on Ireland’s recent international success, while strengthening the pathway from youth and development squads through to senior Nations Cups and championships.
Duggan noted: “On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, I would like to thank Michael (Blake) for his dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport, and to wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Horse Sport Ireland expressed confidence that Jessica’s experience, insight, international standing and leadership will provide continuity and momentum, while also bringing a fresh, forward-looking perspective to the High Performance Jumping program at a pivotal point in the Olympic and championship cycle.