David Foster was a highly respected and much loved event rider, who enjoyed a very successful national and international career, which included representing Ireland in three Olympics. In the summer of 1998, David was tragically killed while eventing locally in Rathmolyon.

The following year The David Foster Injured Riders Fund was formed by David’s wife Sneezy. The fund has been running successfully ever since. Its sole purpose is to financially help injured riders.

There are four Trustees looking after the fund; Sneezy Foster, Carmel Mc Shea, Caroline Preston, and former Eventing Ireland President Lord Patrick Conolly Carew.

To date, the fund has paid out more than €160,000 to over 25 individuals.  In some particularly exceptional cases 2 to 3 payments have been made to the same individual / family.  All payments are given with complete confidentiality.

The main fundraiser is through an annual ball that is well supported by the racing and eventing communities. The ball is held in David’s home town of Enfield. However, members of the eventing community often fund raise independently. Killossery Lodge has run competitions in the past and donated all profits made while a range of Cross Country Course Walks, Table Quizzes and other events continue to raise awareness and finance for the Fund. In addition, a small contribution from every Eventing Ireland membership is donated to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

The David Foster Injured Riders Fund is a very worthy cause. All those who have benefitted from the fund have been deeply appreciative of the support in difficult times.