The Defence Forces confirmed yesterday that they are carrying out an internal investigation into practices at the Army Equitation School in Dublin's McKee Barracks.
The Minister for Defence, Mr O'Dea, sanctioned the investigation earlier this week after being approached by Chief-of-Staff Lieut Gen Jim Sreenan. The Minister informed the Taoiseach about the investigation on Monday night.
The investigation is being carried out by the Defence Forces in conjunction with two independent veterinary surgeons, Mr Brian Hilbert and Mr Patrick Pollack from the UCD Veterinary College.
"We've nothing to hide," Lieut Col Gerry O'Gorman, commanding officer at the Army Equitation School, told The Irish Times yesterday, "but in the light of the present media coverage highlighting show jumping, the military authorities were concerned that, potentially, there could be bad press coming in this direction.
"This is a proactive measure to prevent the likelihood of loose, unfounded comments that could emerge in the light of recent events in the showjumping world.
"There is no accusation against any individual here, no suggestion of any wrongdoing at the school with regard to the treatment of horses. The whole purpose is to preserve the good name and reputation of the Equitation School, which has been here since 1926.
"The military authorities have asked people to come and look at the facilities for the animals, with the emphasis on the welfare of the animals - that's paramount. And, to be completely transparent, they suggested that we get an independent vet.
"I would stress that the school has a record that's second to none", said Lieut Col O'Gorman, who took over as commanding officer at the Equitation School in June of this year.
His predecessor was Lieut Col Gerry Mullins, Cian O'Connor's mentor who travelled to Athens to work with O'Connor in his successful bid for Olympic gold.
"The horses here compete internationally over many years due to the care and maintenance of them. This is the best horse hotel in Europe. If I was a horse, my wish would be to be stabled in McKee," said Lieut Col O'Gorman.
The investigation is being carried out at both the Equitation School in McKee Barracks, where there are almost 40 horses stabled, and at the Equitation Detachment at the Curragh Command in Co Kildare, where up to 12 non-competition horses are kept.
It is expected that the investigation will be completed this afternoon and a report will be prepared for Lieut Gen Sreenan. The findings will then be sent to the Minister for Defence.