A 16-year-old showjumper competing in only his second ever puissance competition cleared 2.05m to win a class in Ireland earlier this month (Saturday, 15 November).
After winning the Emerald International puissance, Chris Megahey had high hopes of getting to Olympia, The London International Horse Show next month — but feared his age might be a barrier.
Unfortunately for Chris, organisers told him the London competition was invitation only but that they would “keep an eye on him for future years.”
However, the teenager is undeterred and is keen to notch up more wins.
Chris took the title and €3,000 prize-fund riding his 12-year-old gelding Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier at the End of Year Irish Master’s Show in Co. Kildare.
The win came just a week after Chris was placed third in his first ever puissance, the Cavan International puissance — attempting a jump of 1.95m.
“We always knew he was a brave horse, but I didn’t know how he would react. He got through three rounds and then hit the wall at 1.95m,” said Chris.
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At his second puissance competition Chris and Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier jumped four rounds to make it into the final against Gerald Clark.
“We were going to withdraw when the wall got to 2.05m and split the money. Then I changed my mind and thought I would have a go. Daniel Coyle helped me in the warm-up as my trainer was away,” said Chris.
His was the only combination to clear the wall after Gerald Clarke and Zanzibar V had a stop at 2.05m.
Former Dublin Horse Show puissance winner Liam O’Meara and Ciscero were also knocked out earlier in the competition.
Seapatrick was evented by Chris’s brother Harold at three-star level and was going to be sold before his younger brother started jumping him.
Chris looks like he’s on the way to becoming a high-jump specialist.
“The next puissance I will aim for is at the Dublin Horse Show,” said Chris.
The 27-year-old and Waterstone jumped a 2.12m wall on Friday at Stockholm, and possibly into the record books
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