Michael Ryan’s four-star ride Old Road has been retired

Old Road, a stalwart of the Irish eventing scene with Michael Ryan, has been retired from the sport.

The 18-year-old Irish sport horse suffered a suspensory ligament injury to a hindleg last week while having a canter at home.

“He’s been a great servant and given me a lot of mileage,” said Michael. “He’s had some good results recently to finish on a high note and he just seemed to be getting better as he got older.”

Owned by John Butler, the Puissance gelding did not begin eventing until he was seven, but he went on to represent Ireland at three European Championships (2003, 2005 and 2009) and at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

Old Road also completed Badminton in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

His best international results include three runner-up placings at three-star: in the World Cup qualifier at Tattersalls in 2009 – to Fernhill Clover Mist, ridden by Michael’s wife Trish (n ©e Donegan) – in the World Cup qualifier at Ballindenisk in 2007 and in the CIC*** at Ballindenisk in February this year.

He also won an advanced at Ballindenisk in March this spring.

Old Road will remain at the Ryans’ Co Cork yard in retirement.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.