Latest from Horse & Hound in Ireland

Colorado Blue is back and heading to World Championships as Irish eventing squad named

Lucy Elder — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:03:58 +0000

Five-star winners Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue head a strong Irish eventing squad for the 2026 World Championships (11 to 23 August).

Colorado Blue, who won Maryland 5 Star with Austin in 2023 and was runner-up at Defender Burghley last year, missed a five-star tilt this spring owing to a “bit of a set back in training”. Austin said at the time that he hoped it was a “fairly short-term” setback and that he hoped they would have the Aachen World Championships to look forward to.

The 17-year-old gelding, who has also been on the Mars Badminton podium twice, had his first run since April last week, jumping a steady clear across country in an open intermediate section at Upton House (14 July).

Austin said “Salty” was “very happy indeed to be back out, doing his favourite thing”.

The duo were part of the Irish team at the last worlds in Pratoni, as well as the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games.

They are joined by two combinations who helped Ireland to the historic European team silver medal at Blenheim last year: Aoife Clark with Full Monty De Lacense and Ian Cassells on Millridge Atlantis.

Double world silver medallist Padraig McCarthy, who was also part of the medal-winning side at Blenheim, is named on the squad with his home-bred MGH Zabaione. This will be a first senior championships for the 10-year-old gelding, who won Blenheim’s kingmaker eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S in 2024, Ballindenisk CCI4*-L in 2025, and has had other exciting four-star results to his name.

Georgie Goss, a former youth medallist for Britain who switched to represent Ireland in 2023, will have make her senior championship debut wearing the Irish flag with Kojak.

Horse Sport Ireland high performance eventing manager Sam Griffiths said the selection panel “had some incredibly tough decisions to make, which really reflects positively on the growing strength of Irish eventing”.

“There were lots of combinations that could have made the team but just missed it,” he said. “But having said that, the combinations we have are very strong. I firmly believe that if they can maintain their current form and compete to the level of their current form, we’ll be very competitive.

“We’ve got a really strong team. We know we’re going to be against some fierce competition but we’re going with a lot of confidence and we’re all very proud to be able to represent the nation.”

Irish eventing squad for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Ian Cassells, Millridge Atlantis, 12

Owners: Ber, Fiona and Gerry Leahy

Breeder: Sean O’Loughlin

Breeding: Dinan Cascaletto x Warrenstown You 2

Aoife Clark, Full Monty De Lacense, 11

Owners: Ace of Spades Syndicate

Breeder: SCEA Du Noron

Breeding: Quickly De Kreisker x Vesontio Du Mesnil

Padraig McCarthy, MGH Zabaione, 10

Owners: Peter Cattell, Diane Brunsden and rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: Zavall VDL x Acobat I

Georgie Goss, Kojak, 11

Owners: Molly Fisher, Lucy Fleming and Samantha Wilson

Breeder: H Vos

Breeding: Namelus R x Contender

Austin O’Connor, Colorado Blue, 17

Owners: The Salty Syndicate

Breeder: Mellon Stud

Breeding: Jaguar Mail x Rock King

Irish eventing squad reserves

Susie Berry with 15-year-old gelding John The Bull

Owners: Nick & Helen Caton

Breeder: James Byrne

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Houmayoun

Sarah Ennis with 11-year-old gelding Dourough Ferro Class Act

Owners: James and Niki Potterton

Breeder: Gordon Dury

Breeding: by Creevagh Ferro out of a mare by OBOS Quality 004

Padraig McCarthy with 12-year-old gelding Pomp N Circumstance

Owners: Rachel and Sarah Gough

Breeder: Sarah Gough

Breeding: by Pompadour xx out of a mare by Furisto

Joseph Murphy with 15-year-old gelding Calmaro

Owners: Richard and Tanja Ames, Annette O’Callaghan and Alan Bell

Breeder: Hartmut Schack

Breeding: by Carpalano out of a mare by Elsurimo xx

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Irish showjumping team confirmed – and strong contenders for World Championships medals

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:09:30 +0000

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships next month boasts “proven championship and Olympic experience as well as outstanding recent form”.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) high performance jumping manager Jessica Kürten has confirmed the horses and riders who will be travelling to Aachen “aiming to build on a successful season on the international stage”.

Ireland finished a whisker off the team podium at last year’s European Championships, and the 2022 worlds, but won silver in Milan at the 2023 Europeans, and this team includes riders and horses from these recent successes.

The Irish showjumping team World Championships:

Bertram Allen and Qonquest De Rigo were on the European team that finished fourth last year – and second at the LLN final shortly afterwards – and they go to Aachen on good recent form. Their 2026 started with good results at four- and five-star level in the US and has continued in the same vein, including a double jumping clear in the CSI5* La Baule Nations Cup and fifth place in the Rolex grand prix that weekend.

Darragh Kenny said after he and Eddy Blue won the London World Cup leg in 2024 that this may be one of the best horses he’s ridden. He proved why, as they went on to be on the fourth-placed team at the Europeans the next summer, and have since won and been placed at four-and five-star level including a CSI5* US grand prix in March.

Team stalwart Cian O’Connor is selected with relatively new ride Chatolinue PS; he took the reins last October, but they finished on a CSI5* podium in Geneva, and in the London World Cup leg, two months later. They have jumped on five-star Nations Cups this year, including a double clear in the US, and finished fourth in the La Baule grand prix.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz were on the Irish team that won European silver in 2023, and they are selected for Aachen straight after Shane’s first five-star win, in the Falsterbo grand prix last weekend. They had been knocking at the door for months though, securing second and third places at this level, jumped LLN double clear and finishing seventh in the Aachen grand prix.

Travelling reserves

The travelling reserves are Denis Lynch and British-bred Vistogrand, who were also on the European team last year, having represented Ireland as individuals in 2023. The powerful stallion’s early promise has developed into a top talent showing consistent form at the top level. Recent results include top-10 finishes at CSI5* level in Rome.

Daniel Coyle with Gisbourne VDL and Jordan Coyle with Chaccolino are the non-travelling reserves.

“The selected squad heads to Aachen on the back of an outstanding run of performances at the highest level of international jumping,” an HSI spokesperson said. “The reserve combinations further underline the current depth in Irish jumping.”

Jessica said this is a strong Irish showjumping team that will be leading contenders at the World Championships.

“I’m excited to go to Aachen with outstanding riders and fantastic horses,” she said. “My thanks go to their owners and their grooms, who have put so much work into this journey to the championships.”

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships:

Bertram Allen with 10-year-old gelding Qonquest De Rigo

Owner: Aloha Stables

Breeder: U Goossens

Breeding: by Fantomas De Muze, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Groom: Lovisa Munter

Darragh Kenny with 14-year-old gelding Eddy Blue

Owner: Carol Sollak

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN, out of a mare by Chacco-Blue

Groom: Shauna Murray

Cian O’Connor with 13-year-old gelding Chatolinue PS

Owner: Karlswood Partners

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Diablo Blanco, out of a mare by Stakkatol

Groom: Johanna Berg

Shane Sweetnam with 13-year-old James Kann Cruz

Owner: Gizmo Partners

Breeder: Patrick Connolly

Breeding: by Kannan, out of a mare by Cruising

Groom: Maria Israelsson

Travelling reserve

Denis Lynch with 13-year-old stallion Vistogrand

Owners: Tipperary’s Finest Est and rider

Breeder: Carron Nicol

Breeding: by Fantaland, out of a mare by Vistoland

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Five-star campaigners and gold medallists among British squad for first under-25 eventing World Championships

Becky Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:52:23 +0000

The British squad for the under-25 eventing World Championships at Millstreet has been announced.

The inaugural event gets under way in Ireland on 22 July. British Eventing (BE) selectors have now confirmed which Brits will be in action.

The young squad features plenty of scope and talent. Newly crowned U25 national champions Alice Casburn and Topspin bring forward a wealth of five-star experience, with an enviable nine completions and five finishes in the top 10. Alice and her mother Caroline’s home-bred gelding were part of the gold medal-winning young rider squad at the 2022 Europeans, where they won individual bronze.

Tom Bird is another seasoned five-star campaigner, though on different horses to the young Lenny. This nine-year-old mare, who competed in the Blenheim eight- and nine-year-olds last autumn, is yet to have a jumping fault across country.

Cerys Macaulay finished 15th in the Bramham CCI4*-S last month with her boyfriend Richard Coney’s Kananaskis. This 18-year-old gelding completed Pau with Richard in 2020 and was part of the team at the young rider Europeans in 2019. Cerys took over the reins in 2024.

Jasmine Underwood is the world number two young rider. She and Indian Girl G have five championships under their belt; including individual and team gold at the 2024 young rider Europeans. The pair were ninth at Royal Jump CCI4*-L in May and runners-up in the Ballindenisk CCI4*-S in April.

Jess Rimmer took over the reins of The Spice Merchant from Alexandra Munn in March last year. The pair are another to have a blemish-free international cross-country jumping record. They have completed three four-star shorts this spring; at Thoresby Park, Belsay and Bramham.

The British squad for the under-25 eventing World Championships is:

Tom Bird, 24, with nine-year-old mare Lenny

Owner: rider and his mother Frances, and Helen Kerry

Barnie Brotherton, 23, with 11-year-old gelding DHI King Nelson

Owner: Naomi Brotherton

Alice Casburn, 24, with 18-year-old gelding Topspin

Owner: Alice and her mother Caroline

Cerys Macaulay, 24, with 18-year-old gelding Kananaskis

Owner: Richard and Wendy Coney

Jess Rimmer, 24, with 14-year-old gelding The Spice Merchant

Owner: The Portman Ladies Syndicate

Jasmine Underwood, 21, with 13-year-old mare Indian Girl G

Owner: rider

Reserves:

Alice Casburn with nine-year-old mare LSS Ile De Re (direct reserve for Topsin)

Owner: Sally Witte and Carline Casburn

Finn Healy with nine-year-old gelding Greannanstown Monbeg Joe

Owner: rider

Lucy Stimson with 16-year-old Tynan Cooley

Owner: rider

“We are delighted to announce the combinations selected to represent Great Britain at the under-25 World Eventing Championships in Millstreet. The selectors have chosen riders and horses who they believe are best prepared to perform on this stage and represent BE with pride,” said chef d’equipe David Sheerin.

“We have two strong squads heading to Ireland, and it is fantastic to see the talent, dedication and hard work within the under-25 programme. The whole British Eventing youth programme is behind them, and we wish all the riders and their teams the very best of luck for the championships.”

A BE spokesperson thanked the governing body’s official safety partner Charles Owen, which as part of its long-term support of BE, is supplying each rider with a new Kontor body protector and custom team covers.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Thank you for always fighting for me, my friend’: farewell to mare with ‘heart of gold’

Becky Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:03:55 +0000

Irish showjumper Conor Swail has paid tribute to former top-level mare Flower, stating he has “yet to meet another horse like her”.

The Belgian warmblood Bon Ami daughter, who Conor bought with Vanessa Mannix in 2017, has died in retirement aged 22.

“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this special mare,” said Conor.

“Those who have been following me for some time will definitely remember this lady.”

Flower was produced up the ranks to five-star by her owner, Finnish rider Nina Fagerstrom. The pair had placings in 1.50m classes at venues including Wellington, Florida, and Spruce Meadows, Canada.

Conor bought Flower in January 2017 and the pair hit the ground running. They were runners-up in their first CSI5* 1.50m in Wellington, Florida, in February, and that summer they won a CSIO4* 1.60m class and a World Cup leg, both at Thunderbird Park in Vancouver, Canada.

Conor described Flower as an “absolute war horse” with a “heart of gold”.

“[It was] her way or no way – someone I could always count on,” he said.

A photo posted by on

In 2021 Ireland’s Jenny Rankin took over the reins for Flower’s last two years of competition.

Jenny said she was “grateful to have had the privilege” of competing Flower in her final shows, winning Jenny’s first ranking classes.

“To play a small part in your story was an honour,” she said.

“Thank you to Conor and Vanessa for allowing this special mare to have played a part in my career.”

Conor Swail said Flower “left a huge stamp on me and everyone who knew her, with so many great memories”.

“After a successful show career, Flower enjoyed her retirement in the fields of Ireland where she had two beautiful foals and was still stealing hearts at the age of 22,” he said.

“I have yet to meet another horse like her. Thank you for always fighting for me, my friend,”

Nina added that Flower was “one of the most challenging but also rewarding” horses she had worked with and that she loved following her career with Conor.

“Amazing mare and one definitely to remember forever,” she said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Farewell to ‘one in a million’ horse who finished top 10 at London Olympics and Badminton

Becky Murray — Sat, 02 May 2026 12:33:28 +0000

Irish eventer Aoife Clark has paid tribute to her London 2012 Olympic ride Master Crusoe, who has died aged 25.

“Thank you for being my friend, my partner, for changing my life,” said Aoife (29 April).

Aoife produced the Master Imp son, known at home as Paddy, up the ranks from a six-year-old. The pair were fifth in their first advanced at Aston-le-Walls in July 2009, and that year finished 13th in the Blenheim eight-and-nine-year-olds. In 2010 they picked up top-10 placings at four-star at Chatsworth, Barbury and Blenheim and the following year completed their first Badminton, finishing 48th.

Aoife and Master Crusoe finished seventh individually at the London 2012 Games and were eighth at Badminton in 2013. Their last competition together was in April 2014 at Weston Park.

Aoife said Paddy was “truly one in a million”.

“I loved him unlike any other. Small in size, but huge in ability and heart, he has been such a huge part of my life, and I would not have the career I have without him,” she said.

“From Olympics, Badminton, to decking me in a dressage lesson with Carl Hester, and getting sent home from hunting for overtaking the hounds, it’s been a hell of a ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Jumping a triple clear at the London Olympics to finish seventh, and going into that huge atmosphere together, was the highlight of our competitive career, two hearts as one.”

Aoife added that Paddy was the sharpest horse she had ever sat on, but said he had the “hugest heart and will”.

“Wow, did he try me as a five-year-old, but I would get to 10-minutes on a cross-country and merely click to encourage him home and he would take off with me,” she said.

“He was the biggest dote in the stable, loved cuddles, super chilled, and had a wildness, and independence, to ride that taught me so much, as a rider and as a person.”

Paddy enjoyed his retirement with Aoife.

“He was hacked every other day and scared numerous grooms off hacking him with his antics, even recently,” she said.

“He will be hugely missed by everyone at home, and those who have had the pleasure of looking after him over the years.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It was time to back myself’: rider switches nationalities and aims for World Championships

Becky Murray — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:47:45 +0000

Dressage rider Jess Dunn is aiming for selection for this summer’s World Championships under the Irish flag, having switched nationality at the beginning of the year.

Jess, who is based at Jennifer Whittaker’s White Hill Stud in Lancashire, made her first start in a green jacket last month with her top horse Dan Its Carston, at Lier CDI3*, finishing eighth in the grand prix special and 17th in a 41-strong grand prix.

In an exclusive interview in the current issue of H&H, on sale until tomorrow 26 March, Jess discussed the nationality change and her hopes for the future.

“I have a really good team behind me at White Hill with Jen, her husband Toby and our yard manager and competition groom Amber Flynn. Danny is showing so much potential, I thought it was time to back myself.

“It feels quite ballsy to say I’m aiming for selection, but I’ve always had these pipe dreams. I would get so far then something maybe happens like a horse goes lame or you need to sell them, so I thought while everything is going in our favour, let’s go for it.”

Jess said everyone has been really positive and she has had support from Irish Olympic rider Abi Lyle.

“Abi has known my plans for a while and we’ve had some really good chats. It’s a lot of pressure to put on myself but we have a really good structure at White Hill, and although it feels like, ‘This is the chance for you to really achieve your dreams’, I’m just enjoying that I’ve got to this point and been brave enough to put myself out there,” she said.

“More than anything I’m enjoying the process of training a horse like Danny, and learning along the way. Becky Moody has been great in helping us get a plan together for the next few months so that we’re hitting our peak at the right time. We’re planning to go to Belgium in the spring, and we have some other internationals pencilled in.

“I know what we need to work on and, all going well, we’ll see what happens this summer.”

Read this interview in full in H&H magazine.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How a welfare crisis that ‘shook people to the core’ has been turned into action to benefit horses

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:48:24 +0000

Ireland has taken an equine welfare crisis that “shook people to the core” and used it to update its frameworks to protect horses, according to its chief veterinary officer.

June Fanning, who has worked with the Irish government department of agriculture, food and the marine (DAFM) for over 20 years, addressed the 2026 National Equine Forum on 5 March, on the way the country had made progress in response to a media spotlight.

Dr Fanning covered the measures the government has taken since June 2024, when an RTÉ Investigates documentary titled Horses – Making a Killing aired.

“What people saw shook them to their core,” Dr Fanning said. “They saw gaps in the traceability system, they saw horses fraudulently re-identified. They saw animals manipulated into the food chain. But most disturbingly, they saw horrific footage of horses destined for slaughter, being beaten and abused on the premises adjacent to that slaughter plant.

“The public reaction was immediate. There were protests, parliamentary questions, countless headlines, social media outrage. I suppose there was huge intense scrutiny and criticism of the department of agriculture. But this is where I think the really important story begins.

“It’s the story of what comes next. The media spotlight was an important catalyst in igniting progress, because sometimes progress is born from criticism, and the spotlight can help illuminate your path forward.”

Dr Fanning cited the importance the equestrian sector has in Ireland, for the economy as well as the national identity.

“But people’s trust was shaken, and we can’t take public acceptance for granted in a changing world,” she said. “So we had to reassure the public and we needed to respond decisively, not only to improve welfare and to restore that trust and protect the industry, but also to protect individual horses, most importantly.”

Painful truth

Dr Fanning said the “painful” truth revealed by the documentary was that the relevant Irish systems were not robust enough or fit for purpose. Within three weeks of the documentary, the DAFM had commissioned independent expert Patrick Wall to review the systems and produce a report. H&H has reported on Professor Wall’s January 2025 report, which highlighted issues connected to a “fundamentally weak” system of recording ownership changes, late reporting of horse deaths, imported horses at risk of being “invisible” in the system and contradictory guidance for owners.

“What I think really helped to make our response successful was we did not minimise the problem,” Dr Fanning said. “We did not defend the system, and we didn’t wait for the storm to pass. We acted decisively and converted this energy in crisis into a catalyst for change.”

In March 2025, the minister published an action plan based on Professor Wall’s report.

“Really importantly, that action plan did not have vague commitments,” Dr Fanning said. “It did not use aspirational language. There were 38 concrete, tangible recommendations and actions built around five simple headings. There’s better accountability through better traceability. Part of that is to ensure there’s a responsible, accountable person for every horse, and in that way, that person is responsible for their welfare and their care.

“Stronger enforcement, which is a really important thing, built on proactive inspections, and a really important point is improved protection at end of life; a key priority for us to ensure horses are humanely treated. Optimising use of science and technology to improve traceability, and communication; consulting experts, keeping those two-way communication channels open with the industry and educating the public.”

Carrots and sticks

Dr Fanning said last year, 20,000 horses left Ireland, half of those for Britain. Now, horses may not leave the country unless they are registered on the central equine database and food chain information in passports had to match that on the database, regardless of the reason for export.

“In non-breeding thoroughbreds, ownership registration doubled compared to the previous year,” she said. “This was because we’d embedded a compliance requirement into a critical control point. If you want to move your horse, you have to comply. So the learning from this was, if you want a behaviour to change, you have to build it into life events.”

From this, DAFM now requires that for all life events, registering a foal, changing name or ownership, confirmation of a horse’s location must be provided, turning these events into “traceability checkpoints”. The national equine census was voluntary but the return rate was a “disappointing” 52%. So the DAFM introduced mandatory census completion for those who wanted to register foals or export horses.

“Was it inconvenient?” Dr Fanning said “Yes, it was a little, but more importantly, was it effective? It absolutely was. So we learned we do need a carrot, but unfortunately we also do need a stick.”

The DAFM has made a point of collaborating with and consulting the industry, Dr Fanning said, and has learned the importance of “champions”, people within the industry who will lead by example and have been a major part of the progress made.

She said improved enforcement has been important, to demonstrate consequences of non-compliance and show fairness, and that a major key has been the central database. This shows all premises at which horses are kept, and ensures each horse is linked to the person responsible for its wellbeing.

Future plans for horse welfare in Ireland

Future plans include incorporating sale houses and training yards in traceability checkpoints and bringing transporters into the system, as well as moving towards mandatory DNA profiling.

“This is not just a story about horses, or about Ireland,” she said. “It’s about what happens when a trusted system is exposed under harsh light. We could have responded defensively, or you can respond constructively. Any crisis tests leadership and resilience but it also reveals an opportunity, and I’m very proud of my team and our industry for their leadership and collaboration and how they’ve improved the system. In 2024 our equine sector was under intense scrutiny. In 2026 we’re building the most integrated traceability system ever. That spotlight, which felt punitive, has been very productive.

“So the most important lesson of all is that progress rarely begins in comfort, but it’s important we take the discomfort to turn it into meaningful change.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

Changes after ‘Horses – Making a Killing’ documentary need cross-border support to protect equine welfare

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

New equine traceability system to launch in Ireland, as annual horse census takes place

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

Are horses any more traceable since the shocking ‘Horses – Making a Killing’ TV documentary… and what else needs to be done?

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

‘Horses let down in every way possible’: action taken after documentary exposes horrific scenes

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Agreement reached in Olympic rider’s human anti-doping case for prescribed medication

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:39:23 +0000

Irish Olympic showjumper Darragh Kenny can return to competition next month after serving a four-month provisional suspension.

On 13 October Darragh was provisionally suspended in a human anti-doping case relating to prescribed treatment for a medical condition.

Following the European Showjumping Championships in A Coruña, Spain, last summer (16-20 July) Darragh was notified of a positive result for a prohibited medication under anti-doping regulations. He confirmed that the medication was part of a prescribed treatment he was taking under medical supervision for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In an update, the FEI published that a “final agreement” was reached on 15 January and Darragh’s provisional suspension will end on 12 February.

At the time of his suspension, Darragh said he was cooperating fully with the FEI and the International Testing Agency, which handles human anti-doping cases. He emphasised that he “never intended to gain any competitive advantage”.

“My sole aim was to responsibly address a medical condition under professional guidance,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to my national federation, my sponsors, owners, clients and the broader equestrian community for their support throughout this process. Thank you for your understanding.”

A spokesperson for Darragh told H&H that he does not wish to comment further on the matter.

Darragh is one of Ireland’s leading riders; he and Eddy Blue were part of the team that finished fourth at the Europeans, and came seventh individually. Darragh was part of the team at the Tokyo Olympics with VDL Cartello and the 2019 Europeans in Rotterdam, riding Balou Du Reventon.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Farewell to prolific horsewoman who won gold at the first eventing World Championships

Becky Murray — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:03:17 +0000

Penelope McAuley (née Moreton), the prolific horsewoman, who completed Badminton five times and was part of Ireland’s gold medal-winning team at the first eventing World Championships in 1966, died peacefully on 13 December, aged 93.

Penny was born in Warwickshire in March 1932, the daughter of Rose Emmeline and Lieutenant Colonel John Patrick Moreton.

She grew up on the west coast of Scotland and aged 19 travelled to Ireland to undertake a riding course and exam under the supervision of the respected equestrian Lieutenant Colonel Joe Dudgeon. In the early 1950s she returned to Ireland to work for Lt Colonel Dudgeon and his wife Sybil, at their riding school Burton Hall, in Stillorgan.

During her time at Burton Hall, Penny taught, and rode good horses for the Dudgeons. She completed her first Badminton in 1952 with Vigilant and went on to complete on four more occasions; with Copper Coin in 1956, Red Sea in 1957, Just Maggie in 1958 and Lough Druid in 1964, earning her the coveted Armada Dish for five completions.

In 1965 Penny became an Irish citizen and was a major part of the country’s eventing history, with gelding Loughlin. They were part of the team that won silver at the 1965 European Championships in Moscow, alongside Virginia Freeman-Jackson (Sam Weller), Eddie Boylan (Durlas Eile) and Anthony Cameron (Lough Druid).

The following year Penny and Loughlin helped Ireland win gold at the first eventing World Championships, at Burghley, again with team-mates Eddie and Virginia, and Tommy Brennan with Kilkenny. Penny sadly lost Loughlin in a cross-country accident at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Penny met Frank McAuley through mutual friends and their shared love of horses. They married in London in 1969, then settled in Dublin. The couple were happily married for 43 years and had children Emma and Timothy. Penny’s interest in horses continued throughout her life; she and Frank bred racehorses and enjoyed following them in Ireland and the UK.

Penny was predeceased by Frank. She is survived by Emma and Timothy, her sister Sue and extended family.

‘This felt right’: five-star Irish showjumper switches to ride for Sweden

Becky Murray — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:03:49 +0000

Irish showjumper Thomas Ryan has switched nationality to represent Sweden, with hopes of championships in the future.

The 40-year-old has been based in Sweden since 2019 and runs his business Ascend Showjumping with his wife Erica Swartz-Ryan.

“This is the best thing I could do. It’s something I’ve had in mind for several years. Now I can become even more involved in Swedish showjumping,” said Thomas.

“When I got my Swedish passport, this felt right, even though it was a big decision. I live and work in Sweden and have not lived in Ireland for over 20 years. My horse owners and the collaboration with them is of course incredibly important and I am happy that I can make life a little easier for them now.”

Thomas competes at the top level with his string of horses, including Jezebeau BC, Million’s Grey and Connoisseur PWR, whom he rode at the Mechelen CSI5*-W in Belgium last month. He last represented Ireland at a Nations Cup in June 2024, and under FEI rules he can ride for Sweden in team competitions from June 2026.

“It will be very exciting to follow him and the horses. As a rider, he has all the qualities for championships,” said Sweden’s team captain Henrik Ankarcrona.

“Sweden needs more riders who can climb the rankings and everyone who performs is welcome in a Swedish team. We have had a dialogue about this for a long time and it feels really good that it is in place now.

“He is a rider that we know well and he has been well established in Sweden for quite some time. He is a strong rider who has shown for a long time that he can perform. I am also very happy that there are stable Swedish horse owners where the cooperation works very well.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Ireland appoints former Badminton winner as eventing team manager: ‘I want an Olympic medal’

Becky Murray — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:51:55 +0000

Australian Olympic rider and Badminton winner Sam Griffiths has been appointed high performance eventing manager of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Sam, who has 14 five-star starts and six championships under his belt, will lead the Irish team to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen and throughout the build-up to the LA Olympics in 2028.

“I’m really excited to be appointed,” said Sam. “Ireland is a very strong equestrian nation with exceptional horses and riders so I’m hoping I can get the best out of everyone.”

Among his many achievements, Sam won Badminton Horse Trials with Paulank Brockagh in 2014. Two years later they were part of the team that won bronze at the Rio Olympics, finishing fourth individually. Sam and Happy Times completed Burghley six times, finishing third twice, and competed at the 2012 London Games.

Sam takes over from Dag Albert, who led Ireland to silver at the European Championships at Blenheim in September, the country’s first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years.

“This is a strong period for Irish eventing with some young combinations as well as the more established ones, and the European Championships was obviously a great result,” said Sam.

“Ireland is a nation very much on the up. I learned a lot throughout my riding career and as head coach for New Zealand and I’m hoping to implement some of the philosophies I’ve honed along the way to this programme.

“I’m ambitious, we have the World Championships on the horizon and we want to go well there. That’s also a stepping stone to the Olympics, with qualification to Los Angeles on offer and from there we have European Championships, but what I want is an Olympic medal, so let’s all pull in the same direction to get there.”

Sam added that he has an “Irish connection” through his Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh, bred by his friends Paula and Frank Cullen.

“My cousin also lives in south Dublin who I see on a regular basis, so I definitely feel like there’s a bit of Ireland in me. It’s also been fantastic to be supported by TRM, who I know have been great supporters of the HSI youth programme for many years,” he said.

“It’s going to be an exciting time for Irish eventing, and I can’t wait to get started.”

An HSI spokesperson said Sam is “one of the most respected figures in international eventing”.

“His experience spans talent development, championship preparation and performance systems aligned with best international practice,” he said.

“He played an integral part in the redesign of New Zealand’s high performance eventing program along with the high performance director, while also serving as head coach for over three years, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He also acted as chef d’equipe at various international events and Nations Cups.”

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said the organisation is delighted to welcome Sam.

“Sam brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive experience and proven high-performance management expertise. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport, both as an athlete and as a leader, will be of enormous benefit to our eventing programme,” he said.

“This appointment follows a thorough and competitive process, and Sam stood out for his vision, technical knowledge and alignment with HSI’s high-performance strategy. His commitment to horse welfare and to transparency within the sport reflects the values at the heart of HSI’s high-performance system.”

Mr Duggan thanked Dag Albert for his “commitment, professionalism and contribution”.

“Dag has played an important role in supporting our athletes and in strengthening the foundations of the high performance eventing programme, and we wish him every success in the future,” he said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Former Olympic rider brings ‘unrivalled experience’ as she takes on new jumping manager role

Becky Murray — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:03:10 +0000

Two-time Olympic rider Jessica Kürten hopes to lead the Irish showjumping team to future championship victory, having been appointed high performance jumping manager.

Jessica succeeds Michael Blake, who has been in place since 2019 and has “concluded his tenure”.

Jessica is a much-respected figure in the showjumping world. She represented Ireland at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics, and helped the Irish team win gold at the 2001 European Championships. She formerly reached number two in the world rankings, and was a regular on the World Cup circuit.

Jessica retired from international competition in 2015. She is a coach and commentator, and chair of the FEI athletes committee.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new high performance jumping manager. Ireland has a strong track record and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with [Horse Sport Ireland] HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position,” said Jessica.

“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships and the 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.”

Jessica will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping programme, working 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”.

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said Jessica is “one of the most iconic figures in jumping and her record speaks for itself”.

“A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivalled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” he said.

“The request for tender and interview process was comprehensive and highly competitive, and Jessica presented the strongest vision for the future of the Irish programme. Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”

Mr Duggan thanked Michael for his “dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport” and wished him “every success in the next chapter”.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Heartbreak as horse who helped Ireland win historic medal last month dies: ‘I can’t put into words how much he meant’

Becky Murray — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:56:28 +0000

Chance Encounter, who helped Ireland secure its historic team silver medal at the Agria Blenheim European Eventing Championships last month, has died aged 16.

The Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Belline Estate Equestrian and his rider Robbie Kearns, was taken to an equine hospital and treated for colic and sepsis, but could not be saved.

Robbie and Chance Encounter, known at home as Harry, made their championship debut at the European Championships where they helped the team win silver, the country’s first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years. The pair finished 18th individually.

Richard Ames of Belline Estate told H&H the team is “absolutely distraught”.

“Harry was a member of the family and he was just coming to the top of his career. He had his loving groom Maxine Rae, who always looked after him, and Robbie, who got on exceptionally well with him,” said Richard.

“My wife Tanja and I, and the rest of the team at Belline, all loved him to bits.”

Richard bought Harry as a three-year-old and his career started with Caroline Powell, when she was based with Richard and Tanja in Suffolk. Caroline and Harry finished eighth in the six-year-old class at the young horse World Championships at Le Lion in 2015.

The Ames family moved to Ireland, where Harry was ridden by Belline’s former riders Daniel Alderson and Gillian King, then Robbie took over the reins in 2022. The pair made their five-star debut together at Luhmühlen in June 2023, jumping clear across country, and they completed their second five-star at Pau that autumn. This summer they finished 10th at Luhmühlen. They also had top-10 placings at four-star, including fourth in Ballindenisk CCI4*-S in April.

“Robbie and Harry absolutely gelled together, they just seemed to click,” said Richard.

“It was almost like a human relationship, where you just meet the right person. You wouldn’t have said it was love at first sight, but they got to know each other, which made it a very special relationship. They trusted each other implicitly and it enabled them to do what they did. It was wonderful to see.”

Chance Encounter leaves his connections with lots of happy memories.

“Finishing 10th at Luhmühlen, then helping the Irish team get their silver medal with a fabulous performance, those were the two big highlights of the year – but there’s lots of other highlights,” said Richard.

“At Pau last year when we all needed our wetsuits, Robbie and Harry just clicked. He was one of those horses that when he finished, whether it be a five-star or whatever he was in, within two or three minutes he’d say, ‘Come on, let me go and do it again’.

“It’s been a family affair; from Tanja and I, his groom Maxine, and Robbie, we couldn’t be a closer family. But the tribute is to Harry, he had an amazing character, was an amazing jumper and he was a lovely horse to have around. We’ve been very lucky to have lots of good horses and some good ones pensioned off here, but Harry was just that very special person and he’s been robbed of us too short.”

Robbie, who is in his first year at vet school in Surrey, told H&H that Harry was “my best mate for the last three years”.

“Even though I only met him a few years ago, it was like I knew him my whole life. I can’t quite put into words how much he meant to me,” he said.

“He was an incredible horse. There was no character like him, every time you saddled him up he gave you 100%. He almost tried too hard on the flat sometimes, which made him a bit excitable, but he became way better over our time together. He was a super cross-country and jumping horse, he hardly ever had a rail.”

Robbie said the European Championships was “an amazing experience”.

“It felt like a culmination of years of hard work that came to fruition and it was really nice because that doesn’t always happen. It was so special to do it with Harry, and to have his groom Max, who has looked after him his whole life, there helping me with him,” said Robbie.

“I had a fall at Blenheim the first year I rode Harry there in 2023, so I had a few little demons going out on the cross-country and the same fence was on the course this year, but he just soared through. He was amazing, and nothing ever felt like a challenge. I was hoping to line him up for Badminton next year, and I’m really sad that didn’t happen for him because he deserved to go.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘The best horse I’ve ever ridden’: showjumping star retires from sport aged 18

Becky Murray — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:40:56 +0000

Count Me In, the grand prix horse who Irish showjumper Conor Swail describes as “the best I’ve ever ridden”, has retired from sport aged 18.

The Hannoverian gelding, known at home as “Crosby”, retires from the top level with 14 five-star victories and countless placings under his belt, from major shows including Spruce Meadows, London International, Dublin Horse Show, and Aachen.

“Crosby – a horse I will always hold close to my heart. The best horse I’ve ever ridden,” said Conor.

“It has been such a privilege and an honour to have been your jockey these past three-and-a-half years.”

Crosby, who is by Count Grannus and out of a Sherlock Holmes mare, started his international career with Beth Underhill in 2015. They won their first CSI5* 1.60m grand prix in Illinois, USA, in 2018, and continued to enjoy a successful partnership, before Conor took over the reins in July 2021.

Conor and Crosby got off to a brilliant start, winning on their first outing together. They went on to record multiple grand prix wins and top placings at major shows and various World Cup legs. In 2022 they were part of the team that won the Aga Khan Cup at the Dublin Horse Show, where they also finished runners-up in the grand prix.

“We’ve accomplished an extraordinary amount of success together and I wish you the very best retirement,” said Conor, adding that Crosby brought him to “the biggest stages that showjumping has to offer”.

“He jumped triple clear to help team Ireland win the Aga Khan, something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid. We’ve had nine grand prix wins together and 56 podium finishes.”

Conor thanked everyone who has been involved in Crosby’s career, “keeping him in such good health, even at the age of 18”.

“I am very pleased to say that Crosby will be retiring in my home town of Darragh Cross at Mannon Farms,” he said.

“I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of a happy and healthy retirement. I will see you soon my friend.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Olympic rider provisionally suspended in case relating to prescribed medication

Becky Murray — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:36:41 +0000

Irish Olympic showjumper Darragh Kenny has been provisionally suspended in a human anti-doping case relating to prescribed treatment for a medical condition.

Darragh’s provisional FEI suspension started yesterday (13 October), and relates to testing at the European Showjumping Championships (16–20 July).

“The FEI has indicated that the provisional suspension relates to a human anti-doping matter involving a substance classified under class S6 (stimulants) on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list,” said Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) spokesperson in a statement.

“Substances in this category may be found in certain prescribed medications used in the treatment of medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], anaphylaxis and cold and flu symptoms.”

Darragh and Eddy Blue were part of the Irish team that finished fourth at the Europeans this summer, where they came seventh individually. Darragh is ranked 14th in the world and was part of the team at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I wish to address my current situation. After the European Championships earlier this year, I was notified by the FEI of a positive result for a medication prohibited under anti-doping regulations,” said Darragh in a statement published by HSI.

“The medication in question is part of a prescribed treatment I have been taking under medical supervision for ADHD. As a result, the FEI has imposed a provisional suspension while the matter is being reviewed. I am cooperating fully with the FEI and the International Testing Agency (ITA) to clarify the circumstances surrounding this case.”

Darragh said he wanted to “emphasise that I never intended to gain any competitive advantage”.

“My sole aim was to responsibly address a medical condition under professional guidance,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to my national federation, my sponsors, owners, clients and the broader equestrian community for their support throughout this process. Thank you for your understanding.”

The HSI statement added that the matter is being managed by the ITA on behalf of the FEI.

“As the case remains ongoing, HSI will not be making any further comment at this time.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Ireland eyes up Aachen worlds – and beyond – after celebrating first Euros eventing team medal in 30 years

Lucy Elder — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:21:55 +0000

The Irish squad’s success at the 2025 Agria Blenheim European Eventing Championships is cause for celebration and an exciting start to this Olympic cycle.

The Irish team secured its first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years at Blenheim last week (report, 25 September). It followed hot on the heels of Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue’s second place at Defender Burghley – Ireland’s best finish at the Lincolnshire CCI5* since 1963 – and weeks after Ireland won team silver at the young rider Europeans (20–24 August).

The 2025 senior European Championships are the first in the cycle building towards the 2026 World Championships in Aachen and the LA28 Olympics. And for Ireland to have won a medal when the majority of horses on the squad are only 10 or 11 years old is promising for the future.

“We’ll enjoy this result but I think it’s fair to say we are building an excellent eventing programme and obviously now Aachen will be the next major target,” said Dag Albert, Ireland’s high performance manager for young riders and seniors, who took on the role this spring.

“We have an incredible pool of riders and horses now, it was actually very tough to pick six to come here – so you would have to be very excited for next year.”

Ireland has not been far off the podium in recent years. The team finished fourth at the previous Europeans in Haras du Pin, and has had major success to celebrate elsewhere including at five-stars and on the Nations Cup circuit. Irish rider Cathal Daniels won individual bronze at the 2019 European Championships.

Although the horses were new faces at senior championships, with the exception of individual Susie Berry’s campaigner Clever Trick, this was a side that had a wealth of valuable experience coming into Blenheim.

Experienced championship rider Padraig McCarthy, part of the world silver medal-winning side at Tryon in 2018, was riding 11-year-old Pomp N Circumstance. He was joined on the team by senior championship debutant Robbie Kearns, 27, with seasoned campaigner Chance Encounter, and Ian Cassells, who was part of the squad as an individual in 2023 and on the team for the first time at Blenheim with 11-year-old Millridge Atlantis. Aoife Clark completed the quartet with 10-year-old Full Monty De Lacense, a new ride this year with whom she has built a super partnership and was unlucky to have a fall during an otherwise great round at Blenheim. Sarah Ennis joined Susie as the other individual on the squad, riding rising star 10-year-old Dourough Ferro Class Act to finish 15th.

Padraig told H&H the team silver medal was a “massively significant” moment for Irish eventing.

“We had the medal in Tryon, and again it was a coming together of a very good bunch of horses at the right time,” he said.

He added that the difference this time was “maybe we didn’t have horses that could challenge for an individual medal like we did in Tryon”, but rather the strength as a team.

“We spoke a lot with the chef about that, and how for instance, last year [at Blenheim], one horse made the time in the long format out of more than 100 starters, which was a nearly [full] thoroughbred horse I had,” he said.

“So Blenheim is very hard to get the time traditionally. Added to that was the fact that Mark Phillips was designing the course; we knew that it was going to be ratcheted up in terms of difficulty. So our big focus this year was getting fast, experienced horses there.”

He added: “We knew that good, quick cross-country horses would probably get us very close to the podium on Saturday night. We went in there thinking we could, if everything went like it can do for us, that we should be in the top three at that point.

“For us, this week was all about the team.”

Looking ahead, he added that this is an exciting time for Ireland, nodding to the fact these horses now have championship experience, to the wider pool of talent, and Austin’s result at Burghley.

“Were punching well above our weight in terms of funding and support that other teams have and that’s not insignificant,” he said, adding that the majority of the backing comes from their owners, for which they are hugely grateful, and riders themselves. “I think we’re in a good place.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

German eventers reign supreme to win team gold by incredible nine-fence margin at Blenheim Europeans as Ireland take silver

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘This tops everything’: glorious gold for Laura Collett and London 52 at Blenheim European Championships

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Former British medal-winning horse on Irish squad for European Para Dressage Championships

Becky Murray — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:32:01 +0000

New faces and a former British team horse are among those named on the Irish squad for the European Para Dressage Championships (3–7 September).

Horse Sport Ireland high performance para dressage manager Simone Hession has chosen “a blend of youth and experience” to travel to Ermelo, the Netherlands.

The team features the top two ranked riders in the under-18 world para dressage rankings; 17-year-old Katie Reilly who will bring forward Natasha Baker’s former top ride Keystone Dawn Chorus, and 16-year-old Clodagh Walsh, who rides her own Chantal.

Katie, Clodagh and Angela Lyons (Woodcroft Santa Cruz) are all making their championship debut. Jessica McKenna was on the Paris Paralympic team and rode at the 2023 Europeans, but will ride a new championships partner in D.C.I Cerruti.

Irish team for European Para Dressage Championships

The selected riders for the Irish team at the European Para Dressage Championships, in order of grades, is:

Grade I

Clodagh Walsh and 16-year-old mare Chantal

Owner: Alan Walsh

Breeder: Hans-Hermann Maack

Breeding: by Christ 3, out of a mare by Del Piero

Grade III

Jessica McKenna and 14-year-old gelding D.C.I Cerruti

Owners: Elder Klatzjo and Emma and Jessica McKenna

Breeder: Raimund Vorwerk

Breeding: by Christ 3, and out of Fariane

Katie Reilly and 14-year-old mare Keystone Dawn Chorus

Owners: Kathleen Heavey, John Norcross, and Brendan and Karen Reilly

Breeder: S Lavendera

Breeding: By Dimaggio, out of a mare by Escudo 19

Grade IV

Angela Lyons with 17-year-old gelding Woodcroft Santa Cruz

Owner: rider

Breeder: Karl-Heinz Flach

Breeding: By Sandro Hit, out of a mare by Airport

Non-travelling reserve:

Grade III

Kate Kerr-Horan with 10-year-old gelding Lykkebo’s Don Akino

Owner: Ted Horan, Pam and Kate Kerr-Horan, and Loui Porter

Breeder: Helle Muller

Breeding: By Blue Hors Don Olymbrio, out of a mare by Michellino

“With the athletes selected it gives us the opportunity to field a team of rising young talent, with Clodagh at her first major championships, Katie and Jessica both on new horses for the Europeans and Angela brings forward a depth of experience of being involved in the sport for so long,” said Simone Hession.

“I’d like to thank all the athletes’ teams, team vet Seamus Mc Sorley and Horse Sport Ireland for their continued support.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It was a risk to bring her’: mare turns form around to soar to the top on opening day of European Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:31:14 +0000

A risk paid off for Daniel Coyle as he sits in the top spot with Legacy at the end of the opening day of the Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships.

Daniel and the superstar mare, whom he owns with Ariel Grange, were the fourth Irish combination to jump and the pair soared into the lead.

Daniel and 15-year-old Legacy are competing for Ireland as individuals, but owing to recent form Daniel said it had been “a risk” to take the experienced mare to Spain.

“I said to Michael Blake I think she will be good here, but it was a risk to bring her, even as an individual because her form hasn’t been great. She’s had a fence down here or there,” said Daniel.

“After the Paris Olympics she did nothing, then she was double clear at Barcelona at the Nations Cup Final and was brilliant there. She had a huge break after that, which she deserved. We’re now trying to pick and choose what is the right thing to do with her.”

Daniel said with this in mind, he might not continue throughout the competition.

“Unless we’re in gold medal position all the way, she’s already done all these championships and I want to try and see whatever is still in there for the next thing. If it’s not possible for a medal we will drop out,” he said.

Daniel said jumping as an individual means that “you have to take risks”.

“When it’s for the team, yes, you go as quick as you can, but you’re a little more careful, because you don’t want to waste it for the team as well. So it’s a bit easier for me,” he said.

“It was a good course, it was not overly big and for the first day of the championships, I think it’s right on.”

Ireland’s team performance at the European Showjumping Championships

Denis Lynch got Ireland’s team hopes off to a good start with a clear aboard 12-year-old Vistogrand, whom he owns with Tipperary’s Finest Est. They sit 20th at the end of the opening day.

“The horse has always been a very, very good horse for us, since 2023 he’s been part of a winning team. He did exactly what we thought he was going to do and he was nice and relaxed,” he said.

“We didn’t want to do the inside turnback into the wall today, we just wanted to get a nice run under his belt and I think he came out of there feeling very good.”

Seamus Hughes Kennedy also posted a clear, with his family’s ESI Rocky, on the pair’s senior championship debut, to lie in 18th.

“It’s good to get the first day out of the way,” said Seamus.

“Rocky was very good, sometimes to go quick the first day is a bit different to what I’m used to with him, I’d usually try to keep him altogether but I thought I was able to move him up enough. I think Santiago did a fantastic job with the course and I think Rocky handled it all very well.”

Betram Allen was third to jump for the team with Qonquest de Rigo, and came home with four-faults having knocked the big orange upright at fence 10. They sit in 49th.

Bertram described it as “a bit of a ropey start”, putting the mistake down to Qonquest de Rigo’s inexperience in one-round speed classes.

“It didn’t go as smooth as I’d have liked. I knew I was going to struggle a bit today. But he’s jumping fantastic, and hopefully he can do a good job over the next two days,” said Bertram.

“He’s jumping great but just sometimes struggled a little bit of connection. He’s a green horse, and there’s no hiding place in there with 14 jumps and everything, so you need to be on it everywhere. We were just one tick away from it today.”

Qonquest de Rigo is still a relatively new horse for Bertram, he took on the ride from Tom Verduyn in October 2024.

“I saw him as an eight-year-old last year jumping a national class in Belgium and we bought him. We took our time and then he really stepped up in Florida this year and got a bit of experience jumping some grands prix,” he said.

“He’s been very good since Florida, this is obviously a whole different step again. But we have a great team feeling, everybody is pulling together. The two boys are great, and Daniel has gone into the lead so the vibe is good.”

Darragh Kennedy was last to go for Ireland with Carol Sollak’s 13-year-old gelding Eddy Blue. The pair knocked the same fence of Bertram and Qonquest de Rigo, when they appeared to have a miscommunication on take-off. They lie in 37th at the conclusion of the opening day of the European Showjumping Championships.

The scores will now be converted into penalties ahead of the first round of the team competition tomorrow. The top 10 teams and top 50 individuals will jump on Friday, when the team medals will be decided, and the top 25 will contest the individual final on Sunday.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

Calls for real-time tracking of horses’ locations to ensure Irish equine industry’s future

Lucy Elder — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:40:37 +0000

A “root and branch” review of equine traceability in Ireland, following shocking scenes and vulnerabilities unearthed in an RTÉ documentary last summer, has warned of further reputational damage and food safety risks unless action is taken.

Patrick Wall, a professor of public health, vet, medical doctor and food safety expert, was commissioned by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to review its equine traceability system. The programme, Horses – Making a Killing, showed the failures of fragmented traceability systems.

He highlighted issues connected to a “fundamentally weak” system of recording ownership changes, late reporting of horse deaths – amid other “weakness” in this area – imported horses at risk of being “invisible” to the system, contradictory guidance for owners and the free movement of horses between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Professor Wall warns that “comprehensive reforms are necessary” and that there “must be zero tolerance for substandard equine welfare at any stage of a horse’s life”.

He recommends mandatory, real-time updates on movements, ownership, imports/exports and deaths, enhanced enforcement and resources, plus increased collaboration with Northern Ireland for harmonised traceability measures. He also urges the implementation of “humane and practical end-of-life solutions for horses, including the establishment of a properly regulated equine slaughter facility”.

“If existing loopholes are not addressed, the issues exposed [by RTÉ] could easily recur, risking further reputational damage to Ireland as the ‘land of the horse’,” states Professor Wall’s introduction.

“The equine industry relies on public trust and support to maintain its social licence to operate, and it must demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Food production is one of Ireland’s key indigenous industries, and our reputation as a global leader is founded on stringent food safety standards and robust animal welfare practices.

“Any incidents that call the effectiveness of our controls into question risk undermining trust in international markets. To safeguard this trust, consistency in compliance and control is essential across all sectors, including beef, dairy, lamb, pork, poultry and equine.

“If an operator is willing to falsify the identity of a live horse, it raises serious concerns that they might just as easily change the identity of a box of horse meat to pass it off as beef, a practice at the heart of the pan-European fraud uncovered in 2013.”

Professor Wall concluded that as a country renowned for both food production and the breeding and production of world-class horses, “Ireland has a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead by example” and that “swift action could be achieved in Ireland”.

He sets out how a user-friendly, integrated, digital system would improve traceability as part of 30 recommendations, from which the DAFM has produced an action plan with specific deadlines in 2025 and 2026.

The action plan centres on technology and also includes plans for better enforcement of laws. Its five overarching aims are: ensure owner accountability through better traceability, stricter enforcement of equine ID and registration legislation, highest level of protection for horses at end of life, maximising the benefits of scientific and technology innovation and strong communication and influence.

In his introduction to the action plan, DAFM minister Martin Heydon said he agrees with the findings of Professor Wall’s report and that the purpose of the action plan is to ensure Professor Wall’s “proposed reforms result in concrete action”.

“In assessing what action needed to be taken in response to the issues raised by the documentary, it was clear that poor standards of equine welfare are symptoms that have emerged through gaps in equine traceability,” he said.

“I am serious about bringing accountability to the sector through better traceability so that all horses can be protected from suffering, particularly at the end of life.”

H&H contacted the DAFM to ask how much it would cost to execute the action plan and if funding will be made available. A DAFM spokesperson told H&H that “sufficient resources will be made available” but that it isn’t currently possible to say “what this will entail in financial terms”.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) said it “welcomes the publication” of the report and “supports its recommendations aimed at strengthening equine traceability, transparency and welfare protections across Ireland and beyond”.

Read Professor Patrick Wall’s full report and the related action plan

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘He will be deeply missed’: exceptionally talented 24-year-old rider dies after fall

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:20:18 +0000

Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary on 6 February.

The 24-year-old had been in an induced coma in intensive care at Cork University Hospital since the fall at the final fence with Wee Charlie in a 2m handicap chase, after which the remainder of the card was abandoned. Michael was treated on the track at Thurles, then transferred by air ambulance to hospital, but he never regained consciousness and died surrounded by his family.

Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) chief medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh said: “Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning (16 February) surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital. We extend our appreciation to the multidisciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital. Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Michael through his amateur and professional career and his dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around. Michael’s success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him.

“Michael’s family would like to reiterate their gratefulness for all the support they have received in the last couple of days and express their appreciation to the local community and racing family. The O’Sullivan family have asked for privacy at this time.”

Michael began his riding career on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion under-21 rider in 2019. He rode 95 winners in Britain and Ireland under Rules, plus a handful in France, since his first racecourse win on Wilcosdiana at Cork in April 2018 in a hunter chase with a horse trained by his uncle, Eugene.

Michael turned professional in September 2022. He won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival in March 2023 aboard Marine Nationale, who was trained by long-term supporter Barry Connell, and the Fred Winter with Jazzy Matty, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the same meeting. He also became champion conditional in Ireland that season.

IHRB CEO Darragh O’Loughlin said: “Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighing room. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our hearts go out to Michael’s family, especially his parents Bernadette and William and his brother Alan, who will feel his loss most keenly.”

British Horseracing Authority acting chief executive Brant Dunshea also paid tribute to the jockey. He said: “I was devastated to learn of the death of Michael O’Sullivan and speak for all involved in British racing when I say that our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this awful time.

“The bonds between the British and Irish racing communities are deep and this unspeakable tragedy will doubtless have a profound impact on many people on both sides of the Irish Sea.”

As a mark of respect to Michael, the fixture at Punchestown today and the point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely have all been cancelled.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

New equine traceability system to launch in Ireland, as annual horse census takes place

Becky Murray — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:33:34 +0000

A new equine traceability system is to be introduced in Ireland, as the country’s equine census takes place.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced that the 2024 census is the “first step” towards the introduction of a new traceability system, so it was “vitally important” keepers complete the return.

The mandatory census takes place annually – those who do not return it are “committing an offence and may not be eligible for payments under DAFM equine-related schemes”. In addition for 2024, the DAFM states that failure to return the census may, in future, prevent keepers from being able to register foals and export and sell horses.

The DAFM said the census was to be completed on 30 November and submitted by 20 December.

A DAFM spokesperson told H&H that former Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chairman Paddy Wall, a professor of public health in University College Dublin (UCD) and a member of the UCD Institute for Food and Health, has been tasked with carrying out a review of the equine traceability system in Ireland and his recommendations are expected shortly. Following this, further details of the new system will be announced.

The keeper of every premises, where any equines are kept as at 30 November, should complete the census, including livery yard owners on behalf of the horses kept there.

Information recorded includes how many equines permanently live at the holding, the number of those who have passports and the number yet to be issued passports (typically foals). Universal equine life numbers and microchip numbers should also be included.

H&H reported on breeders’ concerns about delays in receiving new HSI foal passports, with backlogs reported following the launch of a new online passport system “designed to simplify and enhance the process” (news, 21 November).

At the time, HSI acknowledged the concerns and said it was “working tirelessly” clearing the backlog, which had been caused by the volume of applications received in the few weeks of the new system. As at 29 November, of 6,101 applications received, 2,057 passports had been issued.

Breeder Emily Cooper, who has now received the two foal passports she applied for at the end of July, told H&H the census and new traceability system are “incredibly important” – but said there has been a lack of communication overall.

“I was lucky to receive my passports in time, but there has been poor communication from HSI on how to complete the census if you don’t have your passport,” she said.

“I appreciate there is more information coming from the DAFM about the new traceability system, but I hope there will be meetings so there can be discussions on how it’s managed. My fear is that we’ll run into another car crash.”

HSI told H&H the census is a DAFM initiative and all queries should be directed to DAFM. A DAFM spokesperson added that the census recognises that horses might be awaiting a passport and this should be indicated on the form.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Irish breeders fear for their reputations over foal passport delays

Becky Murray — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:56:06 +0000

Concerns have been raised that Irish breeders’ reputations are being “destroyed” over foal passport delays.

This summer Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) launched its new online passport system, HorseSource, to replace paper registration. HSI said the system, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM), was “designed to simplify and enhance the process” and would be “a significant leap forward”.

But months on, breeders have told H&H the system is not working – and they are unable to proceed with sales as they are waiting for passports.

On 15 November HSI confirmed 5,765 foal passport applications had been received through HorseSource including full pedigree (which require DNA samples) and non-pedigree. Of those, 1,268 passports have been issued.

Breeder Emily Cooper submitted two applications at the end of July but the passports had not arrived by 15 November. She told H&H that for one foal, she was asked to submit DNA three times.

“Both my foals are sold, but they have to stay with me because I can’t legally send them anywhere,” she said.

“I’ve called HSI every week and had no real explanation of when I might expect my passports. I can’t book transport, I can’t do anything – it’s unfair on the purchaser. If you were an international buyer, wouldn’t you start hesitating to buy here? There’s a global market, they don’t have to rely on Ireland – and this is destroying our reputation.

“A clear plan is urgently needed with ongoing communication, specific timelines and regular updates to regain trust.”

Breeder Ronan Rothwell told H&H he is waiting for more than 20 passports for 2024 foals. He said problems existed before the new system, and he is still waiting for one passport from 2023.

“Last September I ran an online auction and foals sold abroad couldn’t travel until I received the passports, and I still had foals here waiting in April,” he said.

“All I could say was ‘I don’t have the passports’ – but I couldn’t say when I would have them. The same clients bought at the auction again this year, and I explained there was a new online system and things would be different – now they have two foals ready to go and I’m waiting on the passports.”

Walter Kent, chairman of the Stallion Owners Society, has called on DAFM to look into the situation.

“We were assured by HSI the new system would work, but now breeders are being blamed for sending their applications and DNA too quickly. Why start this system at the start of the breeding season – the backlog was always going to be there, HSI should have known.”

An HSI spokesperson told H&H the organisation “understands the concerns” and staff are “working tirelessly” clearing the backlog. He said it was necessary to pause applications under the old system while 500,000 records migrated to HorseSource – and this exacerbated the volume of applications received in the first few weeks of the new system, which has taken “longer to work through than anticipated”.

“There was an underestimation on the part of HSI as to the number of breeders instantly migrating to the new system. We apologise to breeders and want to assure them that we are working hard on completing these applications as quickly as possible,” he said.

The spokesperson said it was not possible to comment on individual cases without knowing specific application details, but “in keeping with usual processing”, a small number of applications have been asked to resubmit DNA samples as the laboratory could not verify parentage from the sample.

He added that there are a “very small number” of 2023 applications being processed – and HSI is working with the breeders to resolve these.

The spokesperson said HSI provided an update on timelines on 6 November through HorseSource – and will be providing updated application figures fortnightly.

H&H has contacted DAFM for comment.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Something I’ll remember for ever’: happy memories for Irish riders despite tough rounds in Olympic showjumping final

Becky Murray — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:56:07 +0000

It wasn’t meant to be for Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Daniel Coyle in the individual Olympic showjumping final today (5 August).

The pair performed brilliantly in the individual qualifier yesterday, with Shane and 11-year-old gelding James Kann Cruz posting the second fastest clear round, and Daniel and 14-year-old Legacy having the third quickest clear.

The 30 combinations jumped in reverse order today, around Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo’s technical track. Problems came thick and fast with only two clears, from Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 and Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z, by the halfway stage. Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme then made it a third.

Daniel and Legacy were third last to go in the Olympic showjumping final. The pair started off promisingly, negotiating the first two thirds of the track with ease. But as they turned back for the double combination at fence 12, Legacy appeared to get a little strong and knocked the back bar of the triple bar at 12a, and then the vertical at 12b. They went on to clip the next two fences as well before Daniel called it a day before the last jump.

Daniel explained that Legacy lost a shoe and he lost a stirrup when jumping through the treble fence 10abc.

“It took a bit of my concentration away a little bit. Usually at that point you put the horse back together and take a moment, but without the shoe and stirrup, I thought ‘I better keep going here’,” he said.

“I took the first distance [I saw at fence 12ab], which was the wrong thing to do, and when she had the triple bar down, she knocked the one after. I just thought she’s given a lot this week and [I] gave up a little bit I guess, but I don’t need any more from her.”

Daniel said losing a shoe is “a part of showjumping”.

“We have to be ready to deal with everything. I just needed to compose myself and tell her at that moment that everything was going to be all-right, but I didn’t,” he said.

“I’m very proud of the way she’s gone this week, for her and for her owner Ariel Grange, I’m delighted. I’ll go away with a bit of experience and look towards the next one.”

Three down in Olympic showjumping final

Shane and James Kann Cruz were second last to jump. They joined the many combinations to knock the oxer at fence 5b, then tapped the back bar of the oxer at 10a, followed by the front rail of part b. This meant meant Shane and James Cruz finished their round with 12 faults.

“I think today he tried his best, and he’s obviously a brilliant horse,” said Shane. “Would I say the tank was a little bit empty? Yes. Obviously he’s done four big rounds in six days, so we’re probably in unknown territory, and you learn from that. I think he got a second wind coming home and he finished the course brilliant which was great to see, so I’m very proud of him.

“Our team in general have put a lot into being here, and he’s done us proud and hopefully we’ll be back again at Los Angeles 2028.”

Shane said the Olympic showjumping individual final track was “the biggest I’ve seen”.

“And then 15 jumps I’ve never seen before. The course designers did a great job; three people jumping for the medals, which is great sport. It was definitely a brilliant track, brilliant course building and it’s what you’d expect.

“They’ve done a great job with the Games in general. Here the facilities have been fantastic; the stabling, the ring, the footing, everything’s been brilliant and the jumps have been beautiful. The whole experience has been very positive, and really something I’ll remember for ever.”

Germany’s Christian, the Netherlands’ Maikel and and Switzerland’s Steve went on to battle it out in the jump-off, with Christian taking home the gold. Steve won silver, and Maikel took the bronze.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘They weren’t so bad!’ Ireland takes Aachen Nations Cup – with Britain on the podium

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:48:18 +0000

Ireland threw down the gauntlet in the Mercedes-Benz Aachen Nations Cup, securing the win with three riders gone – and two combinations who will be travelling to Paris for the Olympics jumping double clear – with Mexico and Britain finishing a fence behind in second and third place respectively.

Denis Lynch (Vistogrand), Bertram Allen (Pacino Amiro), Shane Sweetnam (James Kann Cruz, pictured) and Cian O’Connor (Fancy De Kergane) were one of five teams who took a clean sheet to the second round, with just the first fence down from Denis and his European silver medal-winning ride as the discard score. Shane and James Kann Cruz are on the Irish Olympic team and Bertram and Pacino Amiro are the alternate combination.

They were level-pegging with Sweden, Mexico, Britain and the Netherlands, but then jumped three clears in succession in round two, so Cian and the nine-year-old stallion did not have to jump.

“I thought they weren’t so bad!” said Irish chef d’equipe Michael Blake of his team. “When Denis had that first fence that he didn’t want, it looked like a long way home, but that was the first and last fence we had all night.

“We’re so delighted to be here; it’s been a long time since we won here but it was the plan all year to bring the best team here, and thankfully things went our way tonight. Thank you to Mexico and Great Britain for pushing us all the way to the line, and the crowd was unbelievable. This show is phenomenal.”

Britain were in fine form, with only one unlucky rail for Harry Charles and Casquo Blue as the discard score in round one and Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly), Scott Brash and his Paris Olympics ride Hello Jefferson and Robert Whitaker and Vermento jumping clear.

Ben and Scott repeated their foot-perfect performances in the second round but the luck was not with Harry, who hit the first part of the double, the US planks and the German oxer for 12 faults. Robert and the Blatchfords’ 11-year-old stallion jumped a super round just clipping the same fence in the double, putting Britain on a total of four.

This was the same finishing score as Mexico: Nicolas Pizzaro (Pia Contra), Andres Azcarraga (Contendros 2), Federico Fernandez (Romeo) and Eugenio Garza Perez (Contago), who edged ahead thanks to a two-second time advantage.

British showjumping performance manager Di Lampard said she was delighted with the result, and the way the partnerships performed.

“They’re really coming into form at the right time,” she said. “The team as a whole are really coming together; third place in Rotterdam last week was exciting, then in top competition here. The last three years we’ve been on the podium here.”

Di cited the quality of the field, as shown by the number of clear rounds, and the fact the British team was more than up for the challenge.

“We’ve had a steady start to the year, but every four years, our goal is the Olympic Games and I feel the riders and horses – each partnership has had its individual plan – are going towards the Games, and hopefully we’re going to peak in August.”

The last team outing before Paris will be the British Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.

“We’ll be there; and we want to retain our trophy.’ Di said.

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘We’ll give it everything’: Ireland names Olympic showjumping team for Paris 2024

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British Olympic showjumping team is revealed: who has been selected for Paris 2024?

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

‘An honour and privilege’: Irish Olympic eventing team confirmed

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:21:55 +0000

Irish eventing high performance director Dag Albert said it is “an honour and a privilege” to lead his team to Paris, as the Irish Olympic eventing entries are confirmed.

Horse Sport Ireland was “delighted” to confirm the team of three and alternate who will travel to the Paris Olympics next month.

The horses and riders, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Irish Olympic eventing entries

Susie Berry with 11-year-old Wellfields Lincoln

Owners: Sue Wilkinson and Anne Marling

Breeder: Emma Humphreys

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Priolo

Sarah Ennis with 10-year-old Action Lady M

Owners: Andrew Cox and Susanne Macken

Breeder: Susanne Macken

Breeding: by Plot Blue, out of a mare by Acorado

Austin O’Connor with 15-year-old Colorado Blue

Owners: the Salty Syndicate and rider

Breeder: Mellon Stud

Breeding: by Jaguar Mail, out of a mare by Rock Kind

The alternate is Aoife Clark with 11-year-old Sportsfield Freelance

Owners: the Freelance Syndicate

Breeder: Sharon Hallahan

Breeding: by Da Vinci, out of a mare by Fresh Breeze XX

Dag Albert said: “It is an honour and privilege to be leading the Irish team into the Paris Olympic Games this summer and I’m absolutely delighted with the athletes and their horses, who have been raising their performances week-on-week as we have gotten to this point in the selection process.

“The strength and depth we have in Irish eventing currently is probably at its highest ever and it made the decision difficult, as the athletes and their horses really pushed each other to make it to Paris.

“It is a huge undertaking for themselves to reach this level and also their teams at home to have the horses performing at the levels required to reach an Olympic Games – I’m extremely proud of them all.

“I must thank Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland and the Olympic Federation of Ireland for all their support of the team and riders, and of course the eventing community in Ireland for always backing us.”

The following combinations have been selected as team alternates and are listed in alphabetical order:

Ian Cassells with Millridge Atlantis, owned by Fiona and Gerry Leahy
Robbie Kearns with Ballyvillane OBOS, owned by Richard Ames
Jennifer Kuehnle with Polly Blue Eyes, owned by Hans Kuehnle
Lucy Latta with RCA Patron Saint, owned by Lesley, David and Alison Crampton
Padraig McCarthy with Pomp N Circumstance, owned by Rachel and Sarah Gough
Joseph Murphy with Calmaro, owned by Richard and Tanya Ames, Claire and Charlie Mayne and Annette O’Callaghan
Austin O’Connor with Isazsa, owned by Lesley Rose
Sam Watson with Ballyneety Rocketman (ISH), owned by Sam and his wife Hannah

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How to watch all the equestrian sports at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Beyond my wildest dreams’: Ireland reveals its one Olympic dressage rider for Paris 2024

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘A long and wonderful life’: final farewell to prolific stallion, aged 31

Becky Murray — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:33:05 +0000

Tributes have been paid to the prolific Irish sports horse stallion Carrick Diamond Lad, who has died aged 31.

Carrick was “part of the family” at Greaghwillan Stud, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, where he was born in 1993. He was by Flagmount Diamond, out of Sky Box XX mare Greaghwillan Pearl.

Although Carrick never had a competition career owing to a near-fatal fetlock injury he sustained as a foal, he quickly became in demand, and an “exceptional sire in every way”.

“We had serious belief in him from day one,” Greaghwillan Stud’s Tom Jones told H&H.

“He was a lamb. You would never think he was a stallion, he would come running up to you in the field and was just so delicate and a loving individual.”

Many of Carrick Diamond Lad’s progeny have gone on to international competition success. These include Private Heart, who was shortlisted for the Athens Olympics in with eventer Leslie Law, Southway, who competed to CCI4* with Sweden’s Ellen Svennerstal, and showjumper Finest Diamond Clover, who competed to grand prix level with Portugal’s Rui Goncalo.

More recently, horses such as Carrick Diamond Bard, Carrick Finest Lad, Diamond Duette, and Kiltown Watson have gone on to succeed in eventing. Greaghwillan Stud also has two young Carrick Diamond Lad sons, Carrick Diamond Royale and Carrick Diamonds Diamond, standing at stud.

“We have been very fortunate with Carrick Diamond Lad,” said Tom. “We’ve sold horses all over the world; America, Kenya, UK, France, Germany, you name it.

“He is known for producing eventers and showjumpers, but he also produces great leisure horses. That was the beauty of him, he produces horses who are trainable and have his temperament, whether it’s for a professional rider or an amateur – I think that’s a tremendous asset in a stallion. He really stamped his stock, you could pick them out like peas in a pod.”

Carrick remained “fit and well right up to his passing peacefully in his stable”, and Tom said he will be greatly missed.

“When he died we received messages, emails and telephone calls from breeders worldwide. He is a sire that will live on through his many offspring,” said Tom.

“Myself and my family were very, very upset by his loss. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of Carrick’s journey, in particular the staff who lovingly cared for him, ensuring he had the long and wonderful life he deserved.”

‘A shared vision’: British owner secures potential Olympic horses for top Irish rider

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:27:44 +0000

Two top horses have been secured for Irish international showjumper Cian O’Connor as the Paris Olympics approach, thanks to investment by a British buyer.

Sarah Stoute of Keysoe International has bought into Maurice and Fermoy, for Cian to campaign for Olympic selection and ultimately for Sarah’s daughter Keira to ride in future.

A spokesman for Cian said 12-year-old Maurice and 10-year-old Fermoy have both been in good form, and that Cian had “come under pressure” recently, with people interested in both horses.

“It’s very difficult to turn down such offers,” Cian said. “The Irish team is very strong and so to make Olympic selection having enough horsepower and being match-fit is so important.

“I’ve reached out to friend and client Sarah Stoute of Keysoe International who has decided to invest into the horses with me for the Olympic Games, and ultimately secure them in the future for her daughter Keira.”

Cian has contested three Olympics, winning individual bronze in 2012 with Blue Loyd.

“Together with the Magnier family, Pat Crean and Nikki Walker, I am very fortunate to already have such support and an incredible team of horses currently to ride. Wellington in Florida has gone very well so far with all the horses achieving great results. Now Keysoe International coming on board means I can keep my team of horses together, which hopefully puts me in a stronger position to ultimately support and deliver for Team Ireland.”

Cian paid tribute to the team at his base Karlswood, in Co Meath, Ireland, adding: “One cannot live from past glories and so over the last year I’ve made a serious effort to build a strong team of people and horses around me in order to have myself well mounted and in the best shape possible to achieve success. The Olympics is never a given, it’s a dream and I’m hoping if I have the form that I can be a part of Team Ireland in Paris.”

Ms Stoute’s Keysoe International recently revealed its plans for the future, which include top-class training facilities for riders at all levels, and projects that support the local community.

She said: “We are proud to support Cian by helping him keep Maurice and Fermoy for his Olympic quest and delighted to secure the future rides for Keira. These two great horses will be joining her strong string of horses, particularly our stallions; KI Taj Mahal, KI Checkter and KI Festival Du Banney.

“Myself and my family have been working with Cian and his Karlswood team now for over a year and we are thrilled to be in a position to assist him and he has our full support and backing.

“Working with Cian and the Karlswood team is a real pleasure. We have a shared vision of a strong work ethic, attention to detail and an emphasis on forward planning and aiming high. We hope the new development at the Keysoe Athlete Development Academy is something that everyone can enjoy from all across the world.”

Cian added that Keysoe’s goal is to help Keira develop into a professional showjumper, in which he and his team will support her.

“We have worked with Keira over the past year and she is a very dedicated and talented athlete and we will continue to coach and assist her in achieving her own goals and targets in the sport with the ultimate aim of representing Team GB in the future,” he said.

‘If not now, then when?’: dreams are made as five-star first-timers step up at Pau

Becky Murray — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:45:39 +0000

Five-star first-timers flourished on the opening day of the Pau Horse Trials dressage – despite the continuous downpours.

The Pau entries list is abundant with combinations – and horses – stepping up to the top level, and among them is Irishman Daragh Byrne, 27, and his father James Byrne’s 11-year-old Kilcannon Ramiro. The pair won the Ballindenisk CCI4*-L in 2022, and were fourth there this year.

Daragh could not hide his smile following their test on the first day in tricky weather conditions.

“This is our first five-star so it’s a whole new level, and tougher competition, but he coped really well with the atmosphere and it felt like he presented a good test,” said Daragh.

“There are plenty of places to improve on but overall for his first time at this level, and mine, I’m very happy with how he went. His trot work was very relaxed and his lateral work felt good. He was listening to me in there, which is always helpful.

“We fluffed one of the changes, which was a little disappointing but the other three felt good. I’ve put a lot of time and work into his changes as he struggled with them. We got three out of four today, so hopefully next time we can get four out of four!”

Daragh said it is a “dream come true” to be making his five-star debut.

“I’ve had him since he was a three-year-old and level by level he’s just kept stepping up bit by bit. Every hurdle we’ve thrown at him so far he’s answered, so fingers crossed he can get another hurdle out of the way on Saturday and prove he is a five-star horse.”

“If not now, then when?”

Swiss rider Nadja Minder, 23, made her five-star debut with Toblerone, whom she was 23rd with at the Europeans at Haras du Pin in August. The pair are in fifth on 30.5 following the opening day of proceedings.

“This horse keeps impressing me; he keeps making my dreams come true still. The dressage was never the easiest place for him and we had to work a lot, we really had to make him believe he can do it. Now it’s so cool that he believes in himself in there,” said Nadja following her test.

“It took me some time to really figure out how he ticks. It’s the same in the showjumping, he wants to be careful but didn’t really have the technique to do it, and it’s been a little bit the same in the dressage. As I got to know him better we figured the training out and don’t push him too hard.”

Nadja said entering Pau Horse Trials had been lingering on her mind for some time.

“I had been thinking about Pau since last December, but it takes a lot of good circumstances to get your horse to five-star,” she said.

“The thought process behind the decision was after the Europeans went well, and I always wanted to ride a five-star. I’m lucky to have other horses in my stable which I can think about for Paris 2024, maybe if there was only Toblerone I wouldn’t have had the courage to come here. But I thought it was the time to do it, and if not now, then when?”.

Nadja said she was “so proud” of Toblerone.

“I have to be careful that I don’t start to cry,” she said. “He’s so special. He came to me and we didn’t know he was ‘this’ good.”

Top Irish coach ‘relieved’ to be cleared in rapping investigation: ‘I abhor the practice’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:14:51 +0000

Top coach Sally Corscadden has spoken of her “relief” to have been cleared of rapping following drawn-out proceedings lasting 21 months.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) released a summary of the findings of Justice Frank Clarke’s investigation involving Ms Corscadden, in her capacity as Irish eventing high performance director, on 20 September.

Justice Clarke found that “it could not be said that Ms Corscadden sanctioned a breach of the rapping rule in the course of training taking place under her control”.

Ms Corscadden told H&H she welcomes “the eventual publication” of the findings.

“I abhor the practice of rapping and condemn it outright, so, imagine my shock and hurt, when it was alleged that I had overseen coaching sessions that could even [have] been construed as rapping.”

Justice Clarke was engaged by HSI to investigate whether or not a metal bar training practice “adopted by, or at least under the control of” Ms Corscadden amounted to a breach of FEI rules and as such a breach of her employment contract with HSI. This practice involves placing a metal bar on top of a showjump.

“The sessions delivered by an internationally recognised coach were designed to increase the focus and concentration of the horse jumping the fence by aural means with zero consequence of anything injurious occurring for a horse,” said Ms Corscadden.

“Of course, I appreciate that an imperative for Horse Sport Ireland is to ensure any allegations regarding horse welfare must be investigated, but how it took 21 months to complete the investigations is difficult to fathom, but I am relieved the matter is now closed and I have been cleared.

“I fully and unreservedly accept all the findings of Justice Clarke including his finding that I should have advised HSI about the format of these sessions. I would never, ever engage in anything that would bring the sport I love, eventing, into disrepute.”

She added: “As this matter is now officially closed, and the FEI has stated I should face no further investigation on this matter, I look forward to Horse Sport Ireland advising all of us in the sport of eventing how we now move forward.

“Though I am officially reinstated as the high-performance director, eventing; Horse Sport Ireland has yet to officially inform me that the restrictions it imposed on me are lifted and I expect that will now be an urgent matter for HSI.”

This investigation followed a previous one by Susan Ahern, a barrister who specialises in sports law, which concluded last summer and in which Ms Corscadden was also cleared of rapping.

Justice Clarke’s report focused on two main points. The first was the “central allegation of rapping”, where Justice Clarke found that “it could not be said that Ms Corscadden sanctioned a breach of the rapping rule in the course of training taking place under her control”.

“It was not sufficiently clear that the practice was rapping to justify a finding of breach of contract,” added Justice Clarke. “It is important to emphasise that the substantive report concluded that the evidence that the practice would cause unnecessary pain or discomfort to a horse was inconclusive.”

The second picked up on the Ahern report, and looked into whether or not Ms Corscadden was “in breach of her contract of employment by not drawing the attention of HSI to the fact that the metal bar training practice was also in use, when an investigation into not entirely dissimilar training methods was in train”.

Justice Clarke considered “that to have been a breach of her obligation of trust and confidence,” but added that “the breach concerned was not at the most serious end”.

In a letter H&H has had sight of, Ms Corscadden’s legal team notes that this was not an intentional decision, rather that she did not appreciate its relevance in the context of an inquiry into a specific allegation of rapping.

Justice Clarke concluded: “I am not of the view that Ms Corscadden can be held to have been in breach of her contract of employment with HSI by reason of permitting breaches of FEI rules to take place during training over which she had general control.

“I am, however, of the view that Ms Corscadden was in breach of her contract of employment by not drawing the attention of HSI to the fact that the metal bar training practice was also in use, when an investigation into not entirely dissimilar training methods was in train. I consider that to have been a breach of her obligation of trust and confidence.”

He recommended a written final warning as an appropriate sanction.

H&H has approached HSI for comment.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

‘It’s the drug I get out of this job’: falls and drama as Ireland secure historic win

Becky Murray — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:18:49 +0000

Team Ireland’s sensational season has continued as they became winners of the Spruce Meadows’ BMO Nations Cup for the first time since 2001.

“The pride to win a Nations Cup is insurmountable to me. It’s the drug that I get out of doing this job,” said Irish chef d’equipe Michael Blake.

It was a turbulent opening for many of the seven teams in the Spruce Meadows’ international arena on Saturday afternoon (9 September), with falls from three different nations – and the surprise loss of defending champions Sweden, who produced the lowest score and failed to make it to the second round.

Ireland came into round two on just one time-penalty, but a man down, after Conor Swail and Calciet EB Z fell at the water. Behind them was Canada on four-faults, with Mario Deslauriers and Emerson having a fence, and Erynn Ballard and Gakhir, Amy Millar and Truman, and Tiffany Foster and Figor, posting superb clear rounds, to the delight of the jubilant home crowd.

In the second round Daniel Coyle produced a convincing clear with the reliable 13-year-old mare Legacy to keep Irish hopes firmly alive, while Denis Lynch added four-faults to the tally when 14-year-old gelding Brooklyn Heights knocked the front bar of the square Rolex oxer three from home. However, Germany was soon knocking at the door with solid fault-free rounds from Richard Vogel and Cepano Baloubet, Kendra Claricia Brinop and In Time, and Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium. It was down to Ireland’s anchorman Bertram Allen and the experienced 11-year-old gelding Pacino Amiro to bring home the goods as silence fell across the arena, and the pair kept the pace up and delivered under pressure to seal the deal.

“I felt the pressure, but I had great confidence in my horse. He was jumping very good in the first round, and then even better in the warm-up for the second round, so it was a good feeling and I trusted that I could do it,” said Bertram.

Denis said confidence was high from the off, with plenty of experience behind them. All the Irish combinations bar Conor and Calciet EB Z were part of the team at the World Championships in Herning last year.

“We all had a really good feeling from the beginning of the week. We came with a plan, and without brilliant teammates this doesn’t happen. I remember on Thursday morning before breakfast Bertram said to me, ‘I have a really good feeling, I think we can win this’,” said Denis.

“Michael changed the team somewhat around, which isn’t the easiest thing to do when there’s five or six riders here. He had to make some big calls, and he made them, and they were the right decision. When it comes off, it’s even sweeter. A lot of the times you can do everything right, everything’s great and going perfect but then you touch a pole, and you don’t win. And when you do win, as a team it’s a pretty incredible thing to do for your country – that’s what it’s all about.”

Britain fourth on return to Spruce Meadows

Although Ben Maher and Exit Remo produced a super second-round clear, it wasn’t to be for the Brits with the team of Ben, Matt Sampson and Equine America Ivanhoe GPH, Sameh El Dahan and WKD Toronto, and John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport, collecting faults across the board to settle for fourth in Britain’s first Spruce Meadows’ Nations Cup appearance in recent years.

‘We live and we learn’: frustration as Ireland fails to qualify for Paris 2024 at Europeans

Polly Bryan — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:44:25 +0000

There was disappointment for Ireland at the European Dressage Championships, after several unfortunate incidents collided to leave them languishing in 16th place in the final team rankings.

Ireland headed out to Riesenbeck, Germany, with hopes of a strong team performance, and perhaps even bagging an elusive qualification slot for the Paris Olympics. Sadly it was not to be, with no Irish riders through to today’s grand prix special either. Nonetheless, Ireland have shown that there is plenty of talent within their ranks, and much to be excited about.

The Ireland team’s European Dressage Championships fortunes took their first blow with the withdrawal of Sorrell Klatzko and the 10-year-old Totilas son Turbo before the start of the grand prix.

With the team down to three, Abi Lyle got their campaign underway with a gutsy test on the 12-year-old Fabregas son Farrell. Unfortunately, three big errors dragged their marks down, and despite numerous highlights and lots of potential shown, they finished on an uncharacteristic 64.07%.

The experienced combination of Judy Reynolds and Anna Merveldt held Irish hopes in their hands on day two of the European Dressage Championships grand prix.

Judy was here with a new ride, the 13-year-old Rock Forever gelding Rockman Royal NG, who was making his championship debut. Sadly, their test was slightly compromised by the fact that Rockman had suffered a reaction to an insect bite the evening before, and Judy reported that it “left him feeling a little flat” in the ring.

“I just didn’t feel like I had all the energy I would normally have in the ring, and that was the reason for the two big canter mistakes I had,” she explained, after finishing on a lower-than-expected 63.4%.

“Yesterday evening he had a reaction, and had little bumps everywhere. He is a sensitive skinned horse anyway, and luckily it went down with some cooling and he was fine this morning, but I felt he was just lacking that last 10% we needed. In the canter especially, the tank was running a little on empty.”

But Judy also said she was delighted with a lot of the work Rockman did produce in the ring, especially the first two sets of piaffe-passage, where they have previously struggled.

“In the last piaffe we had a bit of a miscommunication; he wanted to go out after four steps and I said, ‘Hang on’. I probably said woah a bit with the hand instead of just with the body. And then he loses his security – he gets his hind legs under so much and he doesn’t know how to get out.

“But he has improved so much this year and I’m proud of him for going in there,” added Judy. “We live and learn.”

“Championships are always different – but we didn’t make a mess!”

It was Anna who provided the team’s highest grand prix mark, posting 67.99% with her faithful Lusitano stallion Esporim.

Italy-based Anna has been flying the flag for Ireland since 1990, when she made her championships debut at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, and she says she loves the job as much as ever.