‘I was very rusty!’ Mother makes showjumping comeback – and wins 1.55m six-bar

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Fiona Holohan clears 1.55m to finish first equal in the six-bar at Morris Equestrian Centre
(Image credit: Jamie Agnew Photography)

A young showjumper’s mother came out of retirement to make a rare appearance in the ring at Morris Equestrian Centre’s Hogmanay Show and ended up finishing equal first in the mini six-bar, having cleared a lofty 1.55m.

Ayrshire-based Fiona Holohan, whose teenage son Fergal is a regular competitor on the national circuit, and in action at the show, made the last-minute decision to take the reins on the 10-year-old mare Kan Annie, whom she bred and backed but who has been ridden by her son in recent years.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.