Ireland lifting the Aga Khan Cup, and other things the horse world is talking about

Team Ireland celebrates victory in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland at Dublin Horse Show.

(Image credit: beauction.co.uk/auctions/)

Irish eyes are smiling once again

Nothing means more to Irish showjumpers than to win the Aga Khan Cup for the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Ireland at Dublin Horse Show. The quartet of 18-year-old Max Wachman (Berlux Z), Conor Swail (Count Me In), Cian O’Connor (Kilkenny) and Shane Sweetnam (James Kaan Cruz) proved equal to the task on Friday (19 August), beating France to top honours in an epic jump-off duel. It’s been seven years since Ireland last lifted the coveted trophy, and as you can imagine, there were great scenes of jubilation as the nation claimed its 24th victory since the competition’s inception in 1926.

It’s a busy time for squad announcements ahead of the World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy (15-18 September), with the Antipodeans among the latest to show their hands. Australia is sending three members of its Tokyo Olympic medal-winning squad in Andrew Hoy (Vassily De Lassos), Kevin McNab (Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam) and Shane Rose (Virgil) to Italy among its five riders. New Zealand’s hopes will be led by team regulars Tim and Jonelle Price, riding Falco and McClaren respectively, alongside Clarke Johnstone (Menlo Park), who was the best-placed Kiwi at the Rio Olympics.

As prices continue to rise, affecting yard owners, equestrian business and horse owners alike, we’ve asked Laria Collister, a goals-based financial planner with Castell Wealth Management and former yard manager for eventer Tom Jackson, for her advice. She believes many equestrians may have a “lack of basic financial education” when it comes to making the most of taxes, savings and pensions. “There are so many allowances, but people aren’t always aware of them,” she says. “I appreciate money is tight, but whatever you can do is better than nothing.”

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

TOPICS

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.

Ireland lifting the Aga Khan Cup, and other things the horse world is talking about

Irish eyes are smiling once again

More world eventing squad announcements

What to do if you’re feeling the pinch

You might also be interested in:

Jubilant Irish and a mare’s miraculous comeback – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

Riders and businesses urged to think out of the box on money matters

Horsebox driver seriously injured and horse dies in road collision

Irish eyes are smiling once again

More world eventing squad announcements

What to do if you’re feeling the pinch

You might also be interested in:

Jubilant Irish and a mare’s miraculous comeback – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

Riders and businesses urged to think out of the box on money matters

Horsebox driver seriously injured and horse dies in road collision

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round