IRISH pony riders have indeed demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication in equestrian events this year, achieving victories both domestically and internationally. Their success reflects not only talent and hard work, but also the strength of the standard of ponies in Ireland. This mix of talented riders, ponies and great training has produced exceptional results amongst their European peers. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Pony European Championships
The dominance of Irish pony riders was clear to see at the European Championships, as Jack Kent was crowned European pony show jumping champion and the team claimed the bronze medal in Opglabbeek.
Kent and Double Pleasure truly shone bright in the Championships, delivering an impeccable performance by jumping clear rounds throughout the week. The Irish combination secured their place in a nail-biting jump-off, where they delivered a clear in 39.17 seconds, to claim the gold medal with more than two seconds to spare.
There was more to celebrate, as the Gary Marshall team of James Derwin on Rincoola Babog (ISH), Ruben Foley with Cracher, Senan Reape with Fernando and Lily Tunney with Fireman, fought back from a below-par first round to claim third place on the podium on a final score of 15.
James Derwin and Rincoola Babog, winners of the 148 1.25m Masters Final at Mullingar \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net
FEI Youth Nations Cup show
Irish youth show jumping riders enjoyed fantastic success at the FEI Youth Nations Cup show held at Sentower Park in Belgium in April, claiming victory in the Nations Cup.
The quartet of Cian McMunn (Esperando SK), Lauren Adams (Slieve Bloom Bella Rose), Lily Tunney (Fireman) and Senan Reape (Fernando), finished on a final score of just four faults to finish well-clear of Sweden in second on 21 faults, while The Netherlands finished third on 28.
Wexford’s Lauren Adams also partnered Corradino du Bary to victory in the 1.30m pony speed class, while third place went to Annie Boland with Candy Coco (ISH). Tipperary’s Charlie Flynn and Western Ranger claimed victory in the 1.25m Big Tour speed class, taking the win with almost two seconds to spare over their closest rival.
Sam Widger proved victorious in the 1.20m Big Tour pony class aboard Little Smithe, while third place went to Claudia Carroll aboard Attyrory Warrior (ISPA).
In late May at the Pony Nations Cup in Zuidwolde, the Irish team of Jack Kent (Double Pleasure), Annie Boland (Candy Coco), Lauren Adams (Slieve Bloom Bella Rose) and Ruben Foley (Wineport Q Junior Zuidwolde) took third place on the podium.
Future Champions, Hagen
Irish youth show jumping athletes enjoyed phenomenal success at the prestigious Future Champions fixture in Hagen, Germany. A dominant performance saw Irish teams score a hat-trick of Nations Cup wins in the Pony (U16), Children On Horses (U14) and Junior (U18) competitions, while there was also an Irish win in the Pony Grand Prix.
In June, the Irish Pony team of Senan Reape (Fernando), Ruben Foley (Cracher), Lily Tunney (Fireman) and James Derwin (Rincoola Babog) came out on top in the Nations Cup. Marshall’s team completed the two-round contest with just two time penalties. Great Britain put up a strong challenge, finishing as runners-up with four penalties, proving how closely matched the teams were. Meanwhile, Germany, securing third place, added to the high level of competition.
The Irish had more to celebrate at Hagen, when Fermanagh’s Lily Tunney and the Elaine McGovern-bred Fireman (ISH) claimed victory in the 1.30m Pony Grand Prix, with a brilliant double clear performance.
FEI World Youth Nations Cup
Irish riders were back in the limelight at Lier, as they clocked up another great result with the pony team of Annie Boland (K- Little Hero), James Derwin (Rincoola Babog), Senan Reape (Fernando) and Charlie Flynn (HK Zena) taking second place behind Great Britain. Both finished on zero scores, but the winning team delivered the faster time.
FEI Pony Jumping Trophy in Lyon
Towards the back end of the year, pony riders continued to clock up results, with Sligo’s Senan Reape and the 14-year-old gelding Fernando finishing fourth in FEI Pony Jumping Trophy at the French World Cup show in Lyon. The pair was among nine combinations that went through to the jump-off, where they produced the fastest time of 35.0 seconds, however, with a pole on the ground, they saw the victory slip.
Later that month, Annie Boland and her pony K Little Hero took the runner-up spot in the prestigious FEI Pony Trophy Series in Stuttgart, Germany.
Senan Reape and Fernando, winner of the 148 1.25/1.30m Introduction Class at Cavan \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net
National classes
The 2024 season of the national classes was a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, with competitions coming down to the wire. The season launched with the Equijump Pony and Children on Horses Spring Tour, setting the tone for a year of intense competition. This event highlighted promising young riders and their mounts, offering them a platform on which to shine early in the year. The Tour served as an important foundation, providing experience and momentum for those looking to make their mark on pony teams.
Winner of the 128 U10 was Ben Hawkins, while the 128cm winner was Ellie Sheane. Charlie Flynn was crowned the 138cm winner and the 148cm winner was Jasmine Halford. Robbie Sheehan emerged as the Children on Horses champion.
The action then moved on to the Ballinrobe Pony Premier. The leading rider in the under 10 section was Caitie McEvoy, while in the 128cm it was Lucia Keane who came out on top. Charlie Flynn claimed another title taking the 138cm crown, while in the 148cm, it was Zara-Jane Kelly who took this accolade. Winner of the Children on Horses section was Isabelle O’Conaola.
It was a great year for Charlie Flynn, as he claimed the Boomerang Starfinder with JDF Montana.
Charlie Flynn and JDF Montana, winners of the Boomerang.ie Starfinder 148 six and seven-year-old final at the National Pony Championships \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net
The Bob Sweeney Equine Ltd Future Champion Series 128cm Under 10 was won by Tim Morton, while in the 128cm, it was Lauren McGrath who took the win. Claiming the 138cm was Mark Mellett, while the 148cm went to Ronan Gilvarry.
Elite Equine and Duffy Group Ireland winners for 2024 were Tim Morton (128cm), Sarah Delaney (138cm) and, in the 148cm division, Mark Neilan.
There was some tough competition in the Under 8 Discovery League and the overall winner was Zara Moore, while in the Under 10, it was Elaine Briscoe.
National Pony championships
Ahead of children going back to school, the National Pony championships took centre stage in Mullingar. After four days of competition, the overall leading rider was Sam Widger.
The leading combination in the 128 Under 10 was Caitie McEvoy (Dutch Lady), while in the 128cm, the winner was Lucia Keane and Ravara Mohawk. Charlie Flynn completed the hat trick, claiming the 138cm with Knud Van Orchids. The 148cm leading combination was Ruben Foley and Coppenagh Gatsby, while in the Children on Horses division, it was Alice Moloney and Castlefield Cass.
Dublin Horse Show 2024
As always, the 128cm class was a nail biting competition, with 11 combinations battling it out in a very tight jump-off. Taking the 2024 title was Jack Dore and Woodside Jerry-Lee, when they galloped home clear in 34.84.
Jack Dore and Woodside Jerry-Lee won the 128cm championship at the 2024 Dublin Horse Show \ Laurence Dunne Jumpinaction.net
Kate Hurley chased Dore home aboard Brookhall Elizabeth and clocked 35.08 to take the reserve title. A clear from Hannah Horan and Neary Perfect in 37.34 saw her take third place, ahead of Alice Steele, when last of the double clears with Sparkling Miss Leglands in 38.53. Katelyn Horgan put in a very fast time with Million Dollar Baby, clocking 31.98, but four faults saw her take fifth, ahead of Michael Barry and Killorglin Boy on four faults in 34.25.
138cm Championship
Following a brilliant performance, which saw Cliodhna McEvoy clocking the only double clear of the class aboard Etoile Des Chesnaies, she took home the 138cm title.
Taking a turn to fence three and maintaining a strong pace, the pairing crossed the line with a clean sheet in a time of 34.17, which would prove unbeatable as the only double clear round of the class.
Cliodhna McEvoy on Etoile Des Chesnaies, winner of the 138cm final Dublin Horse Show 2024 \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net
Sam Widger finished as the fastest four-faulter aboard Creevelea Larrybo in a time of 35.18 to take the reserve title. Third place was filled by Padraig Howley and Conazar Jayne, carrying four faults in a time of 37.17, ahead of Katelyn Horgan and Take Off Van Prinseveld with a time of 37.89.
First up against the clock was rider Cathal McKeon-Devaney and Ruby Brown, who proved out of luck when they finished on four faults in a time of 41.78 for fifth place, while in sixth was Jack Dore and Seefin Breeze, when they were fastest of the four-faulters in the first round.
148cm Championships
Winner of the 148cm Championship was Lily Tunney, when she delivered a foot-perfect round in a time of 35.90 seconds aboard Fireman. Zara Sharkey put in a gallant attempt with Iflex, but despite leaving all the poles in place, a clear in 36.98 would only prove good enough to claim the reserve championship.
Last to go, Cameron Kelly and Rdjw Merclov, kept all the poles in the cups in a time of 39.52 for third place. Jack Kent and Double Pleasure, incurred four faults, in a time of 37.35 for fourth, while in fifth was James Derwin and Rincoola Babog, who recorded four faults in 33.59, while Cian McMunn and Esperando Sk slotted into sixth place, when they had two on the ground in 35.73.
Dublin age Classes
Winner of the 138cm six/seven-year-olds was Ted Fagan and Houla Oups Ed’M on a mark of 166.5. Zoe Mellett and Lynncot Lady Eleanora took the runner-up spot on a mark of 164.5.
There were joint winners in the 128cm age class, with both Chloe Clarke (Gwennicks Hopestown Flyer) and Isobelle Keating (Sheeaun Lady Misty) both finishing on a score of 161.
A total of 23 combinations contested the 148cm six- and seven-year-old championship. Taking the 2024 title was Charlie Flynn and the seven-year-old Montana. Going midway in the 14-way jump-off, they lodged the winning round of clear in 32.02.
Charlie Flynn and Knud van Orchids, winners of the Ballinroe 138 Pony Premier 1.15m final at the National Pony Championships \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net
Rider spotlight
Pony rider: Jack Kent
Age: 16
Who trains you?
I’m based at Ger O’Neill’s Castlefield Sport Horses and Breeding Farm, and I get trained by both Ger O’Neill and Jason Foley.
Who do you look up to the most in the equestrian world and your greatest influence so far?
There are so many riders I look up to, but I do like watching Marcus Ehning the most, he’s just so good. My greatest influence so far has to be Ger O’Neill, he has helped and guided me to achieve a lot. My parents and Jim O’Neill got me started and are always there to support me.
Most memorable win?
Without a doubt, must be my individual gold medal at the European Pony Championships in Sentower in July.
Most memorable animal and why?
Double Pleasure, from the Whitaker family. The pony I won the individual gold medal and team bronze medal at the Europeans with. We had some great days this year.
Most recent wins:
Besides the gold and bronze medals at the Europeans, I won the 5/6yo All Studbooks Final at the Irish Breeders’ Classic in Barnadown on Castlefield Duchess, my first big horse show with Castlefield, so was nice to get a win!
Your team of horses now:
I ride about eight horses every day at Castlefield, from young horses to older horses. The horses that I’m most looking forward to compete with next year are Castlefield Conthargos, Castlefield Duchess, Currency and a couple of exciting four turning five-year-olds.
Your future plans:
I’ll try my best to get on the Junior European team next year and aim to compete again at the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken next year.