IRISH young riders and junior riders have once again proven their dominance on the equestrian stage this year, building on a long-standing tradition, which has emerged over the years.

At home and abroad, these young athletes have consistently showcased their ability to compete and succeed against the very best. Their performances not only highlight individual talent, but also the depth of talent emerging from Ireland, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in these divisions.

A lot of the young riders featured in the senior arena, including Francis Derwin who won the Gain Alltech National Grand Prix, and their accolades will no doubt be mentioned in the national and international reviews of the year also.

Gold for the Under 21 team

The Gain Equine Nutrition Irish Under-21 (young riders) team became back-to-back European champions after dominating the field in Kronenberg in July.

The team of Niamh McEvoy (Jasmim Da Hermida), Tom Wachman (Cathalina S), Max Wachman (Kilkenny) and Francis Derwin (Flexi K) claimed victory with a rider to spare, after Derwin’s clear round meant they couldn’t be caught by their rivals.

Ireland maintained a commanding lead overnight and, thanks to a series of exceptional performances earlier in the week, they were in a solid position. Although McEvoy and Jasmim Da Hermida incurred an unfortunate eight faults, Tom Wachman calmed any lingering nerves aboard Cathalina S, finishing with just a single pole down.

The substantial lead meant that a clear round, or even four faults, by Derwin and Flexi K (ISH) would secure back-to-back wins, and Derwin delivered in style to clinch the title. After the victory was assured, Max Wachman and Kilkenny (ISH) finished with one pole down.

Derwin and Flexi K went on to win the individual silver medal after a fantastic performance.

Tom Wachman and Cathalina S at the FEI Junior European Championships \ Tomas Holcbecher

SJI Young Rider Championships

On the national circuit, this year the SJI Young Rider Championships took centre stage in Maryville County Cork in late September.

The overall leading championship rider for 2024 was Natasha Foley, with the reserve rider title going to Cian Byrne. Winner of the national young rider championship was Sean Dooley, while the national junior champion was Natasha Foley, and the reserve was Cian Byrne. Robbie Sheehan was crowned the national COH champion, with James Walsh taking the reserve title.

The leading 1.40m rider was Daisy McNamara and the reserve was Saoirse Hanafin. The leading 1.30m rider was Gary Dooley and the reserve was Jamie Clarke. Natasha Foley was the leading 1.20m rider and the reserve was Emma O’Connor. In the 1.10m section, Foley also took the leading rider title, with Cian Byrne taking the reserve accolade. The leading 1m rider was Caoimhe Spacey and the reserve went to Cian Byrne.

On the final day of the championships, riders put their best foot forward in a bid to take one of the coveted championship titles. Following a great season, Cian Byrne added to his record, when he won the 1.10m championship. Aboard the rideable Ciao Bella, he lodged a double clear in 28.67. Not content with the 1.10m championship, Byrne also claimed the 1m championship. Riding China Man, he lodged the winning round of clear in 21.82 seconds.

Cian Byrne and China Man winning the 1.10m Derravarra Championship at Mullingar in June \ Rolf Stenberg jumpinaction.net

Natasha Foley added to her record, when she claimed the 1.20m championship aboard the very reliable Cillbhrid Excel. James Brennan and MHS Drops Of Jupiter emerged as the 1.30m championship winners. The pairing was the fastest of eight double clears in a very competitive class.

The 1.40m championship went down to the wire, with only two double clears being delivered in the six- way jump-off. Taking this title was Daisy McNamara, when she delivered the fastest of those clears aboard Caspetito Z in 37.64 seconds. James Brennan claimed the reserve title, when he was fractions behind with MHS Drops Of Jupiter, in 39.39. Brennan also put in a very fast round with MHS High Hopes, but with a pole down in 38.83, they had to settle for third.

The Dublin Horse Show Championships are indeed a pinnacle event for young riders, representing one of the most prestigious national titles in the equestrian calendar. Each year, this competition delivers thrilling performances, with classes that consistently go down to the wire, showcasing the immense talent and determination of the riders.

Claiming the title was Eoin Brennan and Limestone Briarhill Lui, when clear in 32.55. Last to go, Brennan knew what he needed to do. James Brennan and MHS I’m The One took all the necessary turns and clocked 34.36, which would see him take the reserve title, with Emily Moloney and Temple Alice taking third place. Timmy Brennan and Diadema Della Caccia secured fourth place, while in fifth was Coen Williams and Conthanja PS. Cian McMunn and Oberon Van’T Lohof completed the top six.

Eoin Brennan and Limestone Briarhill Lui winners of the Young Riders (1.35m - 1.40m) National Championship at the Dublin Horse Show 2024 \ Claire Nolan jumpinaction.net

In the 1.25m/1.30m championship, Aine Shortall and Killerisk Can Ya sped to victory with a second round clear in 29.74.

Iseult Fleming followed a similar route with Cristallo Boy, but despite a gallant attempt, her clear of 30.04 would see her take the reserve title. Stephen Gibbons knew what he needed to do as he took it on with Coolisheal Lance, and a clear in 30.61 saw him take third place. Annie Gibson took a more cautious approach with Dasca Van Het Vijverbos and it paid off, as she delivered a clear in 31.70 for eventual fourth.

Alice Moloney put in a gallant attempt with Castlefield Cass, but unfortunately faulted at the last fence and crossed the line in 29.90 for fifth place. Annie Boland and The Hurricane also gave it their all, but a pole down at the penultimate oxer in a time of 31.31 would only prove good enough for sixth.

1.10/1.15m Championship

Retaining his title for the second year was Michael McGrath and Abbey Lagans. This was the second win for the combination, having won the qualifier the day before. Siobhan Doyle had gone just before McGrath and she had set the mark high aboard Dante DV, when she was the first rider to take the inside line to the penultimate oxer. However, despite taking out a stride to the related distance, her time of 32.90 was only good enough for the reserve title.

Second last to go, Laura Hales took a series of tight lines with the big striding Killycloghan Knight Time and a clear in 35.66 saw them take third place. The pressure was on last to go, Katie Duignan and Aboy Duggie, but a longer line to the penultimate fence saw them come home in 35.72 for eventual fourth. Gary Dooley and Killard Be Mine kept all the poles in place in a time of 35.87 for fifth, ahead of Edward Feeney and Miss Jones in a time of 36.48 for sixth.

Max Wachman on Kilkenny at the Dublin Horse Show 2024 \ Lorraine O’Sullivan

SJI Bursary Clinic

Showjumping Ireland’s commitment to nurturing young talent has been instrumental in Ireland’s success in equestrian sports. By identifying promising riders early and providing them with structured training opportunities, they have created an environment where talent can flourish.

The Showjumping Ireland Bursary Clinic, which is under the leadership of Mary Ryan and the SJI Training committee, exemplifies this dedication to developing the next generation of equestrian stars.

At the end of August, 21 athletes travelled to Castle Irvine to participate in a three-day boot camp as part of the training bursary clinic. These athletes had previously competed for a spot in the clinic, during a selection day held earlier this year at Tipperary Equestrian Centre.

Some of Ireland’s best and most dedicated coaches were in attendance - Ian Fearon, Marie Burke, Cormac Rafferty, Gerald Bloomer, Anna Dangerfield, Laura Brown McCann and the newest addition, Alan Lynch. During the boot camp at Castle Irvine, athletes participated in five high-quality training sessions each day. The Training Committee, with the help of SJI staff member Laura Murphy, ensured the smooth running of the clinic. Tomas Ryan (Munster), Karen Boylan (Connaught), Rosemary Rice (Leinster), Sharon Conlon (Ulster) and Mary E Ryan (chair) all made the journey to Necarne to assist the athletes in having the experience of a lifetime. Every year, there are a number of awards to be gained at the end of the clinic. A bucket of goodies was given to each and every athlete (and the coaches), which included goodies from TRI, Cian O’Connor, Bucas, Dapple, The Irish Field, Swish, Equieire, Aloga and Jumpinaction.

The coveted bursaries were awarded as follows: Alfie Adair (bursary to Darragh Kenny in Wellington, America), Olga Barry Murphy (bursary to Shane Sweetnam in Wellington, America), Jill Green (bursary to Barry O’ Connor) and Saoirse Hanafin (bursary to Jessica Burke, UK).

Natasha Foley won the 1.20m Championship and claimed the overall leading rider championship for 2024 at the Young Riders Championships at Maryville 2024 \ Claire Nolan / Bit-Media

Rider spotlight

Name: Natasha Foley

Age: 18 years old

School: Yeats College Waterford

Equestrian Background: I started riding when I was about five and competing at nine

Trainer: Denis Flannelly

Who you most look up to in the equestrian world: Jessica Springsteen

Most memorable win: Winning at the youth festival in 2023 with Verdis Diamond at Sentower Park.

Most memorable animal: That would have to be Knockroe Little Clover. I got Maisie when she was five years old jumping 90cm and I produced her myself the whole way up to 1.30/1.35m. My first international shows were with her, where we had some amazing trips, such as Fontainebleau placing every day. We qualified twice for the RDS, as a seven-year-old and then as an eight-year-old in the Grade A class.

Recent success: I won four national titles at the young rider championships back in September with Cillbhrid Excel. I also won my 15th Munster title in September. Competing in the Dublin Horse Show 2024 and finishing second in the JU Premier finals in Barnadown.

Current horses: Cillbhrid Excel and an exciting team from Kilbunny, which includes Kilbunny Blue, Kilbunny Bliss, Kilbunny Vino and Kilbunny Tango, an exciting rising four-year-old Kilbunny Conda and Kilbunny Showgirl Diarado.

Your plans for 2025: Looking forward to developing a lovely young team of horses with Richie O’Hara from Kilbunny Sporthorses. Cillbhrid Excel to step up to Grand Prix levels and I will be aiming for the young rider RDS qualifiers.