CANADIAN Olympian Beth Underhill has joined the team at Coolmore Show jumping in Fethard, Co Tipperary.

Underhill, who looked to be in contention for her second Olympics before parting ways with the Rein family, who owned her top horses, will work alongside Alice, the youngest Wachman sibling.

“Cian O’Connor called me and asked if I would consider coming to Ireland to work with the Wachman family’s younger daughter, Alice. It sounded like a fabulous situation and working under the umbrella of Karlswood and Cian was something that really interested me. And here I am!” she told Horse Sport.

New challenge

Underhill had never even been to Ireland before, but has enjoyed her time exploring Tipperary and seeing the fabulous stallions at Coolmore, while she also spends time at O’Connor’s Karlswood Stables in Co Meath for part of Alice’s training. Beth said she “loves being part” of O’Connor’s set up as he is “a consummate professional”.

With the Rein Family LLC’s Nikka vd Bisschop, Beth was part of the Canadian team at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, and she helped Canada to a team silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile.

Writing on social media, Cian O’Connor said: “I’m delighted that Beth Underhill has joined us in Ireland.

“Beth will run the Coolmore Show jumping stable in Co Tipperary, acting as head coach and developing horses and working with the riders based there. I’m thrilled to have someone of Beth’s experience and professionalism as part of our wider team.”

Beth has already been out and about at shows and looks forward to travelling in Europe this summer.