ABBY Coakley isn’t just one of the youngest competitors in Eventing Ireland’s amateur ranks but she is also one of the very few who, over the years, have competed regularly against their fathers.

More often than not, the 19-year-old, who is in second year nursing at Trinity College, finishes ahead of Denis in CNC1* Amateur classes but there would never be any gloating on Abby’s part as she appreciates that her father not only pays the bills but also mucks out, grooms and exercises her horse while she is at college!

Abby is in her first season competing under EI rules having previously evented as a member of the Ward Union Pony Club of which her mother Miriam is District Commissioner. “I’m still a member and recently passed my B+ Test at Gurteen College,” said Abby. “My brother and two sisters all went through the Ward Pony Club as well and competed with Eventing Ireland. Zoe rode her horse, Olympic Flash, in one of the Pony Club events this year but then went to Vancouver for the summer.

“I’m very lucky to have Shannondale George who we bought from the Coonans. I gave him two runs in EI100 Amateur classes towards the end of May but then moved up to novice. In 10 starts, we only finished outside the top six on three occasions and we ended the season winning on our dressage score at Grove where there was a really nice cross-country track. He’s a real push-button ride, well-schooled on the flat and, when it comes to jumping, you just point and he goes!”

A 2008 gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan out of a mare by the Irish Sport Horse stallion High Roller, Shannondale George had a good education as a five-year-old as he was first produced at EI100 level by Elizabeth Power but then had a long spell on the sidelines.

“I’ll see how things go next season but would love to compete in one or two home internationals. I need to work on my show jumping a bit over the winter but it’s hard to get things done as I have very long days at college. Wherever I go, I have to consult Dad as he’s the driver! He used to ride at a higher level but still loves competing as an amateur with his horse Prince Louis and we have a nice bit of healthy competition between us which makes our days out more interesting!”