THERE can be few honours that a country can bestow on an athlete greater than a place on the national Olympic Games team. Well, just picture a husband-and-wife team where between them they have represented their country at three renewals of the world event: Sydney, Beijing and London. I refer, of course, to Michael and Trish Ryan, three-day eventers extraordinaire, based in Bandon, Co Cork.

Through hunting I have known them both for many years, particularly Michael, who has been hunting with the Scarteen since he was in short trousers. Chris Ryan, master of Scarteen, takes up the story. “I remember early days – Mike on a small pony with his dad, Pat. One occasion had them galloping down a boreen with Tommy (Scarteen whipper-in). Pat sent on Mike to ‘do’ the gate for Tommy. Mike kicked his pony into gear and cleared this six-bar gate. Pat chastised him as he’d wanted Mike to open it. Mike was indignant as he thought his riding instructions were to give ‘Tommy a lead’.”

I can add my own recollection. One day when hounds found and ran out of Burns Bog near Cullen, I was in midfield galloping down to a high single bank with a mini canal at the take-off. As I came towards it, with no little apprehension, I saw a small boy, on a bay pony, gallop at it only to miss the top and see the young jockey catapulted out of the plate. He landed on top of the bank as the pony disappeared into the murky depths. Neither pony nor jockey were fazed by these adventures and as the pony trotted brisky down the riverbed, only to be pursued by the young jockey at a higher level on the bank top. Eventually an opportunity presented itself and the jockey vaulted from on high landing on the pony and carried on as if nothing had happened.

It was ‘Billy the pony’ and his hopes of eating grass for the afternoon were dashed and the young jockey, then all of rising 12, was of course the future Olympian. Clearly this young jockey was facing a bright future.

Again Chris describes another day in the field. ”Three of us got away with hounds and came across a steep drop into a decent river. It required two or three swim strokes (even on a horse) to get across to an easy out. Our two horses made it and I can still see Mike on this wee pony on the far bank. I advised him to retrace his steps and look to rejoin the field. Mike got a hold of his pony and launched in and both disappeared. Up they popped about 10 yards downstream, well washed, and on they came.”

Blacktype pedigrees

In the horse world, pedigrees are very important and Michael has a very good page indeed. His parents, Pat and Camilla’s home was full of horses and ponies of all descriptions. Pat, along the way, was DC of Scarteen Pony Club, a committee member of the hunt, and more importantly, a serious man across country. Michael was the eldest but not found wanting was Hughie, now a well-known event rider and equine dentist, Pat and Conor, and not forgetting Paula and Edel.

There were always ponies to be schooled, horses to be lunged, farriers to be met and above all, sales to be made. Up to recently, it was not unusual to see five Ryans out together hunting, with Pat and Camila holding a watching brief from their jeep.

I can’t be totally unbiased as it was from their yard I acquired ‘Handsome’ who (with very little help from the jockey) allowed me to report on hunting with all the crack Munster packs and an occasional foray further afield for seven or eight seasons. Like all their horses, he was foot-perfect, properly schooled, and more importantly, fit for purpose.

Lifelong love of hunting: Michael Ryan whipping-in to Scarteen with Tommy O’Dwyer and John Ferguson MFH at Derk in 2005 \ Catherine Power

The Ryan’s of Cullen are differentiated from the hundreds or perhaps thousands of other Ryans in East Limerick and South Tipperary by being known as ‘The Ryan Miners’ which alludes to their former farm in Gortdrum which was given over to mining.

It must be more than coincidence that two lads who would go on to represent their country should share a desk in Tipperary’s Abbey school. Michael’s deskmate was none other than Denis Lynch who became Ireland’s leading show jumper in the Rolex World ranking in March 2012 and competes at the very top international level.

Like a lot equestrians, school was fairly far down the agenda for young Michael and within a week of finishing, he was on his way to Germany to work with horses before moving on to Max Hauri’s legendary yard near Lausanne in Switzerland. Max, who represented his country at Olympic level in both show jumping and eventing, was justifiably known as Europe’s leading horse dealer. The yard at any given time would have upwards of 200 horses, all of whom had to be schooled, improved and produced for sale or maintained in the yard as championship material.

By and by, Michael returned to Scarteen and Chris tales up the story. “Mike joined our team producing young eventers such as McCloud and McKinlaigh to great effect after returning from Max Hauri abroad. He qualified a nice four-year-old of ours, Diadein, for the Burghley Young Event Horse finals in 1997.

“Sharing the horsebox over and taking the five-year-old qualification was a certain Don’t Step Back with Patricia Donegan on board. Don’t Step Back went on to finish a stunning fifth in the Sydney Olympics and Patricia went on to marry Mike ... two brilliant partnerships!”

Wintertime saw young Mike acting as second whipper-in to Tommy O’Dwyer and on occasions, carrying the horn when Chris was absent.

Champion material

Meanwhile down in West Cork – Bandon, to be precise – there was a young champion in the making. Patricia (Trish) Donegan was really making a name for herself in the world of eventing. Like many before her, she had started with Carbery Pony Club and went on to represent Ireland as a member of the mounted games team that went to Windsor in 1987 and 1988.

This was just the beginning and with Sydney in her sights, she competed at Blenheim in 1999 and Punchestown in 2000. Trish said: “The horse was Don’t Step Back who I produced from a three-year-old. My sister Marion was my groom. Punchestown was the event used for selection where I finished seventh. We had to quarantine in Punchestown prior to travel for three weeks.

“I shared a room with Sue Shortt. Going to Sydney was a real big commitment for everyone. We had to fundraise in those days and I got massive support from my local town Bandon. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime.

Michael and Trish Ryan with their dogs Keano and Winnie Panda at home in Bandon, Co Cork \ Andy Gibson

“We had three weeks quarantine in Australia as well before the Australian horses were allowed in. Don’t Step Back was just an eight-year-old and he was one of two eight-year-olds. We did a good test and were clear cross-country and also one of three clears show jumping to finish 11th and the team was fifth. Also my Mum went to Australia too and this was her first time flying. She has some stories!”

Great supporters

Michael joined the yard around 2003 and soon afterwards, the Henrys, Tom and Carol, came on board as owners and the rest, as they say, is history. The Henrys spend six months each year in their Irish home at Baltimore and since that fateful day, have supported Michael and Trish, allowing them to hold on to really promising horses. As the horses and the team developed, so did romance and Michael and Patricia tied the knot to become one of the most formidable teams in world eventing.

It was as a result of a chance encounter in a bar in Baltimore that Michael, Trish, and the Henrys became acquainted through the good offices of the late Barty Scully. The Henrys later explained: “We knew the best horses and riders came from Ireland and we were in a position to make it possible for to keep the really good horses at home.”

Carol Henry goes on to describe their involvement. “We have been owners for them since 2005. They have made the Worlds, Europeans, and Olympic team numerous times. And every time they have been generous in helping other team members. And they also have been generous with their time giving clinics and helping young riders. During the pandemic, they continue training up some very promising young horses for future eventing events. Another initiative has been bringing European equestrian graduates in as stable hands and trainers, when they return home, they spread the word about Irish event horses.

“It is truly a team effort with both Trish’s sisters, Marion and Shelia, organising gear, driving the lorry and countless other tasks to give Trish and Mike more time to train and ride. Mike’s sense of humour keeps everyone laughing and Trish rolling her eyes.”

Trish Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse, owned by Tom and Carol Henry, in action at the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon, South Carolina, USA \ Nigel Goddard

I recall Tom Henry having a cracking day with the ‘Tans from a meet in Cullen and not being found wanting over the biggest and best Scarteen had to offer.

Trish describes their trip to Hong Kong where the equestrian events were held for the Beijing Olympics. “We quarantined in Aachen. I rode Fernhill Clover Mist. Team members were Niall Griffin, Austin O’Connor, Louise Lyons and Capt. Geoff Curran. It was a totally different event to Sydney. It was on golf course and was short format. We had to travel to the cross-country.”

The Henrys have had two horses in at Olympic level with Fernhill Clover Mist, ridden by Trish in Beijing (Hong Kong), and Ballylynch Adventure with Michael in London 2012.

The home team

With 30 or so horses in the yard, they have a great team. Michael said: “At the moment we have Conor Coomey, Nadine Hart, Isabella Folle and Adam McCarthy here. We also have two junior riders in Jack Foley and Kate O’Donovan. Trish’s sisters, Sheila and Marion, are still a big part of the team.” The Jack Foley mentioned is Michael’s nephew, aged 16, who has joined the team and with school only online, he is availing of every opportunity.

For many years, a key member of the team was Catrhach (known as Cora) McCarthy. Cora, with several degrees under her belt, now works in HR but is to found with them on all the big occasions, especially hunting.

Speaking of hunting, it has remained Michael’s great and abiding passion. He is never happier than out with Scarteen’s up front on one of his good horses making country. It doesn’t always go to plan however.

Michael describes an adrenalin-fuelled day from a meet at Elton. “Myself and Chris were upfront and galloping flat to the boards because the hounds swung right to the railway line. There was a strand of wire five strides from a stud farm gate, both myself and Chris popped the wire. As I leant forward on my horse to jump off to open the gate, he decided to take it on. So, we hit the top rail and rotated onto the road.

“I lay there as my brother Hughie and Michael Condon passed me by (at speed) and said, ‘Get up, we don’t have time to stop’. Luckily my other brother Conor came along and picked me up in the jeep and sent me packing back to Cork. And I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to (Dr) Mary Flannery who had me sorted within days.”

Dr Mary Flannery was among the top equestrian medical officers at the London Olympics.

London calling: Michael Ryan at the start of the cross-country course with Carol and Tom Henry's Ballylynch Adventure at the London Olympics 2012 where the Irish team finished fourth \ Catherine Power

Looking to the future

And the future? The Ryans have a yard of smashing young horses and are already looking forward to Paris in 2024 or even LA in 2028.

What would you reckon were the outstanding horses to have passed through your yard?

“Don’t Step Back, Old Road. Fernhill Clover Mist, Ballylynch Adverture, Ballylynch Skyport, Dunrath Eclipse, Dunlough Striker Brookpark Vikenti, Ballylynch Wizard,” came the quick reply.

Who are the riders you would both look up to?

“Andrew Nicholson, Ollie Townend, and Pippa Funnell.”

With the ongoing support of such sporting owners, their yard can only prosper. Unlike other Olympic sports, equestrian riders go and on and it is not unreasonable to look forward to an Olympic medal, be it Paris (2024) or Los Angeles (2028), hanging over the mantlepiece in the Ryan household.

Watch this space!