HELD just after the Dublin Horse Show, the 2025 National Young Rider training clinic ,which was held in Necarne Castle, has been hailed as another great success.

In preparation for the academy, 23 of Ireland’s most promising young rider athletes came forward for a selection day. Under the expert and watchful eye of judge Susanne Macken, each earned their place at this prestigious clinic.

The selected riders were Isabel Sheehan, Natalie Summerville, Maeve Coffey, Jack Moloney, Tamara Perry, Jill Greene, Lauren Quinn, Casey Phair, Katie Campbell, Oisin Hogg, Cristian Kennedy, Joshua Busteed, Zara Finlay, Zoe Penfold, Saoirse Hanafin, Emma Barrett, Faye Delaney, Conor Hayes, Siún McGillycuddy, Jennifer Newell, Launa McCann, Edie Codd and Anna Coffey.

Each rider brought two horses, allowing them to train across different levels of experience. Over the course of the clinic, they were treated to an outstanding programme designed to deepen their knowledge, improve their flatwork and advance their jumping skills.

Athletes faced every challenge with outstanding enthusiasm, from early mornings before 6am to evenings filled with training, team games, quizzes, stable management, and lectures. Their positive spirit was clear in their constant smiles, laughter and genuine camaraderie.

Teamwork stood out as a defining quality and athletes consistently helped each other with tacking up horses, mounting, keeping the yard tidy, and engaging in animated discussions about the SJI rule book during team challenges. Stables were maintained in excellent condition, and punctuality was the standard for all activities. While athletes were organised into teams for competition, they truly functioned as a united group.

Coaching

Riders were put through their paces in both flatwork and show jumping. The flatwork coaches were Anna Dangerfield, Laura Brown-McCann and Gerald Bloomer. The show jumping coaches were James Kernan, Marie Burke and Ian Fearon (head coach).

The programme also featured invaluable sessions from leading experts. Alan Lynch (course designer) demonstrated course-building techniques, distances, and materials, giving riders hands-on experience with the challenges posed by designers. Casey Phair (young rider athlete) delivered an outstanding presentation on equine dentistry, highlighting its importance for horse welfare and performance. Hilary Glasgow (veterinary) spoke on worming practices and recent advances in equine healthcare. Charlie Flanagan (equine massage therapy) demonstrated how body work supports equine performance and wellbeing. A Bluegrass Feeds representative shared insights into nutrition, feed balance and the specific needs of leisure versus high-performance horses. Alongside these, riders enjoyed educational lectures on stable management and equine welfare.

Organiser Mary Ryan thanked all those companies that provided sponsorship on the day, which included, Bucas, The Irish Field, Showjumping Ireland, Paul Campbell, Bluegrass, Aloga, Jumping in Action, Aisling Creative, Premier Performance, Flexi Equine Tack Lockers, Sandstorm, Plus Vital, Equijump and Horse First.

At the clinic, coaches compiled gridwork and riding exercises, as well as advice and motivational messages into a booklet for athletes. This valuable resource supports their ongoing development with practical training tips and competition strategies. The training committee also receives insightful articles from partners like The Irish Field and sponsors such as Premier Performance, Flexi Equine Tack Lockers and Plus Vital, highlighting the crucial contributions of sponsors.

Despite her absence, Jessica Kürten sent a personal message, with a Zoom meeting planned for Autumn.

Award winners

On the last day, riders were chosen for awards, based on their performance at the clinic. Most improved flatwork rider was Natalie Somerville, most improved jumping rider was Zoe Penfold and the most improved overall rider was awarded to Zara Finlay and Isobel Sheehan. All four riders received Aloga rugs. The most engaged athlete award from Flexi Equine Tack lockers went to Joshua Busteed, while the coaches’ choice award from PlusVital supplements went to Conor Hayes. The EquiJump hamper for the athletes’ choice went to Lauren Quinn. The Premier Performance team hamper went to the red team consisting of Oisin Hogg, Jill Greene, Edie Codd, Isobel Sheehan and Anna Coffey.

The invitation to international riders to sponsor bursaries received an overwhelming response, allowing five International bursaries to be awarded at the clinic’s conclusion. Placements included two-week opportunities with Laura Kraut, Daniel Coyle, Darragh Kenny, Andrew Bourns, and Alexander Butler. Oisin Hogg won the Alexander Butler Bursary, while claiming the Darragh Kenny Bursary was Lauren Quinn.

Speaking at the clinic, Ian Fearon said: “As a head coach position, it’s an honour to be involved in this clinic. It brings the best out of you as a trainer. I feel that education has changed from just looking for a rider as someone that can ride a horse, it’s much, much more than that. The information that they get from the training along with the classroom lectures is amazing and so important as they go forward. The bursaries that the riders win are amazing and, for me, they are all winners just being chosen and participating at this clinic.

“The clinic is a credit to Showjumping Ireland, and all those involved from the training committee to the sponsors.

“At the clinic, Rosemary Rice, who is the Leinster rep, showed her experience and devotion to all the young riders and parents.

“SJI rep, Mary Ryan, is probably without doubt the glue that makes the big clinic so special every year for as long as I can think.

“All the students love Mary for all her dedication to them and knowledge that helps them reach out and feel confident; a great leader of people and with the energy that’s needed for the academy’s continued success.

“A special thanks also to Laura Murphy from the SJI office, who was there to help out over the course of the clinic.”