THE junior team put in a brilliant performance in Friday’s final two rounds to rise up one place and secure the bronze medal, less than a fence of Britain in silver medal position. The gold went to Belgium.
JASON FOLEY
Age: 17
From: Carlow
Horse: Castlefield Vegas (ISH), owned by Martin Egan
Achievements: Jason is no stranger to international success and was part of the winning pony Nations Cup team in Hagan, The Netherlands, in 2016, alongside his junior teammates Harry Allen and Cian Harrison. He was a member of the European pony team in the same year with More Clover. 2018 is his first year out of the pony division and he has thrived since joining Ger O’Neill’s stable, picking up one and two-star wins at the Vejer de la Frontera.
HARRY ALLEN
Age: 17
From: Wexford
Horse: Dis Moi Tout Clairbois, owned by Ballywalter Bloodstock
Achievements: Harry Allen needs no introduction as last year he catapulted himself to glory when winning double gold at the FEI European Championships for Ponies with Cassandra Van Het Roelhof. He went on to become the first Irish person to win a prestigious FEI award when crowned FEI Rising Star. His pony career is glittering and that has followed through into the horses, with numerous wins at two-level level this season. His best result in the lead-up to the championship was a Junior Grand Prix win in Opglabbeek with Dis Moi Tout Clairbois.
KATE DERWIN
Age: 16
From: Athlone, Co Westmeath
Horse: AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH), owned by Francis Derwin
Achievements: Kate is another ex-pony rider who needs no introduction. She was also a member of the 2017 European gold medal-winning team and went on to stand beside Harry on the podium when claiming the silver medal. Kate’s pony career is in a league of its own. With the brilliant mare Cul Ban Mistress, she has won at every major pony show in Europe, including the Grand Prix in Fontainebleau.
JACK RYAN
Age: 16
From: Kilkenny
Horse: Cavalier Teaca (ISH), owned by Marguerite Ryan
Achievements: Jack has taken the national show jumping scene by storm since moving into the horse ranks well before his time. His achievements this season alone include numerous two-star wins in The Netherlands at the beginning of the year with Cavalier Teaca, and a fantastic run at the RDS qualifiers. He won the first 1.40m young rider qualifier in Cavan with his championship mount, won the six-year-old qualifier at the Meadows with BBS McGregor and has also qualified four-year-old DSH Cluen Castle and eight-year-old Moneybroom Dancer for the international young horse classes.
CIAN HARRISON
Age: 18
From: Sligo
Horse: Tabby (ISH)
Achievements: Cian was part of the winning pony Nations Cup team in Hagan 2016 with Knockeroghery Prince. In 2017 he made the move into horses and has had much success with Wannahave, most recently winning a two-star class at Mullingar International. Tabby joined his string at the beginning of this season and the pair are going from strength to strength. Cian has qualified Mr Big Cash for the 1.40m Young Rider class at the upcoming Dublin Horse Show.