FOURTEEN-year-old Max Wachman, from Co Tipperary, and Cuffesgrange Cavalidam (ISH) took the individual silver medal at the European Pony (Under 16) Show Jumping Championships in Bishop Burton, England, on Sunday.

The pair were just outside the medal places coming into today’s fourth round of jumping on a four fault total. They produced two foot-perfect clear rounds in the individual medal decider to rise onto the podium and take silver on an impressive five round total of just four faults.

Sweden’s Ingemar Hammarström and Ocean Des As were the only combination to finish on a zero score, thereby taking gold, while Britain’s Claudia Moore took bronze, on eight faults, after a jump-off.

Katie Power has also finished 10th for Ireland with Ghost Rider, while fellow GAIN Irish Pony team member Francis Derwin finished 15th with the Connemara Pony Cul Ban Mistress, and Lucy Shanahan finished 20th with Caliber-De.

Irish pony show jumping team manager Gary Marshall was thrilled with how all his GAIN pony team performed at the championships.

“We are all absolutely delighted with all our riders here this week," he said. "This is a very young team with all of them with many more years left in ponies and this was their first championships.

"They fought back really well in the final of the team competition and only missed out on team bronze after a jump-off by a single second. The riders improved every day here, it was great team building and they will be even stronger next year.

"Max Wachman really was fantastic on the final day. He has a superb trainer in Cian O’Connor and all the back up staff who really pulled together.

"I have to thank all the parents and of course our Team Ireland sponsors. We have a great program in place and it is delivering medals.”

SUPPORT

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy said: “Huge congratulations to Max on winning individual silver at the European Championships and to all our riders who have performed brilliantly during the week so far.

"As always, these results come thanks to the support of all those working in the background, parents, trainers, our sponsors and, of course, our pony team manager Gary Marshall.”

Mary Delaney, head of Equine at GAIN added: “A fantastic result, huge congratulations to Max Wachman on winning individual silver at the Europeans. Team Ireland have had unbelievable success this year at youth level.

"Congratulations once again to Max and his parents, and all the coaches and backroom team, the future is bright for Irish show jumping and we are delighted to support these talented young riders.”

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