Pony rider profile: Maisie Adams

Name: Maisie Adams

Category: Pony rider

Age: 14

Parents: Dale and Gary Adams

From: Gorey Co. Wexford

Tell us about your top ponies? Ravara Mohawk was my first special pony. He always had unlimited scope and a willing attitude but struggled with his balance. I managed to qualify him for Dublin on our first attempt, were we were one of three triple clears that day. We went to the qualifier with little expectations and experience, and we came away knowing we had one of the best 128cms in the country.

Dunlewey Redshank is my 138cm pony. He helped me get used to the big tracks and nothing fazes him. He is very fast against the clock and looks gorgeous while doing it! Riot del Pegulil is my other 138cm. We bought her last year and she is a fiery chesnut mare with plenty of talent. You have to think ahead with her because everything comes up fast.

We got Lexius “E” Van Het Juxshot just before Dublin. He is a 12-year-old 148cm and is extremely hard working with a great attitude. He’s very rideable and has stepped me up to Grand Prix tracks already.

Trainer: Denis Flannelly has helped me a lot with my accuracy and confidence. We are also very lucky to have Pippa Teggin, who has competed up to Grand Prix Level in dressage, living nearby. She comes to our house to help us with flatwork that can be used in the ring like flying changes. Mammy is a HSI Level 2 Coach and takes what the trainers say on board to reinforce it at home.

Who is your greatest influence?

My mother, because she’s always at the shows to help us and she also works hard at home while I’m in school. She helps me produce the younger ponies and is always setting up exercises for me to do when I get home.

Who is the rider you most look up to?

I look up to Edwina Tops Alexander because I think she is a great inspiration to female riders.

What are your greatest achievements so far?

Finishing fourth in the Pony Premier Final with Riot del Pegulil and coming fifth in the Premier in Mullingar with Dunlewey Redshank. I also managed to qualify both of these ponies for Dublin at the first qualifier, but opted to withdraw Lewey. Dunlewey Redshank also won the Spring Tour in Cavan and jumped a double clear for the Irish team in Wales for a silver medal. I also qualified a home produced five-year-old, Foran’s Daylight, for the equitation class in Dublin at our first attempt. Placing in my first 148cm Grand Prix with Lexius “E” Van Het Juxshot was another highlight.

What are the key things you learned from the 2019 season?

No matter how bad things are now, don’t give up or lose trust in the pony because once that happens the pony will lose faith in you. When things go wrong, go back to basics. You can never do too many canter poles. Work harder and set realistic goals.

Goals for 2020?

I will aim my five-year-old, Foran’s Daylight for the six/seven-year-old RDS Qualifiers and the Starfinder classes. On Lexius “E” Van Het Juxshot, I will work towards the RDS Qualifiers and Premiers and all going well we’ll maybe take him abroad to gain experience travelling to foreign shows.

Maisie Adams was in conversation with Emer Bermingham