LAST Sunday was a big day for the O’Connor family at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. While Cian was thrilled to win the two-star Grand Prix at the venue with Careca LS Elite, it was his son Ben’s debut in the saddle that gave him and his wife, Ruth, the most pleasure.

Arranged by Ali Sweetnam, seven-year-old Ben rode the bay pony Wait For Me in the Younger Cross Rail Hunters class. Another ‘next generation’ spotted on the startlist was Sophia Pessoa, daughter of Brazilian Olympian and former Irish chef d’equipe Rodrigo Pessoa. Ben was cheered on by his little sister Cara (4) who also has a love for horses. Ones to watch!