‘Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh siad’ is an Irish proverb that means
‘praise youth and they will prosper’. This ancient adage was borne out
in some style by the performance of Ireland’s top pony riders just
three weeks ago at the European Championships in Belgium.

In an
unprecedented weekend, Ireland scooped three medals: an individual gold
medal, a team silver medal for showjumping and an individual bronze
medal for eventing.

Sixteen-year-old Kellie Allen, from Kells
in Co Meath, riding Anthony McCormick’s seven-year-old Connemara pony
Ballyowen Maybell Molly, leapt to the top of her game by securing a
gold medal after a jump off against Denmark’s Christiane Tetzlaff.

In a remarkable series of rounds, Allen accumulated just four jumping faults over the entire weekend of competition.

The young rider also played a pivotal role in the team winning a silver medal.

In
the Pony Nation’s Cup, clear rounds from Kellie, Emma O’Dwyer, riding
Edna, and Michael Duffy, riding Silogue Darkie, meant the team could
discard Emily Turkington and Sambo Lino’s five faults in the first
round, to put Ireland into the lead.

Advance

However,
a raft of single mistakes from Ireland in the second round allowed the
Danish team to advance from their runner-up spot to claim European
Championship gold on an eight-fault total.

Ireland claimed the silver medal position on a total score of 12 faults, while Germany took the bronze medal on 16 faults.

Emma
O’Dwyer and Edna went on to take fourth place in the individual finals,
while Michael Duffy and Silogue Darkie finished in equal seventh place.

Later that day, Ireland added another medal to its haul when
Joseph O’Brien, riding Ice Cool Bailey, stepped on to the podium to
take home individual bronze in the European eventing championships.

Sixteen-year-old
O’Brien, son of leading trainer Aidan O’Brien, finished on 47.30
penalties, with Germany’s Jule Wewer taking gold on 41.70 and Belgium’s
Pieter Kenis winning silver with 45.70.

Ian Fearon, Horse Sport
Ireland (HSI) pony showjumping high performance coach and Ireland’s
chef d’equipe, described the team and individual results as “fantastic”.

“Kellie
Allen’s performance on Ballyowen Maybell Molly was a fantastic
achievement,” he said. “To win a European gold medal is the dream of
every rider and for her to do this at such a young age is a terrific
boost to her career.”

Commenting on Ireland’s total medal tally,
an elated Mr Fearon said: “I don’t believe Ireland has ever come home
with a gold, silver and bronze medal from a European Championships and
I’d like to thank all the riders and all the owners who made this
possible.”

Sue Shortt, HSI pony eventing high performance coach,
said Joseph O’Brien had put up an amazing performance over the three
days.

“Joseph is a superb talent and he rode brilliantly throughout and really deserves his medal,” she said.

So what do all these young riders have in common? What does it take to become a top rider before even finishing school?

Determination, focus and professionalism, according to HSI high performance co-ordinator, Heather Coyle.

“All
of the riders are very, very professional in their attitude,” she
explains. “They are absolutely focused on what’s needed to go out and
get medals.

“Many of them have already decided that this will be a career for them and they are determined to reach their goals.”

To
secure a place on the European Championships showjumping team, each
pony and rider combination had to qualify at a gruelling three- day
competition held at Barnadown Equestrian Centre.

An
international course designer was brought in to design a challenging
track with 1.40m fences set at extremely technical distances.

“At
European level, you need a pony with an awful lot of scope and a rider
that has the knowledge to ride a very technical course,” she said.

Kellie
Allen has determination in spades. The 16-year-old opted to do a
transition year in school this year, allowing her a more relaxed
academic term so that she could concentrate fully on achieving a place
on the European team.

In January, she travelled to Switzerland to spend a month training intensively with international showjumper Thomas Fuchs.

During term time she gets home as quickly as possible to ride out several ponies.

“During my holidays I get to ride about eight ponies a day, giving them a good workout,” she said.

“It
was amazing to win the gold medal. I knew we had a very strong team
going out so I was confident enough, but I was on the youngest pony on
the team so I didn’t expect to win gold,” she laughed.

Her sights are now set on a career within the equestrian world, but only, as she says herself, “if I can get better”.

She
plans to travel abroad for more training, including a planned stint
with John Madden, husband of United States international rider Beezie
Madden.

However, the young jumper is mindful that not every
young rider makes it to the top at senior level, despite success in the
pony ranks.

“If it doesn’t work out with horses, I hope to do PE teaching in college,” she said.

There is no doubt she has the attributes of an all-round sportswoman –
she has racked up successes in no less than three sports so far.

Just
a week after winning European gold, the youngster scored a goal to help
her Meath county team beat Donegal in the All Ireland U16 ladies
football championship.

On the following day, she rode another
pony, Prospect Peter, to victory in the prestigious 148cm championship
at the Dublin Horse Show.

Not only that, but she is waiting
nervously to hear how she got on in trials for the Irish U16 ladies
soccer team, having previously represented Ireland at U15 level.

Kellie’s
mum, Lucy, is well aware of how intense a top level career with horses
can be, having worked for Swiss showjumper Thomas Fuchs for 10 years.

“Since she started riding at six years of age, it’s always been my dream for her to do well,” said Lucy.

“The
Europeans have always been an aim for her and we are lucky that she is
a great rider and everything has gone so well for her.”

So what is it like to see your daughter standing on a podium with a gold medal around her neck?

“Absolutely amazing. We were so delighted with the team silver and then for Kellie to get gold was just, wow.

Strides

“In the jump off, Kellie rode against a Danish girl who was also riding an Irish pony.

“Kellie
went first and she took out a couple of strides and put in a few neat
turns, conscious of the clock,” she said. “Then the Danish girl went
out to beat Kellie’s time and really stood off the last fence but she
fell off.

“It was heart-wrenching for her,” said Lucy, with the
sympathy of a mother who knows only too well how easily things can go
wrong in competition.

European-level eventing is no less
competitive, and Tipperary’s Joseph O’Brien has proved to the world
that he has inherited his father’s consummate professionalism. Together
with team mates Angela Dennehy (Rose Down), Anne Molony (Boston
Burgler), Jane Hannigan (Castleview Rakish Milly), Shane Power
(Tullibards Squaw) and Shona McAuliffe (Three Wells Breeze), O’Brien
and his mount, Ice Cool Bailey, trained for several months prior to the
competition with flatwork coach Sue Smallman and showjumping chief Ian
Fearon.

“These kids know that the harder you work, the luckier
you become and the better your results are,” said HSI eventing coach
Sue Shortt.

“The eventing championships become ever more professional as the years go on, particularly in the dressage element.”

O’Brien was lying in third place after the dressage phase — a fantastic result for any Irish rider.

“We
had two riders in the top 10 after dressage, which is almost unheard of
for an Irish team because it is always our weakness, as a nation,” said
Ms Shortt.

“It was a great testament to the training and their dedication.”

O’Brien,
who this year started race riding for his father, put in stirring
performances in cross country and jumping to maintain his place and
secure his individual bronze medal.

“Joseph is one of the most
talented riders I’ve ever seen throw a leg over a pony and he
thoroughly deserves everything he wins,” said Ms Shortt.

“Joseph, and the other riders who competed are motivated, fit and focused on their job, despite their age.”

The future looks bright for Ireland’s young guns.

When it comes to horseback riding, the importance of a bridle is obvious. A horse bridle comes with different pieces such as the brow-band, nose-band, cheek-pieces and throat-lash. For the comfort of the horse as well as the rider, it is necessary to adjust each piece so that the bridle fits correctly. Mismatching can often affect the horse’s gait and cooperation. When bought, bridles are always very stiff. Neatsfoot oil is a good solution for making it supple and conditioning the leather for long term durability. There are different kinds of horse bridles. Each one is meant for different purposes and techniques in horse riding.

Snaffle bridle: This is a bridle with a lot of adaptability. It can be used for various purposes like dressage riding, general exercising, eventing, polo and racing. This horse bridle has a head-piece, brow-band, cheek-pieces, nose-band, reins and bit. The snaffle bridles can be fitted with a flash strap that is attached to the noseband and fastens around the mouth to help keep the horse’s mouth closed to aid control.

Western bridle: These bridles are used for long trail rides and are therefore light weight and apt for hot conditions. They are mainly used in barrel-racing and cutting competitions. This bridle has a head-piece and a brow-band, either a full brow-band, split-eared brow-band or a one-eared brow-band. It is worn without a nose-band. The bit that is used with this bridle is a western curb-bit that has split reins at the end rather than one with a joined buckle.

Double bridle: This bridle provides a great level of control over the horse since there would be two bits in the horse’s mouth instead of one. This can be used for showing and advanced level of dressage riding. A double bridle also has a head-piece, brow-band and cheek-pieces. The nose-band is designed as a cavesson, which encircles the nose to avoid interference by the action of the bit. There are two bits, one attached to the cheek-pieces and the other attached to the bridoon-sliphead, which features 2 sets of reins one set wider than the other the curb rein being narrow for more control.

Endurance bridle: This bridle helps when the horse has stopped to drink water. Its main use is for general exercise and long-distance riding. In this bridle, the bit can be removed to use the head-collar or for the bridle to be used as a bitless bridle, made from lightweight webbing material.

While choosing a horse bridle, there are a few things you need to take care of:

You need to decide on the type of material for the bridle. This has to be decided upon based on your preference and your budget. There are horse bridles varying from webbing, plastic to leather. Leather bridles are always preferable, though they can be on the expensive side. You have to consider the extent, kind of use and safety as well in order to decide on the material of the bridle.

Decide on the colour of the bridle. This depends on your personal preference. However, it will be a good idea to consider the colour of your horse and the saddle so that everything matches while choosing the horse bridle.

Next, you need to decide on the weight of the bridle. You could either get a heavyweight one or a lightweight one. Once again, this depends on your preference and the breed of the horse, as a large cob or heavyweight hunter will need a heavyweight bridles and smaller native breeds and children’s ponies will need lightweight styles.

Before buying the bridle, take the accurate measurements of the horse’s head, cheek and neck. An ill-fitting horse bridle can create discomfort for not only the horse but also the rider.

While buying the bridle, make sure that the nose-band that comes with the bridle suits the horse.
Make sure that the bridle is not too tight and doesn’t choke the horse. It’s always better to clean and condition the horse bridle after using two or three times.

Do not give preference for the appearance of the horse bridle. Comfort and safety of the horse and the rider comes first.

When it comes to horseback riding, the importance of a bridle is obvious. A horse bridle comes with different pieces such as brow-band, nose-band, cheek-pieces and throat-lash. For the comfort of the horse as well as the rider, it is necessary to adjust each piece so that the bridle fits correctly. Mismatching can often affect the horse’s gait and co-operation.

Do you ever get the feeling that dressage training is just for an elite horse and rider ? You feel like if you ride a Quarter Horse, an Arabian, a Haflinger or wear a Stetson and chaps you could never do dressage? The entire sport is shrouded in mystery and how could you ever presume to think that you might be one of the chosen few who will ever truly understand or see the light?

Yet lately every time you turn around you’ve been hearing how horseback riders from all different disciplines have been incorporating dressage into their training programs. It sounds intriguing and you shyly think, How about me? Can I? Will I like it? Will it help? How do I get started? Do I need special equipment or clothing? Is my horse fancy enough?

Well How about you? According to the USEF rulebook, the object of dressage training is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the riding horse calm, supple, attentive, and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider. Does that sound like something that might appeal to you?

Is there really anyone out there who doesn’t enjoy riding a horse who is relaxed, forward, rhythmic, straight, supple, and obedient? To be sure, the career dressage horse also has to show some other special abilities such as to collect. But we’re not taking about the wannabee Grand Prix horse here. We’re talking about your average horse-on-the-street. The one that’s fun to ride because he’s comfortable and cooperative.

Wouldn’t you like to be riding a horse that’s relaxed, obedient, and a pleasure to ride whether you jump courses, cut cows, do a reining pattern, or specialize in dressage riding ? Wouldn’t it just be plain fun to have a horse that willingly and enthusiastically responds to the most refined, invisible signals?

Dressage training can help every horse and rider develop a nonverbal language-a way to clearly communicate with your partner so that you can begin to function as one. Don’t be afraid! Jump in and join the fun!