“Steve came into my life as a three-year-old Dutch sports pony. He’d been sent to Wild Atlantic Sport Horses to be started under saddle, and even back then, as a young stallion, he had a calm, composed nature that stood out.” You can feel the affection from the start on this one.

“Then I got the opportunity to school him both at home and at shows, I quickly realised he was something special. Over the last two years, we’ve developed a strong partnership. He’s the kind of pony who gives you his best every time.” Molly McCarthy talking about her 5 pony Steve.

“He’s always a pleasure to work with,” she told me. “Even as a young stallion, he was a gentleman to handle and ride.”

As a four-year-old, I entered him in a few SJI classes and some one-day events to help build his experience. It wasn’t long before we started to see his potential. But as I was ageing out of pony classes, I knew I wouldn’t be able to compete him in showjumping much longer. That was a tough pill to swallow, but there were other avenues to explore. To further his education, we tried him in working hunter classes, and he took to it better than expected. His success there led us to enter a qualifier, more for experience than anything else.

The first qualifier at Sceilig Sport Horses was a shock to the system. The course was bigger and more challenging than either of us had expected. We got through it, but it wasn’t pretty. Still, when you’re competing against some seasoned older ponies who are also struggling, you don’t feel quite as bad about giving it another go. The next stop was Mullingar.

In the run-up to Mullingar, I focused on schooling at home and put in some cross-country work at Scarteen. We also got help from Rosemarie Ahern to refine our showpiece. By the time we arrived in Mullingar, we were ready. The course was another big one, but this time it all clicked. We had one pole down, but it was enough to qualify.

Steve’s qualities really shone through—his intelligence, bravery, and carefulness. And at home, he’s just as easy to deal with. He’s a character in the yard, loves his stable toys, and is happy sharing a field with another gelding. Even stabled beside a mare, nothing bothers him. He’s got that relaxed, happy attitude that makes him a pleasure to work with.

In terms of care, the horses are fed on Red Mills Horse Care 10 or Ultra, with Define and Shine added for the ponies in the run-up to Dublin. Hacking is a big part of their routine. Most days, they’re out on the trails, working on flatwork. We’re lucky to have stunning views by the sea, and I make sure not to overdo the arena work, especially with young ponies. They jump about once a week, either at home or at a show, just to keep things balanced.

When it comes to big shows, I try to keep things the same as on any schooling day. “Horses feed off our energy, so it’s important to stay calm and relaxed,” she explained. “Even at the big shows, we stick to the routine and give them plenty of downtime.” That approach paid off in Mullingar, and it was the same when we headed to Dublin.

I work with a lot of young ponies and horses, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about producing them. Of course, there are tough days, but when you reach a goal like qualifying for Dublin, it’s all worth it. Next year, we’re aiming for the 6/7-year-old showjumping classes at the RDS, and hopefully, we’ll get another shot at the working hunter classes too.

Qualifying for Dublin was one of those moments that didn’t feel real until the day before, when I was schooling Steve around the Showgrounds. It hit me then what an incredible experience it was going to be. And when we finally entered the ring in front of that crowd, it was unreal.

“To jump in Dublin has always been a dream,” she said. “When I realised we’d made it, I couldn’t believe it. I knew I had to give it my best.”

Despite the pressure, I kept my nerves in check and focused on enjoying the experience. If we placed, great, but I wasn’t going to let anything take away from the fact that we were there. My trainers at Wild Atlantic Sport Horses were brilliant throughout, never putting pressure on me but always pushing me to be my best. I couldn’t have done it without their support.

Steve exceeded all my expectations at Dublin. He took the crowd and the atmosphere in stride, and I couldn’t have been prouder. “He really rose to the occasion and proved himself,” she said, reflecting on the experience.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d pass on, it’s this: work hard, ride as many ponies as you can—especially the tricky ones—and learn from every single one of them. Surround yourself with positive people and remember to enjoy the process. Every step is part of the journey.

Ends.

It’s been cool to follow this partnership and it might be something we do more of here at Grassroots. It is always nice to watch both rider and pony grow together, they are the N3xt Generation.

Steve’s a credit to the careful handling and training he’s received, and their journey is only just beginning. With big plans on the horizon, I’ve no doubt we’ll be hearing much more from this duo. I’ll be keeping an eye on their progress, especially when they hit the RDS next year.

– Until next time, 

Shane