Resilience. Growth. Rewards. For Eimhear Donaghy, 2024 has been a year that challenged, shaped, and inspired her in ways she never expected. From battling self-doubt to taking on her first international event, this year has been about pushing boundaries and proving what’s possible when heart, grit, and belief collide.

At the heart of it all is Gaia, her 6-year-old mare who’s been with her since she was 14. Together, they’ve gone from small 75cm classes to sharing the spotlight at some of the sport’s most prestigious venues. This year, they truly came of age as a partnership, and the journey has been unforgettable.

The Road to Blair Castle

If there’s one moment that defines 2024 for Eimhear, it’s Blair Castle Horse Trials. Taking on her first 1* International was no small feat, but finishing in the top 20 on a course that caught out some of the sport’s most seasoned riders? That’s something else entirely.

“I’ve produced Gaia from a 4-year-old to completing our first international as a 6-year-old,” Eimhear says, reflecting on their shared journey. It wasn’t just the result that made Blair special—it was how it felt. “The feeling Gaia gave me around Blair Castle was indescribable. It was the first time I truly felt like I was sitting on a proper event horse—one I could rely on with my whole heart.”

There’s also something extra powerful about competing for a bigger cause. At Blair, Eimhear rode under the banner of Tiggy’s Trust, honoring the legacy of Tiggy Hancock. “Riding in my yellow colors fills me with so much pride and joy,” she shares. Representing the Trust alongside other young Irish riders was more than just a competition—it was about heart, memory, and purpose. “It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

The Power of Support

If there’s one thing Eimhear wants people to know, it’s that she didn’t do this alone. Her success this year has been a shared effort, and she doesn’t take it for granted.

Her parents are at the heart of it all. From long road trips to giving up entire weekends for competitions, their support never wavered. “From driving us to events to giving up weekends, their unwavering support and belief are the foundation of everything we’ve achieved,” she says.

Her instructors have also played a massive role in her development as a rider. Ian Fearon, Terry Boon, and Nicky Corr have been her guiding lights. “Your guidance and expertise, week after week, have not only improved my skills but also inspired me to push harder and dream bigger,” she says. Their belief in both Eimhear and Gaia has helped them rise through the ranks.

But it’s not just family and coaches who have made a difference. Her friends have been there through the highs and the lows, reminding her that she’s capable, even when she doesn’t believe it herself. “Their words of support before I enter the ring and the laughs we’ve shared along the way mean everything to me,” she shares. On the hardest days, they’ve been her steady ground.

Finally, she gives a heartfelt thanks to Jane Hancock and the team at Tiggy’s Trust. Riding under the Trust’s banner has been a true honor for Eimhear, and the chance to contribute to something so meaningful gave her season an extra layer of purpose. “Being part of Tiggy’s legacy is an honor I’ll carry with me every single day,” she says.

Moments to Treasure

Every rider has those moments that stay with them. For Eimhear, Balmoral Show is right up there. She was the youngest rider in her class, and the pressure was on as she rode into the main arena first in her class. Terrifying? Absolutely. But she rose to the challenge. “To jump clear—one of only three clear rounds in the entire class—was a moment I’ll never forget. It felt like a mix of adrenaline, pride, and awe.”

It was one of those moments that silences the doubters. “Not only did I prove the doubters wrong, but I made my family and friends proud. That sense of accomplishment is something I can’t put into words.”

Moments like these don’t just happen. They’re built on years of hard work, sweat, and belief—belief in the horse and belief in yourself. This year, Eimhear had both.

Balancing Life and Horses

Juggling horses and college life is no small feat, but Eimhear takes it all in stride. “My typical day starts when I get home from college around 1 o’clock. I head straight to the horses to ride while there’s still daylight, and then it’s mucking out, feeding, and getting everything ready for the next day.” Winter brings extra challenges with shorter days, but her parents’ help ensures everything runs smoothly.

Despite the rigorous routine, Eimhear finds time for friends and schoolwork, proving that balance is possible with the right support and determination. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it when the results come through,” she adds.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

If you asked Eimhear to describe 2024 in one sentence, she’d tell you it was about “resilience and rewards.” There were challenges, sure, but they were met head-on. This year, she grew in every sense of the word—not just as a rider, but as a person. “This year has given me so much more than I ever thought it would. Together, Gaia and I proved the doubters wrong, gained confidence, and had fun doing it all.”

Looking ahead, her theme for 2025 is simple but powerful: “growth.” Growth as a rider. Growth as a person. Growth in her connection with Gaia. She has big goals for the next season, and she’s not shy about naming them. She’s aiming for the RDS. “Last year, my exams got in the way, but this time, I feel ready to give it everything we’ve got,” she says.

Her ambitions don’t stop there. She hopes to move Gaia up to EI110 and take on her first 2* event. But for Eimhear, it’s not just about the competitions—it’s about showing up every day, doing the work, and becoming the kind of rider she can be proud of.

Words of Wisdom

If she could give herself advice at the start of the year, Eimhear would say: “Stop being so hard on yourself. Embrace the successes, the setbacks, and every lesson in between. It’s easy to get caught up in perfection, but the reality is, the joy is in the journey.”

For Eimhear, the year has been about more than ribbons or results—it’s been about the memories created, the lessons learned, and the bond built with Gaia. “The ups and downs are what shape us, teach us resilience, and make us stronger. It’s all worth it for moments like Blair and Balmoral.”

Resilience and Rewards

As Eimhear reflects on 2024, her chosen words, “resilience and rewards,” capture the essence of her year. It was a season of challenges, growth, and deeply rewarding milestones. Her story is a reminder of what makes grassroots equestrianism so special: the resilience to overcome, the power of a strong support team, and the joy of partnership with a beloved horse.

With her eyes set on even greater challenges in 2025, Eimhear’s journey is inspiring. We love the dedication, the ambition and the incredible support at the heart of what she does.

A New Chapter for Grassroots Equestrianism

Eimhear’s story is just the beginning of a new special feature series from The Grassroots Gazette. This “My Year In Review” series is designed to spotlight the stories, struggles, and successes of grassroots equestrians from across the community. Each rider’s journey will be different, but all of them will highlight the unshakable passion and perseverance it takes to be part of this sport.

These stories aren’t just about wins or ribbons; they’re about the moments that matter—the dedication, the ambition, the partnerships, the growth, and the people, villages and communities behind it all. The goal of the article series is to provide a platform where grassroots riders like Eimhear can reflect on their year and celebrate every part of the journey, from the setbacks to the soaring successes.

Eimhear Donaghy’s story sets the tone for what’s to come. Her journey is one od passion and purpose. What a future she has ahead, a real Rising Star.

As this series unfolds, readers will see more stories like hers—full of inspiration, challenges, and the unrelenting spirit of grassroots equestrians across the island of Ireland. Grassroots equestrians are the epitome of the relentless pursuit. Of partnership, of goals, of wanting to be better. Check back tomorrow for the next piece in the series.