The Ballivor Horse Show, held in Coolronan, County Meath, is one of Ireland’s longest-running equestrian events, drawing participants and spectators from across the country. This year, the show was particularly memorable for Lucy Lennon, a young rider who competed in the small hunter class for the first time. Lucy’s experience at the Ballivor Horse Show was filled with lots of excitement and a notable victory.

Lucy’s First Experience at the Ballivor Horse Show

For Lucy, the Ballivor Horse Show was unique not just for the competition but for the personal milestone it represented – winning a qualifier for the small hunter finals. “I think this show is unique for me anyway because it was the first time I won a qualifier for the small hunter finals, and I’m very grateful they ran this qualifier,” Lucy said.

Preparation and Performance

Preparing for the small hunter class at the Ballivor Horse Show was no small feat for Lucy. She spent a considerable amount of time working at home at Kilbride Equestrian Centre. With support from her family, especially her mother Bianca, and the excellent facilities at her yard, Lucy was able to train with Diamante. “I prepared by working hard at home as I am blessed to have such a lovely arena and farm at home,” she shared. Her preparation involved lots of practice in the arena but also making sure Diamante had relaxed rides in the woods, which helped them stay sharp and ready for the competition.

When Lucy entered the ring, initial nerves came to the forefront as the class progressed. The judging criteria for the small hunter class focused on the horse’s conformation, character, and presence. Despite the pressure, Lucy and Diamante showcased their strong bond and their time put into practice paid off. “When I first went into the ring, I was nervous, but as the class went on, I felt very confident and relaxed. I didn’t expect to do so well,” Lucy reflected.

Memorable Moments and Highlights

One of the most memorable moments for Lucy was being named the first-place winner in the small hunter class. The sense of accomplishment she felt was profound, as it was a well earned result for all the efforts she and Diamante had put in. “The main moment was being picked as first place. I was in shock, and all I could do was pat and hug Diamante. We both worked hard to be there, and it all felt like the puzzle pieces were in place,” she recalled.

Winning this class was particularly significant for Lucy as it qualified her for the small hunter final at the Killusty Pony Show. This milestone was not just a testament to her hard work but also a boost to her confidence and mental well-being, especially after a challenging period of not being able to compete with her pony. “Being qualified means so much as it has been such a great year with him and competing at such a great show means so much. Unfortunately, I did not get to compete with my pony, so last and this year has really helped my confidence and most importantly my mental health,” Lucy explained.

Future Goals and Advice

Looking ahead to the Killusty Pony Show, Lucy remains focused on enjoying the experience with Diamante. While she doesn’t have high expectations, her primary goal is to have fun and continue building on their partnership. “I feel as though I don’t have high expectations; that might sound a bit harsh, but I am so thankful to qualify so far. But I still want myself and my horse to have fun—that’s the main thing, of course,” she noted. Preparation for the final will involve a balance of training and lots of hacking in the woods to keep Diamante engaged and ready.

For aspiring riders, Lucy’s advice is simple yet profound: “The advice I would give for people wanting to start showing is to focus on what you’re doing and nobody else.” This mindset has helped her stay grounded and motivated.

Future Plans

Lucy is grateful for the support she has received from various organisations and individuals, particularly her mother and those who have been a huge part of hers and Diamante’s journey. After the Killusty Pony Show, Lucy plans to compete in the Dublin Horse Show, entering both the small hunters and the intermediate show hunter classes. This upcoming event marks another exciting chapter in her riding career. “My future plans after the Killusty Pony Show are competing in the Dublin Horse Show. I am competing in the small hunters and the intermediate show hunter. This year at Dublin Horse Show will be the first time since the lead rein, which I competed in many moons ago,” she shared.

Lucy’s journey can be followed on her Instagram account, @lucylennon.eq, and her Facebook page, Lucy Lennon. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep love for the sport.