Part two of our chat with the MWR Winning team and we are joined by Niamh Macken. Congratulations on your incredible victory Niamh, what a performance, what a team and what result. How did you feel when you found out you had won?

Shocked really, I couldn’t believe we had won, I had no idea were even in the running. So it was a huge surprise to find out we had actually won. 

How does it feel winning as part of a team? 

Well, in the days leading up to the Nationals I was really starting to regret putting my name forward to go on a Team, and it was my first Dressage Ireland Nationals and I didn’t know how it would all go, but I’m so glad I put my name forward now! 

How did you, and your horse prepare for this competition? 

I went for a good few lessons with my Coach, Christa Dillon, and we also hired out a Long Arena that was set up in Redhills in Kildare to Practice the 4 loop serpentine part of my test, and also to just get some practise in a Long arena in. And then just put in the hard work at home. 

Describe the bond you’ve developed with your horse that has brought you here at The Nationals?

I’ve had Henry, who is an 8 year old Irish Draught, since he was a just backed 4 year old, so while we have only been members of Dressage Ireland the past 2 years, we have done a good bit of Riding Club shows before this, so I knew the big competition atmosphere wouldn’t phase him. He is very laid back (a bit too laid back at times) But I knew he wouldn’t let me down on the day and just go in and do the job. 

What was the most memorable moment from your performance at the Dressage Ireland National Championships this weekend?

Apart from the Amazing Team win, It was coming 3^rd in the Prelim Category 1, at my First Dressage Ireland Nationals, in a huge class of around 55 competitors. I was over the moon with that result. 

Winning as a team is a fantastic achievement. Can you tell us about the teamwork and support that is needed to be successful?  We were in an odd situation in that most of us only knew one other person in the team, as our region is so big, but I knew that we were all just going out to try our best, and see what happened. There was no pressure at all. 

What do you want to say to your teammates? The smiles in the photos said a lot. I actually only knew Tracy in Person, and Nina I followed on Instagram, but as we tried to find out if we had won on Saturday night, Cassandra set up a WhatsApp group, and the craic was mighty,  so I reckon we will all be great friends from now on and be able to support each other at shows in the future. 

How important is the backing and belief of your support group in achieving this level of success? It really takes a village. My Coach Christa Dillon and my friends had alot more belief that I did! It was great to have Christa there in a warm up each day, even though she was competing herself, she was there to help me and get us prepared for the Tests. Which was brilliant, as we entered the arena with confidence each day. 

If you want to give a shout out to any sponsors, partners, colleagues or anyone we have missed: Shout now 😉 

Thanks to my boyfriend Joe, who has to put up with me being gone with the horse alot ☺, My parents, friends and family for putting up with me and my sorry I cant go …..  I have a show / lesson / some other horsey thing on . To Henrys Breeder – Mike Reynolds who lives up the road, Eddie & Camilla Igoe, who I bought Henry from, and I keep on their yard, he is minded like one of their own. Fiona Scott in Grennans in Moate who gets in my Top Spec feed for me. To Judi, Marie & Rachel for coming to Mullingar to watch. And to everyone who has sent us messages of Good Luck in the lead up to the show and then congrats in the last few days! 

Also thanks to Jane Whitaker and Claire from Dressage Ireland and to Mullingar Equestrian Centre for running a Brilliant show.  

What lessons have you learned from your journey in dressage that have had a positive impact on your life beyond the arena? As I usually go to shows on my own, its made me more confident going to any situation on my own, be it for work or anything else. 

Reflecting on your experience, what would you say is the most valuable thing you’ve gained from your partnership with your horse? I suppose Ive learned that if you work hard, practise, and do the basic’s right, it will pay off. 

How do you plan to continue your journey in dressage, and what are your future goals? I plan to move up and start doing Novice, and just keep try to improve and see where we end up!