For Niamh McEvoy, the road to victory at the Dublin Horse Show’s Six-Year-Old Championship was paved with meticulous planning, hard work, and the undeniable talent of her horse, Boleybawn Alvaro. After securing a 3rd place finish in the Five-Year-Old Championship last year, Niamh had her sights set on a return to Dublin with Alvaro—and this year, they exceeded all expectations.

“Dublin is generally the pinnacle of the year for most Irish showjumpers,” Niamh explains. From the beginning of the year, she and her team devised a show plan tailored specifically for Alvaro, aimed squarely at the Dublin Horse Show. The results speak for themselves. “I’m glad to see it’s been successful so far!” she adds, reflecting on their journey with pride.

Boleybawn Alvaro isn’t just any horse; he’s a standout with a bright future. Niamh describes him as having a “fantastic mindset” and praises his careful and athletic nature. “He feels like a horse with a massive future as everything feels easy for him,” she says. This natural ability, combined with their evolving partnership, made them a formidable duo in the competition.

Securing a rosette at Dublin is always a special achievement, but this year’s win felt particularly significant for Niamh. “It was a little tricky in the first round,” she recalls. With only four clear rounds, the competitors decided against a jump-off, and Alvaro’s fast, clear round earned them the top spot. “It was great to get the rug!” Niamh beams, her satisfaction evident.

The Dublin Horse Show holds a special place in the hearts of Irish riders, and Niamh is no exception. Competing in such a prestigious event brings a mix of excitement and nerves. “It’s amazing to ride in Dublin with the great atmosphere,” she says. Despite the pressure, Niamh was thrilled with how Alvaro and her other horses performed, a testament to their preparation and her composure in the ring.

Behind every successful rider is a team of dedicated individuals, and Niamh is quick to acknowledge the key members of her support system. “I’m very lucky to work at Greg Broderick’s in Ballypatrick,” she says. The large team there plays a crucial role in her success, from the trainers, Greg Broderick and Brian Cassidy, to the grooms, Kym Doherty and Lisa Bushaway, who she describes as “brilliant with the horses.” Their collective effort is a big part of what makes success like this possible.

Training and preparation are essential for an event like Dublin, and Niamh and her team work tirelessly to ensure their horses are ready. “We make a plan for each horse coming up to Dublin and try to add as much variety as possible to keep the horses happy and healthy,” she explains. This approach, focused on both physical readiness and mental well-being, is key to their success.

The Dublin Horse Show’s reputation is unmatched, and Niamh highlights what makes it so special. “It’s the championships for our young horses and Ireland’s only 5*,” she says. The atmosphere, the arena, and the prestige of the event combine to create an experience that every Irish rider cherishes. For Niamh, competing here is a dream come true, and winning in such an environment is even more rewarding.

For those aspiring to reach this level, Niamh offers words of wisdom. “It’s a very challenging sport and there can be more bad days than good, but it’s very important to always stay determined and work hard,” she advises. Her own journey is a testament to this mindset—persistence and dedication can lead to incredible achievements.

Keeping a horse in peak condition for a high-stakes event like Dublin requires careful attention to both physical and mental health. Niamh emphasises the importance of good nutrition, proper aftercare, and ensuring that horses have time to relax and move freely. “We make a plan for them all to ensure they are in the best form ahead of a show like Dublin,” she says, highlighting the holistic approach they take.

As she reflects on this significant victory, Niamh is full of gratitude for her team. “It’s a big team effort, and I’m lucky to have such a great group of people around me!” she says. Celebrations were certainly in order after such a successful showing, but Niamh’s focus is already on the future. Next up is the Irish Breeders Classic, followed by the Lanaken World Breeding Championships in September.

Niamh McEvoy’s win at the Dublin Horse Show’s Six-Year-Old Championship is a result talent, sacrifice, of careful planning, a strong support team, and an exceptional horse. As she looks ahead, the future for Niamh and Boleybawn Alvaro is bright, with many more milestones on the horizon.