Swan heading for Europe

Cloughjordan showjumper Olivia Swan has risen through the ranks to land a significant victory in a specially stages long format Tredstep CCIP2*-L at the Kilguilkey International Horse Trials in Mallow recently.

With a place on the team for the European Championships at stake, Swan aboard Rockon Pedro, produced one of the fastest clear rounds across the country, and holding second spot overnight, capped that feat with a clear round over the coloured poles, edging out Tiggy Hancock (Coppenagh Spring Sparrow) and Grace Tyrrell (Fiona's Fioen).

“It was a tight time, but he was really good, and gave me my best round ever in the country,” Olivia said in the Irish Field last week.

The duo had an uncharacteristic at the Tattersalls Horse Trials last month but this has been the only blip for the pair who have finished in the top two all season.

Only an eight year old, the part-bred Connemara was sourced from Kiara Malcolmson, who had produced and campaigned the pony at the start of his career.

“Olivia now has two wins at international level which has secured her place,” said national team coach Becky Cullen ahead of the European Championships which will take place in Poland later this month.

Swan, who just turned sixteen earlier this month, is the daughter of Charlie and Olivia Swan, and was supported on the day by grandparents Teresa and Donald Swan.