Talented Young Rider Makes A Big First Impression
Peter Flanagan & Armani competing in the 1.25 at Mullinagar
A talented new young rider has entered the equestrian scene this year called Peter Flanagan from Maghera. While he began riding ponies at the age of 10, it wasn’t until this year that he registered with SJI to compete a number of upcoming horses owned by McFadden Civils and Herbst Machinery.
Peter started jumping his own horse Armani, a 10 year old KWPN gelding in the end of May 2014 at Mullingar International Equestrian Centre. Four weeks later he was appointed by Des McFadden and Noel Good as their new Rider for McFadden Civils and Herbst Machinery, and six days after his appointment he had now had three mounts for the 2014, 125/130 Young Rider RDS Qualifier at Mullingar International. The pressure was on for this new and upcoming rider!
Two of the 11 clear rounds out of over 100 horse and rider combinations were Peter’s. He rode Noel Good’s “Herbst Acapella” and Des McFadden & Shane McFadden’s “Quick Jack” to gain 9th and 11th place.
Armani in the Eglinton Championship 1.10 Final
Peter went on to visit many of the Ulster Regions Agricultural shows gaining numerous placing’s including 1st place in the 1.10 with Des McFadden’s Mr. Easy Street and 5th place in the 1.10 aboard is own Armani at Donegal Town and District Show. He also gained 5th place in the 1.20 and 4th in the 1.35 Mini Grand Prix on the day.
At Lifford Horse and Pony Show peter took the winnings of the 1m class with Robbie Good’s, Racolpa Rose and was 3rd in the 1.10 and 2nd in the 1.20 classes.
South County Dublin’s 1.25 course, built by Tom Holden, proved to be difficult for many riders however Peter still manage to get 6th place aboard “Quick Jack”.
Mr. Easy Street in the 1.20 Final at Eglinton
More recently Peter’s success was noted at the Northern Indoor Championships hosted at Eglinton Equestrian Centre. Peter competed against some of the country’s top young riders including Kerry Taggart and Shane McCloskey. Over the three days Peter achieved numerous placing’s including 4th & 5th place in the 1.10 class and 2nd in the 1.20 on Friday. Mr. Easy Street proved his talent on Saturday and Sunday gaining 4 placing’s winning the 1.10 class and 2nd in the 1.20 class on Saturday and 4th and 5th in the 1.20 and 1.10 finals respectively on the Sunday.
After his first five months competing in SJI registered shows Peter’s results prove he is one to watch for the future! Looking forward, Peter aims to finish off a brilliant first year of competing with SJI, at the Cavan International Indoor Show in November whilst celebrating his 21st birthday!
Category: News, Show Jumping
