Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce the team of horses that will represent the Irish WBFSH Studbooks at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2026 in Le Lion D’Angers from the 15th to 18th October 2026.
Further information about the championships can be found here.
Six-Year-Olds
Belline Kilbunny Virtue (ISH).
Mare by Quality Time (HOLST) out of Ezarah B (KWPN), by Canturano (HOLST).
Bred by Richard O’Hara, Co. Waterford, Co. Carlow.
Owned by Richard & Tanja Ames, Co. Kilkenny
Ridden by Elizabeth Power (IRL).
BT Just Special (ISH).
Gelding by I’m Special De Muze (BWP) out of Chitter Chatter (TB) by Robin Des Pres (TB).
Bred and owned by Bridget Speirs, Co. Kildare.
Ridden by Ian Cassells (IRL).
Lady Sky M (ISH).
Mare by Cinsey (HANN) out of Emily M (ISH), by Je T’Aime Flamenco (BWP).
Bred by Susanne Macken, Co. Meath.
Owned by Andrew Cox, Co. Meath.
Ridden by Sarah Ennis (IRL).
Seven-Year-Olds
HHE Fernhill McCoy (ISH) (was JAG Lovestory).
Gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of CSF Salut Flamenco (ISH) by Je T’Aime Flamenco (BWP).
Bred by Jag Equestrian, Co. Kildare,
Owned by Fiona O’Hara and Harry Horgan.
Ridden by Harry Horgan (IRL).
Hildare Trust Me (BWP).
Gelding by El Barone 111 Z (ZANG) out of Bonami (KWPN), by Apple Juice (BWP).
Owned by Anna Sims – Hilditch.
Ridden by Danielle McCormack (IRL).
Kratos Cal M2S (WSI).
Gelding by Ulysses M2S (KWPN) out of Acondia M2S (KWPN), by Rubicell (OLD).
Bred by Claire Wood & Morningside Stud, Co. Clare.
Owned by Cameron Kieran.
Ridden by Michael McNally (IRL)
Millstreet Kanby (ISH).
Gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of Toujours Daisy (ISH), by Rapid Raimondo (ID).
Bred and owned by Thomas Duggan, Co. Cork.
Ridden by Robbie Kearns (IRL).
Rutland Flamenco (ISH).
Mare by Casallco (HOLST) out of Red Flamenco (ISH), by Je T’Aime Flamenco (BWP). Bred by Eugene McEntee, Co. Down
Owned by Patrick (Dick) Murphy
Ridden by Ian Cassells (IRL).
Sonja Egan, PhD, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, said:
“On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, I would like to congratulate all competing combinations, owners and breeders on their selection to represent the Irish studbooks at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses in Le Lion d’Angers.
“Ireland has a long and distinguished tradition of breeding world-class event horses, and the Irish Sport Horse studbook continues to be recognised among the leading eventing studbooks globally. We were particularly proud to see an Irish combination return to the podium at Le Lion d’Angers in 2025, securing Ireland’s first medal at the championships in a decade.This year’s team features representatives from both the Irish Sport Horse and Warmblood Studbook of Ireland studbooks. This reflects the depth and quality of breeding taking place across Ireland and demonstrates the commitment of our breeders, owners and producers to developing young horses capable of competing at the highest international level.
“Le Lion d’Angers remains one of the most important showcases for young event horses worldwide, and we wish every member of the Irish team the very best of luck as they compete against the best young horses and studbooks from around the globe.”
Debbie Byrne, Chef d’Equipe, Eventing Young Horse Squad:
“I am delighted to announce my horse & rider combinations that will represent our national studbooks at the upcoming WBFSH World Young Horse Eventing Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.
Our 6-year-old division is strong with two of the world’s highest ranking in this age category- BT Just Special (number 1) & Lady Sky M (number 2).
Our 7-year-olds are well represented, however with the way our domestic international calendar worked out this year, especially with the cancellation of Lisgarvan, a lot of them are lacking mileage but are more than capable. I have two returning this year after a successful Le Lion in 2025 as 6-year-olds, silver medallists Ian Cassells & Rutland Flamenco, & Harry Horgan on HHE Fernhill McCoy.
Le Lion has proved itself over & over again as an important stepping stone in the development of our future championship horses. We are blessed as a nation to have breeders who take great pride in their breeding programmes & their selection of bloodlines, followed by very committed owners, all of which we are so grateful for. Without their commitment, the Irish Studbooks wouldn’t be as well represented as they currently are.”
Irish studbooks’ participation in Le Lion D’Angers is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.
