Taylor Vard has named the 2026 Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Jumping Squad that will compete at the 2026 FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships taking place in Lanaken, Belgium from the 16th – 20th of September
Speaking on his selections Taylor Vard commented: “Congratulations to the owners and riders on your selection, as always it’s not easy to put teams together and not disappoint someone, but Lanaken is just one show and there will always be a championship at every stage of our horses’ journey.”
“Feedback regarding the change to the five-year-old finals using optimal time has been mixed, it will be interesting to see how it is received at the championships.”
“The best of luck to everyone going and there will probably be some changes as we get closer to the show with horses getting sold.”
“Thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and everyone in Horse Sport Ireland working behind the scenes to organise paperwork for our teams.”
Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development with Horse Sport Ireland, Sonja Egan, PhD, added: “Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce the team for the upcoming FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken.”
“We are delighted to have such a strong team representing Ireland across the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old categories, and I would like to congratulate all of the breeders, riders and owners on their selection for this prestigious Championship. Qualifying for Lanaken is a significant achievement for every combination, and I commend all involved for the careful and consistent production of these horses through the national young horse classes throughout the season.
“I would also like to thank Taylor Vard for travelling across the country throughout the season to view the horses and for his thorough and considered assessment of each combination that registered their interest.
“HSI, and I personally, are very much looking forward to supporting the Irish Studbook teams at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken. We wish all of the competing breeders, owners and riders the very best of luck and every success at the Championships.”
Participation at the FEI WBFSH Showjumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.
Furter information on the show can be found here
Team Ireland Selected horses are as follows:
Five-Year-Old Team
ABC Mayflower (ISH)
2021 mare by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP) out of Ardnehue Diamond Cruiser (ISH)(TIH), by Cruising (ISH)(TIH). Bred by Patrick Kehoe, Co. Carlow, and owned by Gerald Burke.
Ridden by Gemma Phelan (IRL)
Alpha SRC (ISH)
2021 gelding by Corporal VDL (WESTF) out of Tosh C (ISH), by Pacino (BWP). Bred by Ciara Woods, Co. Monaghan and owned by Kilcreene Enterprises.
Ridden by Eddie Moloney (IRL)
BP Bob Rock (ISH)
2021 gelding by Rock ‘N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Arraghbeg Clover (ISH), by Captain Clover (ISH)(TIH). Bred by GBBS International Ltd, Co. Tipperary, and owned by Keith Ennis.
Ridden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)
Cal Bos Rok Princess (ISH)
2021 mare by Rock ‘N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Princess Pacino (ISH) by Pacino (BWP). Bred by Carmel Lynch, Co. Cavan, and owned by Stephen Lowry.
Ridden by Joshua James Lynch (IRL)
Castlefield Paris (ISH)
2021 mare by Castlefield Kingston (OS) out of Acapella Van Overis Z (ZANG), by Air Jordan Z (OLD). Bred and owned by Castlefield Breeding Farm, Co. Kilkenny.
Ridden by Lotte Teuns (NED)
Elma Bo (ISH)
2021 mare by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Manory H (KWPN), by Hernandez TN (KWPN). Bred by Jack Ryan, Co. Kilkenny, and owned by Abigail Boland.
Ridden by Abigail Boland (IRL)
GLC Mr President (ISH)
2021 gelding by Conthargos (OLD) out of Mullentine Good Friday (ISH), by Untouchable 27 (KWPN). Bred and owned by Garreth Cassidy, Co. Derry.
Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)
Glensensaw Soco Dreams (ISH)
2021 mare by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Glensensaw Sweet Dreams (ISH), by Uskerty Sweet Lad (ISH)[TIH]. Bred by Martin Hennesy, Co. Kilkenny and owned by Kevin O’Donnell.
Ridden by Grace O’Donnell (IRL)
HHS Lugano (ISH)
2021 gelding by Lucky Luck (KWPN) out of MHS Twenty (ISH), by Vigaro (KWPN). Bred and owned Bravo by Hughes Ltd, Co. Kilkenny.
Ridden by Michael Pender (IRL)
Pablo TG (ISH)
2021 gelding by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof (BWP) out of The Pride Of Spancilhill (AES), by Washington (HOLST). Bred by Noel Glynn, Co. Clare and owned by Tara Glynn.
Ridden by Tara Glynn (IRL)
Soco Flex (ISH)
2021 gelding by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Flexamarenca (ISH), by Flex a Bill (ISH)(TIH). Bred and owned by Eddie Moloney, Co. Kilkenny.
Ridden by Eddie Moloney (IRL)
Six-Year-Old Team
Boleybawn Alexa (ISH)
2020 mare by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Arina (BWP), by Crown Z (ZANG). Bred and owned by Boleybawn Horses Ltd., Co. Wicklow.
Ridden by Harry Wood (GBR)
BP Indianna (ISH)
2020 mare by Mylord Carthago (SF) out of Babel (SF), by Diamant De Semilly (SF). Bred by GBBS Int Ltd, Co. Tipperary and owned by Liam Nichols & Catherine Burke.
Ridden by Taylor Peare (IRL)
Castlefield Tycoon (ISH) (Ballyv Mr. T)
2020 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of Witty Luterra C (KWPN) by Lupicor (KWPN). Bred by Sean Stafford, Co. Wexford, and owned by Martin Egan
Ridden by Gerard O’Neill (IRL)
Galwaybay Jim (ISH)
2020 gelding by Catoki (HOLST) out of Galwaybay Anika (ISH), by Kannan (KWPN). Bred by Justin Burke, Co. Galway, and owned by John Ryan
Ridden by Jack Ryan (IRL)
GLC Little Pleasure (ISH)
2020 mare by For Pleasure (HANN) out of Mullentine Good Friday (ISH), by Untouchable 27 (KWPN). Bred and owned by Gareth Cassidy, Co. Derry.
Ridden by Rhys Williams (IRL)
Grand Amour KPCM (ISH)
2020 mare by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Ellie May LVS Z (ZANG), by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof (BWP). Bred by Karen Millar, Co. Down and owned by Adrian Williams.
Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)
Isla Flight (ISH)
2020 mare by Ganesh Hero Z (ZANG) out of Greenacres Luidam (ISH), by Luidam (KWPN). Bred by Michael Callery, Co. Meath and owned by Marguerite Ryan.
Ridden by Jack Ryan (IRL)
MHS Mix de Blues (ISH)
2020 gelding by Aganix Du Seigneur Z (SBS) out of MHS September Song (ISH), by Plot Blue (KWPN). Bred by Michael & Sinead Brennan, Co. Kildare and owned by Matt Calderwood & Gbbs Int.
Ridden by Harry Wood (GBR)
Newmarket Pretty Lady (ISH)
2020 mare by Newmarket Venture (HANN) out of Newmarket Pleasure (ISH), by Newmarket Jewel (WESTF). Bred by Billy Daly, Co. Cork, and owed by Adam Ferris
Ridden by Kian Dore (IRL)
Ogue BT Grandato (ISH)
2020 gelding by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Ogue Ali Furist (ISH), by Aldato (KWPN). Bred by Anne Murphy, Co. Wicklow, and owed by BT Stables
Ridden by Ethan Ahern (IRL)
Parc Kesha WSH (ISH)
2020 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of Ashton Ena (SPH), by Canturano (HOLST). Bred by David Williams, Co. Clare, and owed by Williams Sport Horses Ltd
Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)
Seven-Year-Old Team
BP Vibrant (ISH) aka Knockane Bellicose Bay
2019 gelding by Vivant Van De Heffinck (BWP) out of Cruisings Lux Hill (ISH), by Lux Z (HANN). Bred by Michael J Hogan, Co. Tipperary and owned by Gary & Leslie Hazelwood.
Ridden by Harry Wood (GBR)
Coconut BW (ISH)
2019 mare by Cardento (HOLST) out of Tuladai Della Caccia (SI), by Toulon (BWP). Bred by Ballywalter Bloodstock, Co. Wexford and owned by Dale Adams.
Ridden by Lauren Adams (IRL)
DSH Vigo Sea (ISH)
2019 gelding by Vigo D’arsouilles (BWP) out of Urban Sea (ISH), by Guidam (SF). Bred by Seamus Drea, Co. Kilkenny and owned by John Lyng
Ridden by Jack Ryan (IRL)
Galwaybay Winningmood (ISH)
2019 gelding by Winningmood Van De Arenberg (BWP) out of Galwaybay Merstona (ISH), by Mermus R (KWPN). Bred by Justin Burke, Co. Galway, and owned by Northlawn Farm
Ridden by Jack Ryan (IRL)
HHS Lexington (ISH)
2019 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of HHS Chantilly Lace (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred and owed by Marion Hughes, Co. Kilkenny
Ridden by Max Foley (IRL)
JM Louisiana (ISH)
2019 mare by Luidam (KWPN) out of Looks Quality (ISH), by Lux Z (HANN). Bred by John Lawlor, Co. Kilkenny and owned by Highfield Farm.
Ridden by Lotte Teuns (NED)
Kleio de Muse (ISH)
2019 mare by I’m Special De Muze (BWP) out of Legaland Rossas Girl (ISH), by Verdi (KWPN). Bred by Mcfadden Equine, Co. Tyrone and owed by Cavan Equestrian Centre
Ridden by Camryn Clarke (IRL)
Parc Violeta (ISH)
2019 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of Ulanda D (KWPN), by Emilion (KWPN). Bred and owed by Paula Williams, Co. Clare
Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)
Rosconnell Tango (ISH)
2019 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of CSF Sophie (ISH), by Goodluck VDL (KWPN). Bred by Mairead Lacey, Co. Laois, and owed by Keith Ennis
Ridden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)
The River Jordan (ISH)
2019 gelding by Air Jordan Z (OLD) out of Leahnoir De La Vie (ISH), by Pacino (BWP). Bred by Maria Griffin, Co. Clare and owned by Jim Derwin.
Ridden by James Derwin (IRL)
Wildcard nominated horses and riders are as follows:
Five-Year-Olds:
- Louis ZIII Du Hamel – Emma O’Dwyer
- Louxor Du Feu – Emma O’Dwyer
- Romai – Alisha Vard
- Valentino JS – Coen Williams
- Vibe of Picobello Z – Gemma Phelan
- Vintage Van De Heyveldhoeve – Sam Widger
Six-Year-Olds
- Codex Girl van Twelve Oaks Z – Rhys Williams
- Doris Z – Niamh McEvoy
- Kassie Devine Z – Jenny Rankin
- Olga D’Ecaussinnes – Kian Dore
- Playboy ASJ – Lauren Adams
- Ukina – Emily Moloney
- Umbrillio Van Het Kapelhof – Stephen Gibbons
Seven-Year-Olds
- Jasmin d’Ariel – Niamh McEvoy
- Ocean – David Simpson
- Orlando VZ – Daniel McAlinden
- Rial’s Varinjo – Jessica Burke
- Top Gun VD Bisschop – Sophie Richards
- Tyfoon VD Donkhoeve – Kian Dore