A young Derry man is fast building a reputation in the world of showjumping, only months after competing in the sport.
Peter Flanagan, from Maghera, starting riding ponies at the age of 10 and competed in local gymkhanas and some small shows as a pony rider.
The year of his 21st birthday was the first year competing as a registered member of the SJI, and what a year it has been so far.
Peter started jumping his own horse Armani, a 10 year old KWPN gelding in the end of May this year 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 and Shane McFadden’s “Quick Jack” to gain ninth and 11th place.
Peter went on to visit many of the Ulster Regions Agricultural shows gaining numerous placing’s including first place in the 1.10 with Des McFadden’s Mr. Easy Street and fifth place in the 1.10 aboard is own Armani at Donegal Town and District Show.
He also gained fifth place in the 1.20 and 4th in the 1.35 Mini Grand Prix on the day.
At Lifford Horse and Pony Showm, he 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 sixth place aboard “Quick Jack.”
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 had highs and lows as did many riders, however came out trumps with numerous placing’s including fourth and fifth 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 four placings, winning the 1.10 class and 2nd in the 1.20 class on Saturday and fourth and fifth 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 next month whilst celebrating his 21st birthday!
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