82 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Alexa Cheater
Ireland’s Darragh Kenny is taking the world of show jumping by
storm. This up and coming rider made his North American debut
in 2007 after winning a bursary (grant) to train with renowned
horsemen Missy Clark and John Brennan of North Run Stables
in Warren, Vermont. Since then, the talented 24-year-old has
been making frequent trips to the winner’s circle on this side of the
pond, having claimed top honors in grand prix events from Florida
to New York.
Internationally, he competed in the 2010 World Cup Finals in
Geneva, Switzerland and represented his home country in Na-
tions’ Cup competitions. Each summer, Darragh stays close to
North Run’s base, competing at the Vermont Summer Festival
where he has topped the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score
Awards for the past two years. With his charming accent and heart
warming laugh, it was a delight to talk to Darragh and fnd out what
drives this young Irishman from County Offaly to succeed.
How did you begin your riding career?
I rode with my parents until I was 19. They had horses all of
their lives and got me started when I was around four. I didn’t start
competing until I was 10. I did two Junior European Champion-
ships, two Young Riders’ European Championships and ended up
winning a bursary to come to the United States to train with Missy
Clark and John Brennan. They offered me a job and it just seemed
like the right move at the time.
What has been your biggest riding accomplishment to date?
Winning the World Cup Qualifer in Syracuse in 2009 was an
absolutely amazing night for me. It was something really special
and it meant a lot to me and the people who’ve supported me. I
also got to go to the World Cup Finals in 2010 in Geneva; it was
fantastic to get that experience and go to that calibre of show. Two
years before, I had been sitting at home in Ireland with my parents
and watching the World Cup Final on TV and the whole time I was
sitting there thinking that competing in the World Cup Finals would
be something I would really love to do someday.
What traits do you look for in a horse?
Smart horses. Intelligence is by far the number one thing I look
for. They don’t have to have the best way of doing it, or the most
amount of ability, but ones that want to try and win and are smart
about it – they’ll always be good ones to have around.
Of your current mounts, who is your favorite to ride?
I don’t really have favorites, to be honest. I’m not really that kind
of person. I suppose it would be the one that comes out of the
ring with the blue ribbon. Although I really do have a lot of special
horses, which 100% has to do with the great people behind me.
What was your most embarrassing moment with horses?
I remember when I was 11 and I was jumping at a big show in
Dublin. I had a small pony and was competing in the main ring.
The pony stopped and when I went to turn it around, it slipped and
fell over. I fell off at the far end of the big ring and then had to walk
on foot all the way back to the exit.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t riding?
I actually started to play golf at the end of the Florida circuit this
year. I am really enjoying it. It’s something that’s still competitive,
but also lets you take your brain away from the horse show. You
get to go out and spend the day not thinking about anything else
but the golf game.
What’s the most delicious thing you know how to cook?
Nothing, I’m terrible at it. I couldn’t cook to save my life! I sup-
pose if I have to pick something, it would be something easy, like
scrambled eggs.
If you hadn’t chosen a career with horses, what would you
have been?
I don’t think I could have. Since I was little, it was always what
I wanted to do. Riding is something I’ve always loved and been
passionate about. I’ve never in my whole life thought about doing
anything other than riding.
Darragh Kenny relaxes on horseback at the Vermont Summer
Festival in East Dorset, Vermont
Photo by David Mullinix Photography
Irish Eyes
Are Smiling