Posted: 25th June 2025 | Back to news feed
Irish Olympian Louise Lyons and her 11-year-old daughter Nancy achieved outstanding success at the Northern Ireland Festival in May, securing five of the eleven available Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications between them.
The mother-daughter duo, based in Kilkenny, impressed judges with their eclectic and talented string of ponies and horses, showcasing both seasoned and up-and-coming stars of the Working Hunter circuit.
Photo credit:FirstClass Images
Louise, originally from Cheshire, began her equestrian journey in lead rein classes and rose to represent Ireland in eventing at the 2007 European Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Now a mother of three, she has transitioned into Working Hunter competition, achieving consistent success.
This year marks Louise’s sixth HOYS qualification, having previously secured runner-up honours on three occasions. She returns to the prestigious event with Clandeboye, a 7-year-old full Irish Draught she has produced from a youngster. The pair claimed the Working Hunter Championship at the 2024 Dublin Horse Show.
“He’s a real gentleman—so kind you could put a child on him and he’d canter around quite happily,” said Louise. “I’m excited to qualify for HOYS with him. He’s an exciting prospect and I hope he can handle the atmosphere.”
Nancy Lyons also enjoyed a record-setting weekend, securing four HOYS tickets aboard three ponies.
Leading the way was Newydd Lady Marmalade, a 12-year-old Welsh Section D pony, who qualified in both the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M 143cm Working Hunter Pony and NPS/Mole Valley Farmers 143cm Working Hunter Pony classes.
Tynffrwd Carys, a 6-year-old Section B mare and part of Nancy’s 2023 HOYS campaign, returned to form to win qualification in the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M 122cm Working Hunter Pony category. Known affectionately as an "all-rounder," Carys is loved by all three Lyons children for her reliability and toughness.
Rounding out the success was Dartans Seoda Ban, a promising 4-year-old mare purchased earlier this year. In just a few months, she has qualified for the RIHS and now adds a HOYS ticket in the NPS/Mole Valley Farmers 133cm Working Hunter Pony class. Her foundation training through the North Kilkenny Pony Club has proven instrumental in her rapid progress.
This remarkable tally underscores the Lyons family's dedication and passion for equestrian sport, with HOYS 2025 now firmly in their sights.
Horse of the Year Show takes place from 8th – 12th October 2025, we can’t wait to see you there! To stay up-to-date with the latest HOYS news and to be the first to know what’s happening, sign up to our newsletter here: https://hoys.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/
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