August 2025 Karlswood Newsletter

August 2025

Karlswood Newsletter

VICTORY FOR BEN IN THE 128 CM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

‘We couldn’t be prouder of Ben and Million Dollar Baby claiming the 128cm National Championship in the RDS Main Arena at the Dublin Horse Show!

The pair jumped clear rounds all week finishing the jump-off in 38.47 seconds to take the title. The way Ben rode with such focus and joy was just incredible to watch — a real dream come true.

A huge thank you to the Karlswood Mini Team, Ruthie, Siobhan and Ross for all the support and hard work that made this possible.

What a day to remember.’

WATCH BEN O’CONNOR’S VICTORY

TEAM IRELAND ON THE PODIUM IN THE AGA KHAN CUP WITH A STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR KARLSWOOD RIDERS

‘What a day at the Dublin Horse Show. Team Ireland put in a fantastic effort in the 2025 Aga Khan Trophy, finishing third against some of the very best in the world.

The absolute highlight for us was watching 20-year-old Tom Wachman and Tabasco De Toxandria Z deliver a brilliant double clear round. To see him ride with such composure and class on such a big stage was really special and something we’ll never forget.

I was delighted with how Bentley de Sury jumped in the second round. To feel him rise to the occasion in front of the home crowd and help Ireland secure a podium place was very special.

It was also a milestone moment for Canada’s Nikki Walker, who impressed with a clear in the opening round on Panter in her very first Aga Khan Trophy appearance — a debut to be proud of with Gerry Mullins by her side as coach.’

WATCH TOM WAHCMAN’S CLEAR ROUND

WATCH CIAN O’CONNOR’S CLEAR ROUND

WATCH NIKKI WALKER’S CLEAR ROUND

GENGIS KANN DE LONDE PLACED SIXTH IN SPORT IRELAND CLASSIC

‘Gengis Kann De Londe impressed in the CSIO5* Sport Ireland Classic at the Dublin Horse Show for a clear round in to finish sixth at the RDS Dublin Horse Show’

WATCH GENGIS KANN’S ROUND

TOM WACHMAN AND HAWAII WIN AT DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

‘Tom Wachman and Hawaii claimed victory in the Anglesea Speed Stakes at the Dublin Horse Show. The win added another highlight to Wachman’s impressive week at the RDS.’

WATCH TOM WACHMAN’S WINNING ROUND

CARA SHINES WITH FIFTH IN WORKING HUNTER PONIES

‘Cara delivered an excellent performance in the Working Hunter Ponies class at the Dublin Horse Show, finishing fifth. Well done to the entire Karlswood Mini Team and everyone who came to support Cara!’

IRON MAN JUMPED TO 4TH PLACE IN THE CASHEL PALACE STAKES

‘Iron Man jumped an incredible round in the CSIO5* Cashel Palace Stakes to place 4th in front of our home crowd.’

WATCH IRON MAN’S ROUND

CIAN O’CONNOR AND PEGASUS TAKE SECOND IN 7/8-YEAR-OLD FINAL

‘The fantastic Pegasus owned by Susan Magnier, delivered an impressive performance in the International 7 & 8‑Year‑Old Final at the Dublin Horse Show, securing a Double Clear to place second.

Meanwhile, Karoline Sloth Kjær and Jump The Gun also stood out, jumping clear to claim fourth position in the final.’

WATCH PEGASUS’ FINAL ROUND

WATCH JUMP THE GUN’S FINAL ROUND

KARLSWOOD PROUDLY SPONSORS INTERNATIONAL GROOMS AWARD

‘To bring the Dublin Horse Show to a heartfelt close, Karlswood was honoured to sponsor the International Grooms Award, placing a deserved spotlight on the dedicated individuals who care tirelessly for competition horses. A huge congratulations to Virginie Casterman, Lisa Bushaway, and Kate Titulaer for being recognised with the top three prizes—an inspiring tribute to excellence behind the scenes.’

MAPLE LEAF AND CIAN O’CONNOR FINISH FOURTH IN CSI1* GRAND PRIX AT VALKENSWAARD

‘8-year-old star Maple Leaf jumped two smooth, clear rounds to claim fourth place in the CSI1* Grand Prix at Valkenswaard. We are very happy with this mare’s performances all week, as Maple Leaf continued to show her promise on the international stage.’

SEE MAPLE LEAF’S ROUND

IRON MAN AND CIAN O’CONNOR DELIVER SIXTH PLACE IN CSI5* GCT GRAND PRIX, VALKENSWAARD

‘Iron Man jumped a super round to secure 6th place in the prestigious CSI5* GCT Grand Prix at Valkenswaard, demonstrating consistency and class at the highest level.’

SEE IRON MAN’S GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER ROUND

GENGIS KANN DE LONDE PLACED THIRD IN THE CSIO5* GCT 1.55M AT VALKENSWAARD

‘Gengis Kann De Londe jumped great in Valkenswaard and placed 3rd in the competitive CSIO5* 1.55m Class at Valkenswaard Global Tour.’

SEE GENGIS KANN DE LONDE’S ROUND

BEN O’CONNOR TRIUMPHS IN BALLINROE 1.05M PONY PREMIER SERIES

‘Ben O’Connor delivered a masterclass in consistent performance to win the Ballinroe 1.05m Pony Premier Series Final, with Harvey Oscar Foley and Lily Lennon completing the top three. The win capped off a strong season and highlighted Ben’s precision and poise in pony show-jumping.’

CIAN O’CONNOR AND CANBELLA BLUE PLACED THIRD AT STEPHEX MASTERS

‘Canbella Blue PS delivered a stellar performance in the CSIO 5* 1.50 m class at the Brussels Stephex Masters—securing a well-earned third place.’

SEE CANBELLA BLUE’S JUMP OFF

RACHEL PENNER AND FUNKY FRED MARIENSHOF SECURE THIRD IN CSI2* GRAND PRIX OF BRUSSELS

‘A huge congratulations to Rachel Penner for an outstanding performance at the Brussels Masters CSI2* Grand Prix. Riding the stallion Funky Fred Marienshof, Rachel jumped two brilliant rounds to claim third place in a fiercely competitive field. Credit also goes to her coach, Michael Kelly, whose guidance and support were instrumental in this fantastic result.’

SEE RACHEL PENNER’S JUMP OFF