A long-standing pillar of the Irish team, Cian O’Connor is based at Karlswood Stables. He discovered horse riding at the age of 14, inspired by his father Tadhg’s passion for horses. His first horse, a chestnut gelding named Radiman, which he shared with his father, quickly brought him success in hunter trial competitions. O’Connor made his international debut for Ireland at just 17 years old in Dunkerque, France.
Since then, the rider from County Kildare has established himself as one of Ireland’s most reliable and accomplished team members. He has competed in three Olympic Games, four World Championships and six European Championships, earning more than 142 international caps for his country. His consistent excellence has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being named Horse Sport Ireland Team Member of the Year in 2017, winning the Irish Field Top Showjumper Award in 2012 and 2017, and receiving the International Showjumper of the Year Award in 2016. In 2015, he was also part of the team honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Irish Youth Foundation Sport Excellence Awards.
Cian O’Connor continues to perform at the very highest level of the sport. In 2024, he finished the season as the overall leader of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, a distinction that rewards consistent top performances throughout the circuit. That same year, he was also recognised for recording the highest number of clear rounds in Nations Cup competitions, underlining his key role within the Irish team. In 2025, he added another major result to his record by finishing second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome, a Rolex Series event, just behind Yuri Mansur, once again confirming his longevity and consistency among the world’s elite show jumpers.
No results were foundWe invite you to change the filter combination
Stay up to date with all Rolex Series information
