Equestrian Stars Honoured at the annual Irish Horse World Awards
The annual Irish Horse World Awards, hosted by The Irish Field, took place on January 27, 2025, at the K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in the equestrian community, with awards presented across five categories: Senior Show Jumper of the Year, Junior Show Jumper of the Year, Senior Event Rider of the Year, Junior Event Rider of the Year, and Dressage Rider of the Year.
Senior Show Jumper of the Year: Daniel Coyle
Daniel Coyle was acknowledged for his remarkable consistency at the highest levels of show jumping in 2024. His achievements included 13 victories and 29 podium finishes in FEI competitions, with eight wins at five-star events. Notable victories included World Cup successes in Leipzig and Amsterdam aboard Legacy, along with triumphs in Dublin, London, and Rotterdam with Incredible, and wins in Toronto and Calgary with Farrel. Coyle also represented Ireland at the Paris Olympic Games, delivering three clear rounds with Legacy.
Junior Show Jumper of the Year: Francis Derwin Jnr
At just 20 years old, Francis Derwin Jnr made a significant impact on the international show jumping scene in 2024. He earned team gold and individual silver medals at the FEI Young Rider European Championships in Kronenberg aboard the Irish Sport Horse Flexi K. Derwin also secured a five-star international win at the Dublin Horse Show with Parvati AEG and a four-star 1.50m victory in Morocco with Flexi K. He concluded the year with an Under 25 win at the prestigious CHI Geneva.
Senior Event Rider of the Year: Lucy Latta
Lucy Latta was honoured for her exceptional performance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024. Riding the Lesley Crampton-owned Irish Sport Horse RCA Patron Saint, Latta achieved a second-place finish, marking Ireland's best result at the event in 59 years. Despite balancing full-time work with competing, Latta proved her capability to excel at the highest level of eventing.
Junior Event Rider of the Year: Tom Nestor
Eighteen-year-old Tom Nestor had a standout season in 2024, culminating in team and individual silver medals at the FEI European Eventing Championships for Juniors in Strzegom aboard the Irish Sport Horse Cooley Diamond Dancer. Earlier in the year, Nestor claimed victories at Ballindenisk International and delivered strong performances at Lisgarvan and Kilguilkey House, showcasing his talent and dedication.
Dressage Rider of the Year: Sarah Slattery
Sarah Slattery's rapid progression in the para dressage world earned her the title of Dressage Rider of the Year. Making her championship debut in 2023, Slattery continued to improve into 2024, which led to her selection for the Paralympic Games in Paris. At the Paralympics, she delivered commendable performances, helping Ireland achieve a 10th place team finish and achieving a personal best in the Grade V Freestyle final.
Overall Star of the Year: Francis Derwin Jnr
In addition to his Junior Show Jumper of the Year award, Francis Derwin Jnr was celebrated as the Overall Star of the Year for his exceptional contributions to equestrian sport in 2024.
The event also honoured monthly winners of The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition Star of the Month awards, recognising achievements across various equestrian disciplines throughout the year. These accolades demonstrate the dedication and talent within Ireland's equestrian community, solidifying the nation’s prominent position in the global equestrian arena
