Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Sonya McAleer and Cara Mae O'Connor

Hello and welcome to the 20th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!

This conversation is the sixth in a series of conversations with coaches AND riders, in connection with the Equine Development Academy set up by Penny Sangster.

Cara Mae and ‘Carraigh Carragh’ in action in a 1.10m class at Cavan. PICTURE: courtesy of Jumpinaction

Many listeners may have heard my previous conversations with Penny Sangster and be aware of her coaching and her involvement with Uniquest. Penny has now also set up an Equine Development Academy, in order to support coaches, as well as riders, while also being very aware of equine welfare.

Rider Cara Mae O’Connor and coach Sonya McAleer.

Penny has got a number of coaches around Northern Ireland involved and has asked them to each nominate a rider, who they believe deserves a reward due to the hard work and dedication and perhaps adverse circumstances that they face in the course of their equine pursuits…

Sonya McAleer and ‘My Cool Boy’ competing in a 1.20m class at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan. PICTURE: courtesy of Tori O’Connor

These riders may not be out competing regularly and may not be winning, but Penny’s intention is to reward riders who usually don’t get recognition for their daily efforts. The reward is a Training Day with Donald Kear, who is a well-known and well-loved BHS instructor from England. This is being held on November 16th at Danescroft, with lots of speakers also coming along to provide a full day of equine fun and learning for the coaches and their riders.

Sonya teaching Cara Mae.

I was delighted to be joined by another of Penny’s chosen coaches, Sonya McAleer and her nominated rider, Cara Mae O’Connor, because the work she has put in this year and the progress she has made with her riding has been fantastic and inspired Sonya to choose Cara Mae as her nominee.

Cara Mae pictured a couple of years ago on ‘Alantic Bandit’.

We had a great chat - please have a listen! Hope you enjoy it!

Sonya McAleer pictured at the Equitas Empowering Change Conference at Barberstown Castle Hotel.

Cara Mae O’Connor and ‘Hollypark Lancelot’ competing in a 1.10m class at Portmore Equestrian Centre, Aghalee.