What do you get when you combine a talented young rider who grew up jumping massive fences on a not-so-big pony over on the Emerald Isle with the training program of one of the greatest riders in the world? Class, as the Irish say. Oliver McCarthy is an up-and-coming international superstar who has been training under the great McLain Ward for the past two years. Not surprisingly, the 21 year old describes his journey thus far as a “dream come true.”

© Peter Pham

© Peter Pham

Riding has been a family affair for McCarthy for just about as long as he can remember. His first pony, Happy, was also his cousin’s first pony—a cousin who happens to be the extremely successful international rider, Greg Broderick.

“Greg taught me everything from the start. I was very fortunate to be able to ride with him from such a young age,” McCarthy says. “Every weekend, school holiday, I went to his barn to ride… We are like brothers.”

Speaking of brothers, McCarthy’s actual brother, Darragh, is also a professional in the horse industry. He owns and operates a sales and breeding business in Belgium, where Broderick keeps his horses. One unique thing to note about Darragh’s business is that he deals largely with thoroughbreds, while the industry in Belgium is typically associated with various types of warmbloods. Another one of McCarthy’s cousins, Cheryl, looks after the family’s breeding operation. They breed up to 40 foals a year, all with impressive bloodlines, some of which McCarthy has been fortunate enough to be able to bring along.

“I really enjoy working with young horses and being part of producing them,” McCarthy says.

© Peter Pham

© Peter Pham

So, how in the world did an Irish teenager get so lucky as to train under a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the USA? It wasn’t just luck that landed him this position. McCarthy, following in the footsteps of Irish superstars like Darragh Kenny, was crowned the champion of the 2013 Young Rider Bursary Competition at the Dublin Horse Show. Every year, four young riders and hand picked by a judge throughout the week to compete in the prestigious class.

“When I was told I was selected, I could not believe it. I did not think that I would be selected for it, as there was and is every year fantastic young riders at the show,” McCarthy says.

That year, British Chef d’Equipe, Rob Hoexstra was the judge.  After riding a course on their own horses—McCarthy competed on Brickland, a horse owned by Broderick—the riders met back with Hoexstra, pointing out parts of their ride that could have been done more tactfully and discussing how to fix them. Then, the riders switched horses through a random draw, and jumped the course again. Based on this final round, McCarthy was declared the winner.

“When my name was picked, I could not believe it,” McCarthy recalls. “I have been very lucky and fortunate to ride such good horses. Since I have been with McLain, I have ridden nothing but fantastic horses.”

© Oliver McCarthy From left: Lee McKeever, Oliver McCarthy, McLain Ward

© Oliver McCarthy
From left: Lee McKeever, Oliver McCarthy, McLain Ward

Upon his arrival in America, McCarthy discovered some differences between the Irish and American show jumping worlds, but has adjusted to the culture quite smoothly. “The main difference I would say is the time allowed here [in the US] is much tighter. In the States you have the equitation and hunter classes. I really enjoy watching these classes and trying to learn as much as I can from them. The number of amateur riders is much higher here, also,” McCarthy observes.

But in terms of culture, McCarthy says the team at Castle Hill has made his transition to the States an effortless one: “I am very lucky where I am at Castle Hill. It is a fantastic place to work. Everyone is amazing to be around and you learn something new every day you walk into the barn. It’s like a family here.”

While every child dreams of being able to ride with their favorite rider in the world, it’s a reality for McCarthy. And, to say the least, a life-changing experience for the young rider. “[McLain] is just a real horseman. He can ride any horse,” McCarthy admires. “I hope that I can have his hunger and drive to want to win.” McCarthy’s praise and admiration for Ward is abundant. He mentions the incredible thought that goes into everything that Ward does with the horses. Nothing is left to chance.

What’s the most important advice he’s been given so far? “[McLain] always tells me on how to work smart and try to think on how to come up with the best solution when a problem occurs. Don’t face something head-on. Stop and take a minute to think on how you can come up with the best solution,” says McCarthy.

Hard work and attention to detail are central to Ward’s program, which is supplemented by the tireless dedication of barn managers Lee and Erica McKeever.

“If you are unsure of something with a horse, you can ask them. There is no question you can ask them that they don’t know the answer to. Whether it be on the ground or working the horses on the flat or jumping them,” McCarthy explains.

The McKeevers have been part of the Castle Hill team for more than 25 years, keeping the horses in top shape and traveling far and wide with McLain.

“They are just real horse people and their work ethic is unbelievable. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have taught me and all the time and effort they have put into me,” McCarthy says.

As for his career, McCarthy has been showing regularly in the Young Jumper classes, 1.40m, 1.45m, and the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix series at WEF. He rides any horse that is given to him—until it needs to be sold. Double H Farm, Susie Heller, and Lauren Ward are just a few of the owners who McCarthy says he’s been lucky enough to ride for.

© Chloe Reid From left: Jenny Rankin, Oliver McCarthy, Chloe Reid, Michael Hughes

© Chloe Reid
From left: Jenny Rankin, Oliver McCarthy, Chloe Reid, Michael Hughes

Though, in the near future, McCarthy plans to keep learning and improving his craft, he someday hopes to reach the top level of our sport—and he seems to be on the appropriate path to that goal.

“I hope to one day jump a championship and be a strong member of the Irish Nations Cup teams. Like every Irish rider, I hope to jump in the Aga Khan at the Dublin Horse Show.”

But for now, McCarthy is enormously grateful for his place at Castle Hill: “In five years, I hope to still be here at Castle Hill. I feel I am learning a fantastic system.”


About the Author

Alex Carlton has been an avid hunter/jumper rider for as long as she can remember. A senior at the University of Vermont, she is a co-captain of their IHSA team. She competes in intercollegiate competitions as well as horse shows up and down the east coast.