July 17, 2025 
On Wednesday, Daniel Coyle piloted Ariel Grange’s impressive mare Legacy to the winning time in round one of the 2025 European Championships in La Coruña, Spain. In the post-round interview, the Irishman suggested that Legacy may not finish the championship. On Thursday, he officially withdrew the 15-year-old mare at the very venue where he won his first CSI5* Grand Prix.
Coyle, upon returning from Spruce Meadows, didn’t feel the mare was at her peak performance.
“It was a risk to bring her even as an individual because her form hasn’t been great of late,” he remarked, being part of the Irish effort at the 2021 European Championships. “I was happy enough to come as an individual for a change.”
The duo blazed around the first course of the week’s events, taking the top spot by a margin of .03 seconds, topping a results list that had 37 entries within just one penalty of the lead. Ultimately, that accomplishment was enough for Coyle.
“Ariel and I both feel that if we jump all of the rounds here, there will be nothing left for the rest of the year,” he said of the team’s decision. “We are now looking forward to the Dublin Horse Show next month and Legacy competing in front of the home crowd at the [Royal Dublin Society].”
Team chef d’equipe for Ireland Michael Blake selected Coyle and Legacy at the 2021 European Championships in Riesenbeck, where the pair finished ninth overall.
“Daniel came to this championship as reserve rider for the team and both he and Legacy were fantastic yesterday,” Blake remarked. “Today, she is not feeling 100 percent and she cannot contribute any further to the Irish team and therefore it was a decision that was made with her interests very much at heart.”
The future is yet again bright for Legacy, who has provided so much glory for both Coyle and for Ireland. They turn their efforts towards their home horse show next.
“Daniel and Ariel are amazing team players and this legendary mare will have plenty more legendary days,” Blake concluded.
