HSJ’s interview with Michael Duffy
roadtoMilano2023 with HSJ
In early August, the Horseshowjumping.tv team had the privilege of meeting equestrian rider Michael Duffy at the Dublin Horse Show. Duffy is a key member of the Irish team that will participate in the 2023 European Show Jumping Championships.
This highly anticipated event, a milestone in the international Show Jumping calendar, is scheduled to take place next week at the Ippodromo SNAI San Siro in Milan. It will be a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Duffy had previously been featured on HSJ’s ‘Kiss and Cry’ podcast during the European Junior Championships in Gorla Minore, where he coached the young showjumper Tony Sormanss (read the HSJ’s interview with Michael Duffy, click here). At 29 years old, the Irishman currently holds the 136th position in the world rankings. His undeniable talent and unwavering determination are evident.
His passion for horses has deep family roots. Both his grandfather and father enjoyed illustrious careers in the equestrian world. His grandfather was a renowned course designer, and his father, an international showjumper. When we asked who introduced Michael to this world or if there is anyone he is particularly grateful to for his career, Duffy first mentioned his father, Paul Duffy. Several individuals have played crucial roles in his career. Among them is Helena Stormanss (read HSJ’s interview with Tony Stormanss, Helena’s son. Click here).
Although many contributed to his career, as Duffy pointed out during the interview, Show Jumping is an individual sport: when you enter the arena, you are alone. You have to rely on yourself and your equine partner. Michael Duffy’s Notable Achievements Among Michael Duffy’s most important achievements is the team silver medal at the 2021 Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, riding Zilton SI Z.
When asked about his most important achievement, Duffy said, “There isn’t actually one particular thing. I don’t think that you can judge a career on one particular day, or a particular show”. Life is a collection of many competitions and experiences. It is a journey, built step by step, one competition at a time, and if you work hard, the results will inevitably come.
Duffy collected incredible results since the beginning of his competitive appearances: at the early age of 17, in 2011, he was named Young Rider of the Year from during the Irish National Show Jumping Awards. Future Aspirations When asked about his ambitions after Milan, Duffy confirmed his return to the Dublin Horse Show in October. However, his primary aspiration is undoubtedly Olympic qualification.
Duffy told us he currently has two horses that he thinks could be ready for Paris. However, he believes the Irish team is undeniably strong this year. Undoubtedly, one of his current leading equine partners is Cinca 3, a 2009 Holsteiner mare by Casall x Carthago. Cinca will be Duffy’s partner at the European Championships in Milan.
Click here for the full Michael Duffy’s interview on our Instagram profile
Photo Mari Hongisto (c)
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