Seamus Hughes Kennedy Steps Up at CHI Geneva

This weekend, HorseShowJumping.tv is bringing you all the action from the legendary CHI Geneva, a show widely regarded as one of the best in the world. As part of the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Geneva attracts the biggest names in the sport to its state-of-the-art arena. Known for its electric atmosphere and challenging courses, it’s a dream stage for riders of all levels, with national classes being held in the morning for the amateur rider to have ab taste of what it feels like to compete at one  of the world’s best events of the year to the exciting night time classes with the best riders in the world. Among the stars competing this year is Ireland’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy, a rising talent making his second-ever appearance at a five-star event.

A Young Talent Making Waves

At just 21 years old, Seamus Hughes Kennedy has already achieved what many riders only dream of. His crowning achievement so far came in 2023  when he won double gold at the European Championships for Young Riders in Gorla Minore, claiming both team and individual gold. “It was unbelievable,” Seamus recalled. “The team gold was such a relief—it meant we’d done our job for Ireland. Then to go out and win the individual title too just made it all the more special.”

What’s even more impressive is the way he achieved it. His horse at the time, an eight-year-old inexperienced at that level, exceeded all expectations. “He was jumping classes bigger than he’d ever done before, but I trusted him completely,” Seamus said. “Not many people thought we could do it, but he proved them wrong. I’ve always believed that with the right preparation, horses can surprise you.”

That belief in his horses is central to Seamus’s approach as a rider, and it’s a quality that has already set him apart on the international stage.

A Family Affair

Seamus’s love for horses runs deep, rooted in a family that has long been involved in the equestrian world. “My mom grew up riding, and my granddad worked with horses too, so it was always a part of our lives,” he explained. “We always had horses around, and I started riding ponies through the local pony club.”

From the beginning, competition was a family affair. “We’d all try to beat each other, which made it even more fun,” Seamus said with a smile. “It wasn’t just about riding for enjoyment. It was about pushing each other to improve and celebrating when one of us did well. That competitive spirit is what got me hooked.”

His family also played a role in shaping his ability to spot talent in young horses. “My mom was great at picking out ponies with potential, and I got a taste for success early on because of that. I think those early wins really inspired me to keep going.”

Learning from the Best at Geneva

Now riding at CHI Geneva, Seamus finds himself among the best riders in the world—a position he once dreamed of. “It’s incredible to be here,” he said. “The talent is unreal. Pretty much everyone warming up with you is in the top 100 riders globally. Just being in that environment is inspiring.”

Seamus is making the most of the opportunity to learn. “You see so many different riding styles and approaches here, depending on the horse and the rider. There’s so much to take in,” he said. “I love watching riders like McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and RichardVogel. They all have something unique, whether it’s precision, speed, or how they handle tricky situations.”

For Seamus, this kind of exposure isn’t just about admiration—it’s about growth. “Every time I see someone do something really well, I try to figure out how I can apply that to my own riding,” he said. “Even small details can make a huge difference at this level.”

The Young Riders Academy: A Key to Success

A big part of Seamus’s journey has been his involvement with the Young Riders Academy, a program designed to help promising young talents reach their full potential. “The Academy has been a game-changer for me,” Seamus said. “They’ve given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, like competing at five-star shows and training with some of the best in the sport.”

The program has also introduced him to riders his own age who share the same goals and passion. “It’s not just about the competitions,” he explained. “It’s about the community we’ve built and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. I’ve made some great friends who I’ll stay connected with for years to come.”

Seamus credits the Academy with broadening his horizons and helping him step up to the demands of top-level competition. “It’s made me a better rider and given me a clearer idea of what I want to achieve in the sport,” he said.

Big Goals for the Future

While CHI Geneva is a major step in Seamus’s career, he has his sights set on even bigger goals. “Long-term, I’d love to represent Ireland at the Olympics and build a stable back home that we can really be proud of,” he said. “I want to produce more horses that can compete at this level and build a team that’s successful year after year.”

One horse that Seamus is especially excited about is ESI Rocky, with whom he hopes to qualify for the Senior European Championships next year. “Rocky has already proven himself in tough classes,” Seamus said. “He’s consistent, brave, and has all the tools to succeed. I really believe he can take us to the next level.”

This year, Rocky has already helped Seamus achieve key milestones, including a Nations Cup win and clear rounds at major international shows. “We’re taking it step by step, but everything’s moving in the right direction,” he said.

Embracing the Journey

As Seamus Hughes Kennedy takes on the challenge of CHI Geneva, he’s focused not just on the results but on the experience itself. “Every time I walk into the ring, I remind myself how lucky I am to be here,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but at the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the journey and learning from every round.”

Seamus is clear-eyed about the road ahead, knowing there will be ups and downs, but his passion and dedication remain unshaken. “This is what I love to do, and I’ll keep working hard to see how far it can take me,” he said.

Text and photo (c) VS Media

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