Hello Paul and thank you so much for taking the time to talk to Irish Sport Horse Magazine. Firstly we would like to congratulate you on the Fantastic Results you have been achieving so far in 2019. However, before we go into that we would love to ask you a few questions to find out a little bit about your career with horses up to this point.
When did you first begin to Ride?
I was about 10 or 11. I had an unusual start as I didn’t really want to ride. My father needed someone to ride the dealing horses and ponies and I was it! It didn’t take long for the riding bug to sink in though.
Was becoming an International Showjumper always something You Aspired to do?
From the age of 13 or 14, yes it’s all I wanted to do!
Who has been your greatest Inspiration and who did you train with through the years?
As a teenager, Francis Connors was definitely my idol. I couldn’t understand how anyone could sit so still and be so quiet with their hands. I remember him at Ennis Show picking up the canter on Cullahill, heading into the ring, it seemed so effortless. He has a way of melting into the horses.
On a personal level my Father was as hard a worker as I’ve ever seen. He always kept going, grafting and trying to figure out a way forward no matter what the setback was.
I have been lucky to learn from a lot of great people. Henri Prudent has been helping me the last two years. Henri has a great way of making everything uncomplicated.
Who has been that Special Horse in Your Career so far and why?
Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu, he has jumped 5 double clears on Nations Cups Teams so far. He has brought me to another level. He has incredible Heart and always gives 100%.
What are Your Competition Plans for the Rest of the Season?
The main goal is to get on the Team for the European Championships and win Team Gold. It’s very important for Ireland to qualify for the Olympics there.
Are there any Rising Stars in Your Stable?
Imerald Van’t Voor Hof is doing really well this year. He won the 5* Grand Prix in Deeridge in February and was 2nd in the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix and Devon Grand Prix. He is as scopey a Horse as I have ridden.
If you had one piece of advice to give a Young Equestrian Starting Out what would that be?
To work hard is a given, but I also think it’s important to constantly improve your teaching skills as well as your riding. Teaching others will help to improve your riding. It may lead to meeting an owner who could help your career. I found the HSI coaching course very beneficial. It gave me a more systematic way to teach.
This Article was originally published in the July 2019 Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine. Paul O’Shea, was one of the Irish team that helped Ireland to a secure a Team Showjumping Spot for Tokyo 2020/21.