*Opinion* Connor Swail on London Worldwide: ‘It is a lot enjoyable’

US-based Irish showjumper Conor Swail is ranked quantity 15 on this planet and often competes on the highest stage. He has represented his nation at European Championships and contested the World Cup Closing.

I grew up watching Olympia, because it was; it was at all times on the BBC, however the first time I rode at this iconic present was final 12 months. I do know it’s at one other venue now nevertheless it has quite a lot of historical past to it and it’s nice to have the ability to trip right here within the UK.

For me it’s about making an attempt to string collectively a few reveals which are of relevance, so I fly over from the US for Geneva, then right here. They match up rather well and my proprietor, Conall Murray at Mannon Farm, lives in Eire, close to the place I grew up, in order that’s one other large purpose to return, so he can watch the horses at such a prestigious present.

I transfer round within the US; it was once Wellington, however I’m going to spend this winter in California. I don’t personal a yard, I lease, so it’s very costly, but when I did have a farm, I’d by no means be there. However we’ve the winter circuit, whether or not in California or Wellington, then transfer north when the climate will get higher, in Could time.

That’s once we go west; I at all times go to Vancouver and Spruce Meadows, and I like coming to Europe; I did Aachen, Dinard and Dublin this summer time. I’ll spend Christmas in Wellington this 12 months because it’s the one place I personal a house.

“Attempting to be one of the best I can”

What motivates me is to at all times attempt to be one of the best I could be, to be as profitable as I can, and I’m having fun with it greater than ever these previous few years, and have been on this planet prime 10 or 20.

I had one little mistake within the World Cup on Sunday, with Casturano, however that was the primary fence I’d had all week. I’m super-proud of him; he’s solely 10 and inexperienced, and that’s the largest class he’s jumped in his life, however he actually went about his job and felt so mature.

I’ve had a fantastic week; third on Saturday within the Longines Christmas cracker, and ninth within the World Cup, and my mare Calciet EB Z jumped as soon as and that was double clear.

I like the ambiance on the London Worldwide; it’s completely electrical. You get a fantastic buzz from that, it’s so cool, and a lot enjoyable.

I by no means went to the present when it was held at Olympia however I believe there’s extra room right here and it’s nicer for the horses, and the ambiance continues to be the identical. I do know some folks say Olympia was higher, and conventional, however it’s important to change and adapt.

I hope that I’ll be again subsequent 12 months and that it turns into an annual factor for me. That’s the plan.

● What had been your highlights from this 12 months’s London Worldwide? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and county, for the prospect to have your ideas revealed in a future version of Horse & Hound journal

• This unique column may also be obtainable to learn in Horse & Hound journal, on sale Thursday 21 December, 2023

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Obsessed with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.