Cian O’Connor giving Sammie Jo Coffin’s Vicaros a “dream ride” in the demonstration at Colraine. Picture by Kathryn Pearn

Cian O’Connor’s world-class show jumping talent was a joy to witness but it was his exceptional skills as a communicator and gifted trainer which left an indelible mark on his visit to Cornwall.
Blessed with an ability to perform at the highest of levels, this charismatic young Irishman is refreshingly modest and has a willingness to share his extensive knowledge with others.
His two-day visit proved an equestrian feast filled with training clinics and demonstrations, together with a unique evening in which he quickly built a rapport with his audience who were captivated by his wry sense of humour, and his inspiring and honest outlook on the sport.
Cian’s ability to talk with conviction and transparent honesty on the highs and lows of his career captured the imagination and heart of his audience at the Penventon Hotel, Redruth, who were engrossed by his fascinating insight into the show jumping game.
“What Cian has achieved throughout his career for a young man is an inspiration,” said Pam Warren, Cornwall's area representative. “He showed what can be achieved through sheer grit and determination.  His teaching skills were also extraordinary and the discipline he expects of his pupils and himself is exemplary.”
Andrew James agreed. “His teaching technique was one of the best I’ve experienced and I came away from the clinic with a renewed inspiration.”
Another highlight came when Cian took to the saddle in a riding demonstration which featured Sammie Jo Coffin’s seven-year-old Vicaros and Adam Ellery’s eight-year-old Locomotion.

Both riders openly admitted that their horses have difficulties, and Cian paid tribute to the way in which they are being produced.
In an exhibition of skill which has seen him compete with success at the World Equestrian Games, three European Championships and the Olympics in Athens, Cian quickly got a tune out of both with an amazing display of horsemanship. 
By utilising the exercises he set for his pupils, Cian demonstrated lengthening and shortening Vicaros’s stride while keeping him relaxed over a fence.
“It was breathtaking seeing the effect Cian had on Vicaros,” said Sammie Jo. “He didn’t look as though he was doing anything but Vicaros stayed calm, controlled and level and I’d love to be able to ride my horse like that. I’d definitely book in next time as I learnt so much from watching.” 
He worked Adam’s Locomotion over a two-stride double of verticals shortening the distance and asking him to maintain his straightness over a fence.
“It was nice to hear such a high-ranking rider commenting on my horse and it’s given me great encouragement to carry on with him,” said Adam. “Loco’s biggest problem is pulling me into a fence and I have to try and get him more level.  The evening talk was extremely interesting for me especially, listening to Cian describe the difficulties he faced with his 17.2hh Rancorrado. He showed how he paid the penalty by taking out a stride early on in the nation’s cup course at Dublin and how it affected his horse at the final combination.  It taught him that a big horse has to learn to take the same number of strides as a regular model and made me realise that I have to teach my big three-year-old to shorten at home and not consider taking out strides.”
Cian regularly paid homage to his mentor, Lt Col Gerry Mullins, and acknowledged how his training ethos has been inspired by the former Army Equitation show jumper and coach.
He repeated his message of control and rideability with regularity over the two-days by utilising basic flatwork, pole and distance exercises to improve the transitions and control required to ride a course of fences.
“If you think you’re going to go away saying you’ve learned something new from Cian O’Connor – think again,” he said. “It’s all about getting the basics and flatwork right whether you’re working a grand prix horse or a pony.  My job is to show you how essential it is to have proper control of your horse. It’s critical that you are able to get your horse to go forward and come back in a relaxed manner. We’re concentrating on how to lengthen the stride and shorten it and how to be in the best position for the horse to get to the next fence.”
“I started jumping at 14 and didn’t enjoy flatwork at all but I soon realised that it all begins with flatwork and that in order to win jump-offs and ride the technical courses of today control and rideability are essential.”
Twelve-year-old Lauren Blunsdon said:  “Cian really helped me understand both my ponies. He helped everyone with different exercises and even though we were part of a group he concentrated on one person at a time. I came away with a will to concentrate on my flatwork knowing my show jumping will improve. He really helped me with achieving the proper position and understanding striding and how important it is.  He said if he can do it we can and I believed him. I would definitely like to have more training with him and just hope he returns to Cornwall.”
Lauren’s mother Cathy added:  “He gave us the full package in his clinics, riding demonstration and the evening.  The three elements drew everything together and the kids saw the importance of his pole work which he demonstrated further in the video footage. Watching the senior session and the effect of the pole work was fabulous. In the end he had everyone going beautifully.”
Pam Warren said: “Cian has been a revelation and provided a much needed boost to training in the area.  Organising and financing his visit was a big responsibility and I’m so pleased that the wonderful feedback I’ve received has ratified my decision to bring such a high profile rider to Cornwall.   I’d heard he was good but Cian’s training and expertise went way beyond everyone’s expectations.”