Pre-Season with Donegan Ryan

TopSpec Sponsored eventing duo, Donegan Ryan, are one of just a handful of husband and wife combinations to both compete at top class level.Michael (Mike) and Patricia (Trish) are based in Cork and have been flying the Irish flag for international eventing for many years.Here we catch up with how they’ve been getting on in the New Year with Trish’s latest blog."The New Year got off to a promising start with all the horses fit and well, and ready for the year ahead. In January, the team attended some great showjumping and jump-cross training session in Maryville.As always Mike likes to spend some time out hunting with the Scarteen, in Co.Limerick, but a freak accident saw him damage his wrist, which will keep himout of action for a few weeks. He will no doubt be kept busy organising the showcalendarfortherestoftheyear.This time of year is very important in regards to planning and stable management. The team will be looking ahead to shows for the year and establishing what is expected of each horse.With the help of TopSpec, each horse has had their feeding requirements assessed and we are happy that they are receiving everything they need nutritionally. It is important that you look at the requirements of each horse as no horse is the same!If in doubt, ask your feed company as they normally have a nutritionist that can advise you. This also goes for other routine procedures such as worming and physiotherapy, as different horses often have different requirements.With it being a key time of year, in terms of preparation, the team will not only be focusing on the horses’ fitness but also their own, so myself and Mike will be back in the gym.Over the next few months, training will step up a level in all disciplines and the early competitions will help act as training show for the bigger events. Mike also hopes to go to a few of the showjumping spring tours with Wizard (Ballylynch Wizard), following their success in the showjumping phase last year.This year will see both our young and experiences horses out competing at home and abroad, along with some exciting up and coming stars. I will be campaigning Tullineaskey Hi Ho and Dunrath Eclipse at the top level and Mike will be campaigning Ballylynch Adventure (pictured above), Tomgar Rembrandt and Dunlough Striker.