KERRY MCCAHILL

EARLY YEARS

 I started riding when I was 6 years old. Even though I loved doing other sports, I knew riding was special and that it would be something I wanted to pursue as a profession. I have never stopped since!

 I grew up riding and tacking up school horses and ponies, which I think has helped me exponentially in being a well rounded horse-woman and showjumper. I believe when I became accustomed to riding horses that were not my own it granted me the ability to cope with riding different horses, as well as horses that were not suited to me. It was a great way to learn as a kid and I’m very thankful for my good education from the people who helped me get started. From that point on, I started riding more consistently. Although it was something I loved to do it started to get more serious at a young age. Even while pursuing riding, it was important to me to continue my strong dedication to academics and stay well rounded in other sports.

JUNIOR AND AMATEUR CAREER

When I was 14 I started showing more at WEF (Winter Equestrian Festival) for the winters, where I showed very competitively in the hunters. In the summer and fall season I trained in Long Island New York where I trained in hunters and equitation. While based in Long Island for the spring to fall seasons I trained with Harriet de Leyer and Laura Bowery for quite a few years where I also started to learn the ropes of the jumper ring. During my young amateur years in the hunters I claimed several victories and top honors in the best indoor shows in the United States for the hunter divisions which include; The Washington International Horse Show, the National Horse Show, and Harrisburg Horse Show.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

However, as the seriousness of the jumper ring became more demanding due to my goals aspiring to be a Grand Prix rider, I felt it was time to pursue jumpers full time. I then started spending my spring- fall seasons in Europe training in an advanced program at Oakland Stables, with Irish Olympic show jumper Darragh Kenny. While at Oakland I went from competing as a young seventeen year old starting the jumpers, to competitively placing in 2, 3, 4, and eventually 5* star classes on the Global Champions Tour. During my seven years training at Oakland Stables, I was also able to become a team member on the 5* Global Champions League, which has been one of the greatest riding experiences of my career. In between my showing, training, and competing in Europe I also attended Lynn University in Boca Raton Fl. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Mass Media with Summa Cum Laude honors.

 In 2018, I went to train with Irish Olympian Greg Broderick, who is based at BallyPatrick Stables in Ireland. I trained at BallyPatrick for 3 years and gained immense additional experience in the ring in Ireland, Europe, and Wellington. While there I accumulated wins and placings up to 4* level with my team of horses I had at the time, while mainly focusing on bringing up young horses to the top level. Training at Ballypatrick helped me become more educated in young horse development, training, and sales. 

BUSINESS INSPIRATION

After several years of training and competing with some of the best in the world, I wanted to continue to push the boundaries of what I could learn as a rider and horse woman as a professional rider in the industry. I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to train with the legendary German duo Markus and Meredith Beerbaum.

Although their names need no introduction in the industry, it was a dream for me to be able to train and learn from them. While training in Markus’ program I based in Germany from spring to December, as well as Wellington Fl for the winter season. I thoroughly enjoyed competing in Germany, since that was a first for me and I knew the shows there were very advanced. It was very special to have been surrounded by the best in the world while training at home and the German show circuit. The way Markus and Meredith developed the famous horses we know of today from a very young age themselves greatly inspires me! As well as their accolades in winning major championships, nations cups, and several accomplishments at the Olympic games.

It's also the reason why I decided to pursue young horse development as the main focus in my business today. I am extremely grateful to have been immersed in the Beerbaum system for 3 years and apply their teachings as an integral part of my business today.

From 2021-2023 I trained with Irish international showjumper Andrew Bourns. I had a great experience at Bourns Sport Horses working and training there as a professional alongside Andrew. While there I started training and assisting students as well as starting to source horses for clients .

My years spent in Europe is something I truly cannot undervalue and it's what helped me decide to pursue becoming a professional in this industry. After many successful sales in 2023 and 2024 from horses I had produced since they were young, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of running and owning my own business in showjumping.