Conor Swail, he Irish rider who competed several times at the CHI in Geneva, is making his debut in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten 2024. Conor, born 26 November 1971, had horses in his blood due to family tradition and this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that he was only six when he took part in the Dublin Horse Show for the first time.
First based with Barry O’Connor in Malahide, Dublin, he then went (2011) to Ontario, Canada where he worked for O’Connor for 10 years buying and selling young horses. Then Conor moved to work with Sue Grange, Lothlorien Farm in Canada for six years before striking out on his own.
Together with businessman Conall Murray, a friend of his brother Marcus who is Irish team vet, he has been running his own stable in recent years with a good string of horses. Consistently on strong results, Conor is an intuitive rider. His ability to adapt to the needs of each horse he rides is one of his great strengths and he has an exceptional skill against the clock.
His “horse of a lifetime” is Count Me In. The pair embedded themselves in Irish showjumping history when delivering a dramatic jump-off victory for Ireland over France to end a seven-year drought for the hosts in the Aga Khan Nations Cup at the Royal Dublin Society showgrounds in Dublin (IRL) in August 2022.
© Tomas Holcbecher - Conor Swail & Count Me In at the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany
In July 2024 Conor brought his winnings at Spruce Meadows (CAN) to $2m when winning just shy of a quarter of a million dollars, topping a stellar field of 40 in the 5* Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
It was a very emotional win because Count Me In was making a stunning return to form after a bout of stomach ulcers had threatened his future at elite level. With Vital Chance De La Roque, Swail won the Ottawa leg of the Major League in August.
Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten and why?
«I will ride Casturano in Top 10 final. He has been in good form lately so he gives me the best opportunity to win».
© Tomas Holcbecher / Conor Swail & Casturano at the CHI Geneva 2023
What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart and why?
«Winning the Queens Cup in Calgary on Count Me In meant a lot to me. He has given me so much in the short time we have been together, so at 17yrs old to achieve that is incredible and he definitely deserved it».
What plans do you have for 2025?
«To keep my horses fit, healthy, and happy so they can give me the best opportunity for success».
What does it mean for you to ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten competition?
«I’m very proud of myself and the team around me for keeping the standard high which has resulted in us landing in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten. I’m honored to ride amongst the top riders in the sport».
First based with Barry O’Connor in Malahide, Dublin, he then went (2011) to Ontario, Canada where he worked for O’Connor for 10 years buying and selling young horses. Then Conor moved to work with Sue Grange, Lothlorien Farm in Canada for six years before striking out on his own.
Together with businessman Conall Murray, a friend of his brother Marcus who is Irish team vet, he has been running his own stable in recent years with a good string of horses. Consistently on strong results, Conor is an intuitive rider. His ability to adapt to the needs of each horse he rides is one of his great strengths and he has an exceptional skill against the clock.
His “horse of a lifetime” is Count Me In. The pair embedded themselves in Irish showjumping history when delivering a dramatic jump-off victory for Ireland over France to end a seven-year drought for the hosts in the Aga Khan Nations Cup at the Royal Dublin Society showgrounds in Dublin (IRL) in August 2022.
© Tomas Holcbecher - Conor Swail & Count Me In at the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany
In July 2024 Conor brought his winnings at Spruce Meadows (CAN) to $2m when winning just shy of a quarter of a million dollars, topping a stellar field of 40 in the 5* Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
It was a very emotional win because Count Me In was making a stunning return to form after a bout of stomach ulcers had threatened his future at elite level. With Vital Chance De La Roque, Swail won the Ottawa leg of the Major League in August.
Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten and why?
«I will ride Casturano in Top 10 final. He has been in good form lately so he gives me the best opportunity to win».
© Tomas Holcbecher / Conor Swail & Casturano at the CHI Geneva 2023
What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart and why?
«Winning the Queens Cup in Calgary on Count Me In meant a lot to me. He has given me so much in the short time we have been together, so at 17yrs old to achieve that is incredible and he definitely deserved it».
What plans do you have for 2025?
«To keep my horses fit, healthy, and happy so they can give me the best opportunity for success».
What does it mean for you to ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten competition?
«I’m very proud of myself and the team around me for keeping the standard high which has resulted in us landing in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten. I’m honored to ride amongst the top riders in the sport».