Daniel Coyle
Horse & Hound|May 16, 2024
Based in America with a Canadian owner, the Irish showjumper is juggling a top-flight career on both sides of the Atlantic with a young family. Nancy Jaffer finds out how
Daniel Coyle

THE pursuit of a ticket to compete at Paris 2024 requires Olympic-level logistics as well as talent. For Irish showjumper Daniel Coyle, he is leaving no stone unturned as he juggles competing in the US and Europe, with horses based in various parts of the world. North America, Canada, the Netherlands and Ireland have all played a part in Daniel’s recent itinerary, to enable each horse at each stage of their career to flourish.

Like many of his compatriots, Daniel used to make his mark in Florida at Wellington’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). But this year, he spent most of the winter about three hours north of there in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) and the Live Oak show, where he won the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier with Incredible. His employer Ariel Grange precipitated the change.

“Ariel said to me, ‘We’re going to buy a farm in Ocala and move up to Ocala,’” he explains during a chat after a class at WEC in the shadow of its massive five-star hotel.

“In the beginning, I was a little sceptical,” he concedes. “Right now, I’m really happy she did. The young horses are jumping bigger and better already and are more relaxed here than they’ve ever been.”

There has been a lot of recent discussion about the crowded conditions at Wellington International, the home of WEF, and the issue has become quite controversial since the showgrounds were put up for sale this year. Daniel cites several reasons for success in Ocala, where there is much more open space than in Wellington.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView all
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'

Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

New pair pull off a win

A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

Lording it over the rest

Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

Smith hits flying form

A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

She's a corker

Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers

time-read
8 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

Access all areas Cavalier Centre

The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit

time-read
7 mins  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'Use it or lose it'

Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity

time-read
6 mins  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

A new way forward

Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024