In the genes
Defender Burghley first timer Declan Cullen realises his dreams after years of waiting.
When Declan Cullen (IRL) cantered down the centreline on Thursday afternoon it was the realisation of a lifelong dream.
“It’s been a long time coming — for many years I was going to quit eventing,” smiled the softly-spoken Irishman, who at age 56 is the oldest rider in this year’s Defender Burghley field.
Declan bought his ride, the striking skewbald gelding, Seavaghan Ash — named after the townland in Ireland where he was born — as a foal. Their presence here has even more significance because Declan also rode the 15-year-old’s sire, Glenhill Gold.
“Glenhill Gold won Ballindenisk four-star [in 2011],” said Declan. “I tried twice to get into Badminton, but because of the ever-changing qualification retirements I found that as an amateur rider with only a few horses it was impossible. But now I am here at Burghley with his son.”
Seavaghan Ash is a chip off the old block and has not only inherited his father’s talents, but his “incredibly laid-back” temperament, too.
“He’s been so easy all the way through — just like his father,” said Declan, who also revealed that Glenhill Gold had covered two mares for the late Queen during his stud career. “My wife backed Seavghan Ash while she was pregnant with our daughter. He’s a sloth, he’s so laid back. In fact, he probably should have been a Household Cavalry Horse as he would stand on parade all day long.”
Declan comes from a showjumping background, but his interest in eventing was sparked after spending time training with the 1981 European eventing champion Hansueli Schmutz at his base in Basel, Switzerland. Declan made his international eventing debut in 2002 at the age of 34 and has juggled producing event horses with working as an equine brand and feed consultant.
Declan and Seavaghan Ash scored 35.2 in the first phase, which saw them in 18th place at the end of the first day of dressage.
“He was fabulous outside, but you can’t prepare for the tension in the arena,” said Declan. “I didn’t ride as I did outside, so I did leave some marks in there.”