European Dressage News

Italian Dressage Rider James Connor Declares for Ireland

May 22, 2003

Dressage Ireland announced today that Italian world ranked international rider James Connor has declared for Ireland following formal confirmation from the Equestrian Federation of Ireland that his change of nationality has been accepted by the Federation Equestre Internationale.

Paul Byrne Chairman of Dressage Ireland stated "I am delighted to welcome James as a member of Dressage Ireland. I believe his presence in our senior ranks will greatly enhance the steadily growing international reputation of Irish dressage."

James is currently ranked 82nd in the FEI/BCM World Dressage Rankings and he lives in Milan, Italy. He left Dublin to ride and teach, firstly in Denmark and subsequently in Italy where he has been living for the past twenty five years. He has ridden in two World Equestrian Games and one European Championship for Italy. James speaks fluent English and Italian, he enjoys travelling, golf and music. He has been national trainer for pony, junior and young riders, Chef d’Equipe of the Italian team at the European Pony Championships and is currently running a large equestrian centre in Milan.

Last season James placed 2nd both in the Grand Prix at Barzago CDI*** and in the Grand Prix at the Milan Masters CDI*** with Night Flyer. He was also third with the same horse in the Grand Prix Kur in Milan behind the winner Irish rider Anna Merveldt-Steffens and Fosbury. James will compete at Barzago CDI**, Italy (23rd - 25th May) along with fellow Irish riders Anna Merveldt-Steffens and Heike Holstein.

His horse collection includes Wild Lion, an 8-year old bay gelding owned by Mr. Mariano Frey, Highflyer, a 16-year old Dutch gelding owned by James Connor and Hamlet, a 14-year old German gelding owned by James Connor.

Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans

Related Links
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Scores 2003 CDI-P J YR Barzago
Anna Merveldt Steffens Wins Irish Field Award for Third Time