PROMISING YOUNG showjumping star, Lisa Murphy, (19), from Ballyboymore, Oulart, enjoyed a major showjumping success at Clifden, winning the Puissance competition over a huge 160 cm (5 ft. 3 ins.) wall, creating a new record at the annual show in the west Galway town last week.

And she achieved her best success to date just three days after she resumed riding following a broken ankle seven weeks ago which ruled her out of qualifying for the Dublin Horse Show last week.
Lisa was riding the 11 year old white stallion, Lettermacoo Lad, owned by Patrick Fortune, of Barnland, Gorey, and collected €1,000 in prizemoney.
“Five ponies qualified for the final, but we were the only combination to clear the big wall and we set a new record for the Clifden Show,” said a delighted Lisa, who was competing at one of the biggest showjumping events in the country.
Lisa has had some good times with Lettermacoo. Last year they won the Reserve Championship at the Dublin Horse Show.
“We couldn’t qualify for Dublin this year because I broke my ankle and was laid up for seven weeks,” said Lisa, who expressed her disappointment at missing such a prestigious engagement.
Lisa works full time with horses and ponies, tutored by her proud father, Paddy, and they have a stable of twenty-five from showjumpers to Connamara ponies and three thoroughbreds who will be ready to run in point-to-points when the new season opens in October.
Lisa is a regular competitor at 130 level at Barnadown, near Gorey, has competed in many Grand Prix events, and has had a fair share of success down the years.
“She has got good results in the performance classes,” says Paddy, who adds, “Lisa also competes in cross country and eventing.”
Lisa admits that she is not brave enough to take on the point-to-pointing scene; however, she is basking in her latest showjumping success and hopes to pursue a career in that direction.