Ali Keating reveals 'delight' at taking reigns of mum's horse
Ali, 19, the youngest daughter of Ronan and Yvonne Keating, was speaking as she prepares to appear at the RDS on her mother's 'favourite child' Captain next month.
She told Extra.ie: 'This is my third year competing in the Dublin Horse Show. I first did it when I was 12 or 13, then I was in it in 2023, and I am back again this year with Captain. Ali Keating. Pic: Evan Doherty
'Captain is mom's horse. We got Captain in 2022 for mom, and then I just took over the reins a little bit to compete with him.'
An accomplished rider herself, Yvonne now prefers trotting out on her pony in the countryside rather than entering the competitive showjumping arena.
'Mom gets to ride Captain out in the winter, which she prefers. So it is lovely for me to be able to take over the reins from her,' added Ali 'Captain is special, just because he's mom's horse, he's like the miracle child. He's the favourite child,' she laughed. 'Like me, Missy and Jack, we don't get a look in. Captain is mom's baby. Ali Keating. Pic: Evan Doherty
'So to get to show him and to get to jump him is incredible.'
Ali said excitement is building in the Keating household ahead of the RDS Horse Show, which takes place this year between August 6 and August 10.
'It's very exciting. It's what we all look forward to. I mean, I'm not looking forward to going on holiday; I'm just looking forward to Horse Show week. And because it's every year, we get to see everyone there, and the whole equestrian community comes together.'
In addition to preparing for the prestigious equestrian event, Ali is also preparing to enter her third year at Maynooth University, where she studies psychology and criminology.
'I am probably looking more into the sports psychology side of it, dealing with the riders, because it is a very mentally and physically draining sport.
'There are such highs, but there are also extreme lows. It is blood, sweat and tears. I've seen it myself first-hand – what it can take to get out here on those days when you just feel like you're wondering why you're even doing it.
'You're questioning the early mornings, the late nights, the freezing cold, the rain. But then, you know, you come to the Dublin Horse Show.
'We spend money and time and do everything for the horses. And it can all come crumbling down within a few hours. It is mentally a tough sport, but we all love it, and that's why we're all still doing it.'
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