Cian O’Connor
"SUCCESS IS REWARD FOR EFFORT”
My late grandfather, Dr. Karl Mullen, is a name synonymous with excellence.
On the rugby field, where he made his name, he led the Ireland national team to its inaugural Grand Slam title in 1948. By beating the cream of rugby talent from across the British Isles, coming so soon after the conclusion of World War II, he helped elevate the burgeoning Irish state to an international audience. His is a legacy which endures.
We are all immensely proud of how the Karlswood brand has evolved. Many people have been a part of the vision that Ruth and I have had for Karlswood, including our families and close friends.
Cian’s Career
Cian's introduction to equestrianism started at the age of 14 through his father Tadhg's love of horses. His first horse whom he shared with his father was a chestnut gelding called Radiman, whom Cian had great success with in hunter trial competitions.
O’Connor made his international debut for Ireland in Dunkirk, France at the age of seventeen.
Since then the Kildare man has competed at four Olympic Games, four World Championships and six European Championships, and has attained 156 senior caps for his country.
Multi-Medallist
Cian is a 45-year-old multi-medallist and one of Ireland’s longest-serving Team members. Cian is married to Ruth and they have two children, Ben and Cara. He competes at the very top level of international showjumping across the globe.
Remarkable Record
Having ridden in his first Nations Cup for Ireland at the age of 19, Cian has gone on to achieve a remarkable record in selections for the Irish team, with 156 caps to date under his country’s flag.
To date Cian has competed at four Olympic Games, four World Championships and six European Championships.
In 2012, he won an individual bronze medal at the London Olympic Games with Blue Loyd and was a member of the Irish team that took a gold medal at the European Championships in Gothenburg in 2017, where he also won individual bronze, aboard Good Luck.
Cian has also played a prominent role in four Irish Aga Khan Trophy successes to date at the Dublin Horse Shows in 2004, 2012, 2015 and 2022.
In October 2019 Cian jumped clear as the anchor rider to help Ireland win the FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona which, in turn, secured qualification for Tokyo Olympics 2020, where he placed 7th Individually with Kilkenny.
Cian participated in his fourth Olympic Games in August 2024 aboard K.I Maurice, owned by the Stoute Family.
Badge of Honour
Cian was named as part of the Horse Sport Ireland Team of the Year at the 2017 Irish Show Jumping Awards Gala. He was also named International Rider of the Year and presented with an International Equestrian Federation [FEI] Gold Badge of Honour at the same ceremony.
He won the Irish Field Top Showjumper Award for 2012 and 2017 and also Ireland's International Showjumper of the Year Award in 2016. Cian was part of the team that won an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2015 Irish Youth Foundation Sport Excellence Awards.
