Harry Allen at X-Bionic Sphere’s Indoor Masters CSI4*. Ph. ©Filippo Gabutti
He’s all of 16-years-old, but the rider known as “Mini Allen” has taken the show jumping world by storm this season in his breakout year on the international stage.
We’re talking, of course, about Harry Allen, whose reputation is preceded by that of his famous brother Bertram. But the recent winner of the Longines FEI Rising Star Award is quickly eking out a name for himself; his big moment of 2017 came in July, when he won individual gold for Ireland at the European Pony Championships. Deemed the “new king of European Show Jumping”, Harry has set off to make good on that title, and with wins over the past weekend at X-Bionic Sphere’s Indoor Masters CSI4* in Samorin, Slovakia, Allen seems to be well on his way.
One other thing he shares with brother Bertram is a habit for being light on conversation, but we caught up with the teenager last weekend for a few quick words. Read on:
NoelleFloyd.com: How do you balance riding with attending boarding school?
HA: I left boarding school for the year. Its a transition year you can take out and I rode my horses for this year and go to school maybe next year.
NF: What has been the benefit to growing up riding horses previously ridden and competed by your older siblings?
HA: That was definitely a benefit, they can tell me what to do with the horses and that helps a lot.
NF: What are the two most important lessons you’ve learned from trainers Billy Twomey & Margaret Power?
HA: They just trained general and try improve little things which are usually the most important.
NF: Where are you currently based, and how often do you ride per week?
HA: I ride everyday, I live in Hünxe, Germany and ride six or five horses a day.
NF: Can you talk about your transition to Ballywater Farm next year? What are your expectations and how do you hope the decision will help you achieve long and short-term goals?
HA: We already moved out to Germany, and goal is to do juniors next year.
NF: What do you credit to your timely rise in the sport?
HA: The help around me, the good horses and good plan when going in to the arena.
NF: How has Bertram’s success in the sport influenced the career-related decisions you aim to make for both yourself and your horses?
HA: It is easier to get into the shows and do things, Bertram helps me a lot with the plan what to do with the horses
NF: What will be your focus in the 2018 year?
HA: Juniors horses.