There’s resilient, and then there’s Jonty Evans. Having recently obtained Grade 4 classification as a para rider, Jonty is embarking upon this next chapter of his life with mixed emotions.

In 2016, Jonty represented Ireland at the Rio Olympic Games, as a member of the Irish eventing team. Achieving a brilliant ninth place individual finish with the Courage-sired gelding Cooley Rorkes Drift (aka ‘Art’), Jonty showed the world just exactly what he is capable of.

In 2017 he famously launched a crowd funding initiative to the tune of €500,000, in order to secure ownership of Art. The goal was achieved, and the world breathed a sigh of relief.

Tragedy struck in May 2018. A fall from Art whilst on the cross country course at Tattersalls International Horse Trials resulted in Jonty sustaining a significant head injury, leaving him in a coma for six weeks.

Miraculously, Jonty survived. He began extensive rehabilitation, relearning the processes that so many of us take for granted. Eventually he returned to the saddle, and then he returned to eventing.

Mental fitness

For the last four years, Jonty has been working hard on his physical and mental fitness, experiencing steady improvement in his riding as a result. The decision to present for para grading was not an easy one.

“I can’t pretend it hasn’t been hard to come to terms with. I have had to learn that acceptance is not weak, nor is it giving up. I am getting there slowly, and I am starting to enjoy it,” Jonty explains.

Jonty and Art recently took part in their first para dressage competition at Solihull Riding Club in the UK. Together, they achieved 70% in their first test and 67% in their second test.

“When I finished the first test, I honestly could have cried. Knowing how much Art had helped me, how much he had stayed with me; I want to continue feeling that connection forever.”

Jonty plans to continue jumping Art. He is also aiming to event a younger chesnut horse named Ballymalone Dancer, whom he says is probably the kindest horse he has ever ridden.

He hopes to ride Art in para dressage competitions at Hickstead and Hartpury in the coming months. Our chat drifts on to freestyle classes, and I ask Jonty if he has ever done any dressage to music. “Have I heck!” He laughs. There’s no doubting that he will ace that challenge.