In the world of equestrian dreams, some partnerships transcend the boundaries of sport, becoming the stuff of legends. Today, we bring you the unforgettable story of Mary McCann and her incredible stallion, Cruising—a bond that went far beyond the arena.
A Star is Born
Cruising, born in 1985, was bred by Mary McCann herself, a true testament to her vision. The gray Irish Sport Horse stallion was the result of years of careful breeding by McCann’s family at Hartwell Stud, a renowned breeding operation in County Kildare, Ireland. His pedigree combined the best of Traditional Irish bloodlines: his sire, Sea Crest (RID), was a powerful and athletic stallion, and his dam, Mullacrew (TB), was a champion mare in her own right.
Mary once said of Cruising, “He was bred to be special, but it was his heart and spirit that made him exceptional.” And exceptional he was. He had the perfect blend of intelligence, agility, and power—a combination rarely seen and highly sought after.
A Partnership Rooted in Trust and Talent
Cruising’s career would take him to the very top of international show jumping, and much of his success came from the bond he shared with Mary McCann. Though Mary wasn’t his rider in the competitive arena, she was the one behind the scenes—the visionary and caretaker who nurtured his talent and managed his legacy. Irish rider Trevor Coyle took Cruising to global heights, riding him to victories that cemented his status. Yet, McCann’s role in his life went far beyond the sidelines.
In a 2006 interview, Mary shared her perspective on Cruising’s character: “He was a thinker, a problem solver. I often felt he knew what I was thinking before I did.” Mary and Cruising understood each other in ways that defied words. She had a way of communicating with him that let him shine, nurturing his spirit and allowing him to perform with an incredible calm and confidence.
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Highlights of an Iconic Career
Cruising was a powerhouse in the show jumping arena. Some of his most notable achievements with Trevor Coyle include:
- Winner of 18 International Grand prix’s including Aachen CSI5*, Dortmund CSI5* and Lucerne CSI5*
- 2nd in the World cup final Gothenburg 1999
- 6th World equestrian games Rome 1998
- 7th European championships 1997
- winner of world cup qualifiers in Millstreet 1997 & 1998, Geneva 1998
- on winning nations cup teams in Dublin 1995 – 1997, Aachen 1995, San Marino 1994, Calgary 1995, Rotherdam 1996
- Ranking no°3 in the WBFSH in 1996/1997/1998, and ranked in the top 5 WBFSH for Sires for 7 consecutive years. In 2017 he was still ranked No°8 in the WBFSH stallion ranking.
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The pair delivered standout performances, which helped to raise Ireland’s international profile in the sport.
Aachen Grand Prix Win (1999): Cruising’s victory in Aachen remains one of the most memorable moments in Irish equestrian history.
Dublin nations cup Wins (1995 – 1997): Ireland’s beloved home event saw Cruising in top form, where he thrilled crowds with his power and grace.
Cruising’s performances were always marked by a smoothness and ease that belied the challenging nature of the courses.
He had a unique jumping style—both powerful and economic, with an intelligence that showed in his ability to quickly assess and adjust to obstacles.
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A Legacy Through His Offspring
If Cruising’s own achievements were remarkable, his legacy through his progeny is nothing short of historic. He has produced numerous top show jumpers and eventers, many of whom have gone on to elite-level competition worldwide. His offspring have the same athleticism, power, and courage that he displayed, carrying forward his lineage into new generations.
Notably, his progeny includes:
Flexible: One of Cruising’s most famous sons, Flexible, ridden by Rich Fellers, won the 2012 FEI World Cup Final and was 2nd in 2008, he was also 6th in the 2012 Olympics and continued competing into his twenties, displaying a resilience and talent reminiscent of his sire.
Sails Away: Also a home bred from Hartwell stud competed in the world equestrian games and the Olympics for Finland and was 18th in the European championships in 2005.
Mr. Cruise Control: Also a home bred from Hartwell stud, achieved significant success under New Zealand rider Andrew Nicholson, winning Luhmühlen CCI5*L and was ranked world no°6 and no°1 event horse in the UK in 2013, highlighting the versatility and quality of Cruising’s bloodline.
Mr Medicott: Ranked world no°1 Event horse in 2012, and ranked no°1 in the USA, competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, known for the same tenacity and spirit as his sire, showcasing Cruising’s influence beyond show jumping and into eventing.
McCann has often reflected on how Cruising’s offspring carry his qualities. “They’re brave, clever, and above all, they’re thinkers,” she once said. “They’ve inherited his heart and his wisdom. They know when to push, when to hold back; they think through the ride.”
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More Than Just a Stallion
For Mary McCann, Cruising was more than a horse—he was a lifelong companion, a brilliant competitor, and a partner in the vision she had for Hartwell Stud. His contributions to Irish equestrian sport have made him a national treasure. Even after his passing in 2014, his legacy thrives, a testament to the magical combination of genetics, care, and a deep understanding between horse and breeder.
Today, the name Cruising is spoken with awe not just in Ireland but worldwide, symbolizing the power of partnership, vision, and the timeless pursuit of excellence in sport. His influence lives on in his offspring, in every win by a horse carrying his blood, and in the heart of Mary McCann, who nurtured the dream of an Irish stallion that would set a new standard for greatness.