Michael (Mikey) Pender was born and raised in Castledermot Co. Kildare. Growing up, Mikey played GAA, but horses were always his main focus. This was influenced by Mikey’s family, who have always been involved in the industry. Mikey had a very successful pony career, culminating in winning two consecutive team silver medals at the Pony European Championships in Millstreet, Ireland, and in Malmo, Sweden.

After his successful pony career, Mikey worked with Marion and Miguel of Hughes Horse Stud, where he has remained since. Mikey has had great success at the World Young Horse Championships taking place in Lanaken, Belgium each year, winning three silver and two bronze medals.

In 2022 Mikey Pender has been in fantastic form that saw him claim a host of wins at the Dublin Horse Show, and by winning the first five-star Grand Prix of his career in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard in The Netherlands!