6 May 2026

Discover More about Equestrian Life at Seaford

Hear from Parents

Hear from Students

Hear from our Elite Coaches

Darcy Breen talks to Sussex Life about her love of Equestrian

Darcy Breen from Year 12 appears in Sussex Life's Ones to Watch feature this month.  Darcy joined Seaford's Sixth Form in September and loves Seaford's warm and welcoming community as well as our ethos and culture. She has ambitious plans to become an Olympic showjumper and run her own equestrian business.

Tell us about yourself   

I’m studying A Level Art, Photography and Business. I love Seaford College’s Sixth Form because you’re treated as an individual and given real freedom to choose how you spend your time. I really enjoy boarding in the beautiful Mansion House. I also love travelling and going on holiday, especially to shows abroad with my horses.   

Summary of achievements   

I’ve been competing in showjumping since I was a toddler. Riding has always been part of my life as Hickstead, which is renowned as the home of British showjumping, is our family business and Breen Equestrian is my parents’ business. Most weekends throughout my life have been spent competing with my horses, so there have been many memorable achievements along the way.   

The European Championships are a highlight for me, as riders must be selected to compete. I’ve been part of the GB Team for the past couple of years and hope to be selected again this year. Qualification depends on success in the Nations Cups, which begin in April and are what I’m currently preparing for.   

In summer 2025, my team won Gold at the European Championships and I won the individual silver medal. It’s the highest level of pony competition and a real highlight of my career so far. I also reached the final at the World Cup Shows in December.   

I achieved the bronze medal with Kunis in 2023 at The Children on Horses European Championships in Italy. I was also British Showjumping Leading Rider of the The Year in 2023 and 2025 with Kunis and One Sahara.  

What or who inspires you?   

My dad inspires me because he worked his way up to become a top rider, achieving major Grand Prix wins. My uncle is also a huge inspiration, after falling from a horse and fracturing his lower neck and back, he is now back competing at a top level. Seeing his recovery has been incredibly motivating.   

I’m also inspired by top riders including Olympic gold medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher, as well as leading international showjumper Laura Kraut and Olympic silver medallist Jessica Springsteen. Showjumping is a tough sport to reach the top in, and they have all succeeded through being great horse people with a positive attitude.   

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?   

After finishing Seaford’s Sixth Form, I want to continue competing at the European Championships for Team GB and see how far I can progress. My dream is to become an Olympic showjumper and work for a top rider. Whatever happens, my life will always be centered around horses.   

What would be your top tip for someone wanting to follow your path?   

Even if you have a bad show or a bad round, don’t give up, keep trying. Everyone has bad days, and you can’t be perfect. Success comes from resilience and persistence. Balancing school life with competing can be challenging, but if you truly love what you do, it’s always worth it. Never give up.   

What would be your dream job and why?   

My ambition is to become an Olympic showjumper and run my own equestrian business.