ABOUT THOMAS H. H.

Re-Qualification for 2021 Olympics

Despite the season suffering many cancellations of competitions, Thomas re-qualified Tayberry for the Tokyo Olympics in Sopot finishing 8th. Shannondale Vintage finished 12th in the same competition, achieving his half qualification.

Asian Championships Pattaya

Thomas was selected for the Eventing Team on Jockey Club Charlene and helped bring home a team Silver medal for Eventing.

Qualification for 2020 Olympics

With passion, hard work and great support from his team, Thomas qualified Tayberry for the Tokyo Olympics in Strezgom, finishing 12th and achieving his dream.

First 4 Star for Hong Kong

Thomas is currently Hong Kong’s first and only 4-star rider. He is now living his dream with longtime companion Tayberry at the Wargem Nation’s Cup. At the top of his game, he looks forward into the future with motivation for more.

China National Games

Thomas continued to work hard, and was selected for the China National Games on Jockey Club Charlene. This was the first time Hong Kong sent teams for all 3 disciplines. Despite the harsh travel arrangements and quarantine laws for the horses, Thomas used this experience as a learning moment, and savored the competition not too far from home.

HKJC Development Plan

After applying, Thomas qualified for the HKJCDevelopment Plan. Grateful for the sponsorship and ongoing support, Thomas is able to fund his Eventing career.

HKJC Launched The Hong Kong Equestrian Development Plan

Hong Kong’s First 2 Star Rider

Following the success of the Asian Games, Thomas bought Tayberry. Together they went to Rockingham Castle to compete at the 2-star level. With Nicole Pearson by his side, Thomas was Hong Kong’s first rider to successfully compete at the 2-star level.

Asian Games Hong Kong National Championship

Thomas was heading to work at the Kowloon Shangri-La when he received a phone call out of blue from his family friend and former trainer Nicole Pearson. She asked him to take a 6 month leave from work to train and qualify for the Asian Games. Thrilled by the opportunity he quickly called his father to ask if he would support him during the lead up to the Asian games. His father agreed, the Shangri-La gave their blessing as well.

The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) asked Thomas to compete at the Hong Kong Eventing National Championship. As there were no recent results from him, this would prove to be his one audition. Tuen Mun Riding School kindly lent Quick Money to Thomas. There, he trained with Bee Chan, competed, and became the Hong Kong Eventing National Champion. After this, he had the full support of the HKEF.

Thomas next returned to the UK to set up base at Lucinda Fredrick’s. Together with Nicole Pearson, they planned his competitions and qualifying shows. Thomas then needed to lease a suitable horse for the Asian games, which he acquired from Steven Smith, who had an experienced 1-star level horse called Zibor who Thomas took to the Asian games.

Under the guidance of Nicole Pearson and Lucinda Fredricks, Thomas earnt Hong Kong a Team Bronze medal at the Asian games. This guaranteed his future in the equestrian sport.

University & Beijing Olympics

Thomas was preparing for university in Switzerland to pursue his other passion; hospitality. Before leaving, he participated in an internship with the International Olympic Committee where he helped Nicole Pearson organize and manage the VIP accommodations for the owners and riders competing at the equestrian events in Hong Kong during the Beijing Olympics. Getting behind the scenes at this exciting event was an incredible opportunity to showcase his other skills. It was Thomas’ first experience of the Olympics, which planted a seed that would quietly grow.

Whilst at University Thomas missed riding terribly, and stumbled upon a small riding schooling in the Mountains. He would ride every weekend in his free time.

First Senior Competition

Thomas is selected for his first Senior competition in Korea in a CSI (International Showjumping Competition) riding again on a borrowed horse. Despite his nerves, Thomas had another great learning experience as it expanded his knowledge of the equestrian sport. .

First Overseas International Competition

Thomas came runner up in the CSIY (International Showjumping International Youth) in India on borrowed horses for his first international competition experience. With his father there by his side to support him, Thomas has gained his first glimpse at competition on an international stage.

First Horse

After Thomas' older brother's departure to university, Thomas inherited an ex-racehorse named Prince Baikal. A towering figure at 16 hands, the horse often got the better of then 15-year-old Thomas before his legs grew longer.

Family friend Nicole Pearson began coaching Thomas on Prince Baikal. Her development in training Thomas through advanced riding skills have facilitated his growing hunger for competition and winning rosettes at his Events.

Thomas then went on to ride in Tuen Mun. He went twice a week and it was here that he was encouraged by his instructor Gina Porter to ride competitively. Excited by his first taste in competition, he continued participating in local Eventing shows

Learning to Ride

Once a week after school, Thomas went to Pok Fu Lam riding school to have lessons. Teddy Bear was the first pony that Thomas learnt to ride on. At 7 years old Thomas was terrified yet determined to learn. Even at a young age, Thomas loved to jump. Joining the Pony Club the same year, learning to ride became more social and Thomas built friendships with other professional riders that have lasted to this day.

The Beginning

Inspired by the bravery of characters in cowboy movies, Thomas had wanted to be a jockey since a young age. Upon seeing his first horse at Pok Fu Lam riding school when accompanying his brother Daniel to a lesson, Thomas fell immediately in love. Determined to be closer to horses, but too young to learn to ride, Thomas spent his afternoons watching Daniel and familiarizing himself with horses and their care. This was the beginning of a passion that would shape his life.

Born

Thomas Heffernan Ho was born at the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong.