As the daughter of world-famous pop star Ronan Keating and top Irish model Yvonne Connolly, Ali Keating has lived much of her life in the public eye. Now 21, the champion showjumper has spent her formative years under the spotlight but has remained refreshingly grounded. The only time her feet aren’t firmly planted is when she’s in the saddle—where she’s most at home. An accomplished rider preparing to compete in the prestigious Dublin Horse Show next month, Ali discovered her love for horses during her school years. "Like everyone at that age, I tried everything - dancing, rugby, basketball, and hockey," she says. "But horses were the only thing that stuck." Her passion runs in the family - her mother Yvonne is also a talented horsewoman. “I had my first riding lesson in Meath when I was around five or six,” Ali recalls. “It was on and off for a while, and my confidence took a few knocks. But when I was 11, I got my first pony, and that really gave me the bug.” After a bad fall, her mum decided to start riding again to help exercise Ali’s pony—and was hooked all over again. “That gave her the horsey bug again too, and the rest is history.” Ali is the youngest child of Ronan and Yvonne. While her family background came with a glamorous lifestyle, it also meant growing up with the glare of public attention. In 2010, the Keating household became tabloid fodder when news broke of her parents’ separation following Ronan’s public affair with a backing dancer. Ali was just five. “There were cameras outside the house for weeks,” she recalls. “It was a lot to handle at that age.” After the divorce, Ronan relocated—first to Australia, then to England, where he now lives with his wife Storm and their two children. Meanwhile, Ali and Yvonne grew closer than ever, settling in Kildare and bonding over their shared love of horses. “We moved from Dublin during Covid, and that’s when things really took off for us,” she says. “Having horses at home was a privilege. I wasn’t a big fan of school, so I skipped Transition Year. College has been more flexible, which lets me manage both study and horses.” Ali is currently studying psychology and criminology at Maynooth University, heading into her final year. “I’m at that point where I have to start thinking about the future,” she says. “I’d love to do a J1 next summer and figure out if I want to travel more or go straight into a master’s in psychology.” Her father, though living abroad, is a proud supporter of her equestrian pursuits. “He tries to come over for the Dublin Horse Show,” says Ali. “The last time he came was really special—usually it’s me going to see him perform. When he’s there in the crowd, it means a lot.” Competing at the RDS is a major milestone in Irish equestrianism, and Ali is gearing up for her next big performance. “It’s such an honour,” she says. “Everyone in my family recognises how big a deal it is and tries to be there.” Though equestrianism is often seen as a sport for the wealthy, Ali is quick to dispel the myth. “It’s a full-time job. Someone has to feed, groom, and care for the horses every day—we do it all ourselves,” she explains. “It’s a lifestyle more than a hobby.” She admits there are hard days: “There are times you don’t want to go out in the cold or rain, but the good days definitely outweigh the bad.” Preparation for the Dublin Horse Show starts almost immediately after the previous year’s event. “The shows we do during the year help us assess which horses have the potential for Dublin,” she explains. This year, Ali has two horses competing. One is Captain Midnight, her mother’s Irish Draught horse, who qualified in the Irish Draught Performance class - just as he did in 2023. “The qualifiers are really competitive, so winning at Rincoola was special,” says Ali. “The other is my own horse, Gwenrowan Lad, in the four-year-old Working Hunter. We bought him as a yearling from a priest in Birr and produced him ourselves.” For Ali, the Dublin Horse Show is the highlight of the year. “It’s the pinnacle of the sport in Ireland. The atmosphere is electric and not something you can duplicate. Everyone’s competing, but later you all come together to socialise and celebrate.” Beyond the show ring, Ali is also dipping her toes into the world of social media and fashion. “I do a good bit of social media bringing together horses, fashion, and lifestyle,” she says. “Once I finish college, I’d love to explore the influencer or modelling space a bit more.” Despite her high-profile background, Ali remains impressively down-to-earth. Her success, she says, comes down to a combination of passion, hard work, and support from her close-knit family. “There’s no one I’d rather do it all with than Mum,” she says. “We’re a team—and I couldn’t do it without her.” EFFORTLESS EQUESTRIAN SPECIAL Equestrian fashion has long been synonymous with classic elegance and the timeless sophistication of horse-riding culture. It’s a style rooted in the traditional attire worn by riders, characterized by tailored pieces, muted colours, and an overall refined look that often channels haute couture. Over time, equestrian fashion has evolved. Today, it’s not just about practicality - it’s about looking stylish and chic, too. By blending key equestrian-inspired pieces into your everyday wardrobe, you can create a look that’s both unique and timeless. Whether you’re a rider or just love the equestrian vibe, there are countless ways to incorporate the upper-crust, equestrian lifestyle into your daily outfits. The result is a look that's both fun and functional, ensuring you'll stand out as a fashionable "filly" wherever you go. Equestrian clothing often features classic colours and designs that evoke sophistication and refinement. While pieces like riding boots, jackets, and breeches may initially seem too formal or niche, with the right styling, they can easily be transformed into versatile wardrobe staples that add an elegant edge to any outfit. HOT TO TROT- TOP TIPS FOR FASHIONABLE FILLY STYLE Start with Neutral Colours When incorporating equestrian pieces into your wardrobe, start with neutral colours like black, brown, or navy. These colours are classic and easy to pair with other pieces in your wardrobe. Once you’re comfortable mixing neutrals, you can experiment with bolder colours and patterns. Pair Riding Boots with Jeans Riding boots are a staple of equestrian fashion, but they can also be worn with everyday outfits like jeans and a sweater. To make this look work, choose a pair of sleek-fitted boots rather than bulky, and tuck your jeans into the boots for a streamlined look. Layer a Riding Jacket Over a Dress A riding jacket can add structure and sophistication to a floaty summer dress or casual t-shirt dress. Look for jackets with clean lines and classic details like brass buttons or epaulets for a winner enclosure's sartorial look Add a Riding Hat for an Elegant Touch Pop a hat atop tightly combed back hair and you're hot to trot. The Dublin Horse Show - 6-10 August 2025 - is a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse. From the best show horses to the best international show jumpers, The Dublin Horse Show is unparalleled on the equestrian circuit with the RDS the staging ground for some of the world top event riders and jumpers. But it's not just ponies on show as the Dublin Horse Show is also a sartorial showcase with Ladies Day set to be held on Thursday August 8th. Photography by Evan DohertyHair by Jessica DowdallMakeup by Sarah O'Brien BeautyShot on location at the Royal Dublin Society, Dublin 4