As the daughter of world-famous pop star Ronan Keating and top 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 then, but you can get your confidence knocked so easily at that age.
‘I really got into it when I was around 11 and I was lucky enough to get my first pony, which really gave me the horsey bug.’
It was after a nasty tumble from her pony that Ali’s mum Yvonne decided herself to get back in the saddle, after many years absent from the equestrian world.
‘I had a fall on my first pony so mom decided to get back in the saddle after many years and exercise him for me,’ Ali recalls. ‘That gave her the horsey bug again then too and the rest, as they say, 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 at the time, and there were cameras outside the house for weeks.
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.
‘I moved to a school in Kildare once we moved from Dublin during Covid which was a big change but it was great to have the privilege of having the horses at home, that’s when we really started to expand,’ says Ali.
‘I was never a big fan of school, I just wanted to be home doing the horses so I skipped Transition Year — the quicker I was out of school the better. College is a lot more flexible so I’m able to balance both.
‘Myself and mum spend most of our time together from being in the yard at home to travelling the country for shows. There’s no one I’d rather do it with and I’m super lucky to have her because I couldn’t do it on my own.’
While her father Ronan lives across the pond, he keeps a watchful eye on his daughter’s equestrian career. He may be used to being the centre of attention but he proudly takes a back seat as he supports his daughter from the stands
In fact Ali says she loves nothing more than when her dad is mingling among the crowds at the RDS as she trots out atop her pony into the competition ring.
‘It’s an honour to get to compete at Dublin Horse Show and that’s recognised by all of my family and friends and they all try to get to it when I’m jumping,’ says Ali.
‘The last time, Dad came over from England, which was really special as he doesn’t get a whole lot of time with his busy schedule. It’s usually me going to see him perform.
‘The Horse Show crosses over with the Marie Keating Foundation golf day this year so a few of the family are hoping to get into the RDS for a few days.’
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 can definitely be tough days and days where you don’t feel like going out in the rain or cold but those days are definitely made easier and outweighed by the good days.'
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.”
When she is not riding around on her horses, Ali is a full-time student at Maynooth University.
‘I’m currently studying psychology and criminology and going into my final year of that so I’m definitely at that stage now of having to think a bit harder about the future,’ she says.
Travel is in homebird Ali’s immediate plans.
‘I would love to do a J1 next summer and then figure out whether I want to travel a bit more or go straight into a masters of psychology.’
While she has followed in her mother’s equestrian footsteps, Ali is also a natural in front of the camera lens and she says she would also like to expand her repertoire and perhaps branch out in the modelling world.
‘I do a good bit of social media bringing together horses, fashion and lifestyle so I would 100% like to do a bit more of that influencer/modelling scene once I finish up college,’ she says.
STYLE NOTES
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 7th.
Photography by Evan Doherty
Hair by Jessica Dowdall
Makeup by Sarah O'Brien Beauty
Shot on location at the Royal Dublin Society, Dublin 4
