McKinlaigh (Highland King out of Kilcumney Hostess) aptly dubbed “Big Mac” by Jim Wofford, stands 17.3 hands tall. He is a striking liver chestnut and has a sweet, shy personality. He is slow to take a liking to new people, yet can usually be won over by a handful of peppermints. He is terribly afraid of clippers and needles but has not yet found a xc fence that gives him any concern.

Born in 1994 in Ireland, McKinlaigh was started by Chris and Sue Ryan of Scarteen. Imported to the United States by Thom Schulz and Laura Coats in 1999, McKinlaigh began his career with Gina Miles winning 9 out of 10 events in his first two years in the U.S. He quickly progressed to the Intermediate and Advanced levels, completing his first CCI Three Star in 2001 at just 7 years old.

In 2002, McKinlaigh successfully negotiated his first Four Star track at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event and represented the U.S. at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. 2003 was off to a great start with a win at the World Cup qualifier at Galway Downs and another successful trip around Rolex. The fall season brought McKinlaigh “across the pond” to test his mettle against the more formidable European competitors. He met the challenge with aplomb, placing 3rd at Gatcombe Park, 2nd at Varsseveld, and earning a Bronze Medal at the inaugural Eventing World Cup Final held in Pau, France. After a light year in 2005, McKinlaigh tackled 2006 with big wins at the Rebecca Farm CIC World Cup qualifier, Woodside HT, Twin Rivers HT and the USEF Fall Championship at Fair Hill International CCI***. These wins earned him the title of USEA Advanced Horse of the Year.