Horse Sport Ireland Podcast

About Horse Sport Ireland Podcast

For professionals in Ireland's equestrian world, immerse yourself in compelling stories from breeders who've transformed bloodlines, trainers who've discovered championship talent, and riders who've overcome incredible odds to stand on podiums. You also get event previews, post-competition analysis and exclusive interviews with competitors across dressage, showjumping, and other disciplines. Plus, hear firsthand accounts from industry peers who've successfully navigated HSI's grant programs and support systems to elevate their businesses and careers in ways you might not have considered. The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast delivers essential industry intelligence straight from the source.

Publisher

Horse Sport Ireland

Category

news · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 May 2020

Latest episode

26 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Jan 2026

   High Performance Dressage Roadmap

   Achieving elite performance in equestrian sport requires a strategic, holistic approach, planning years in advance to ensure the right blend of training, physical fitness, and mental resilience is in place for both horse and rider. The Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Programmes are engineered to meet this immense challenge, developing a deep, sustainable pipeline of talent from youth ranks through to the senior international stage. This episode provides an essential insight into the critical non-riding training required for high performance athletes, the importance of classical training methods, and the collaborative excitement for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. Host Melanie Young is joined by two key leaders in Irish equestrian sport: Anne Marie Dunphy, the High Performance Manager for Senior and Youth Dressage, and Simone Hession, the High Performance Manager for Para Dressage. Anne Marie is a Level 3 Dressage Coach and former international Grand Prix rider, while Simone is an HSI Level 2 Coach and a competitor of Irish-bred horses up to Grand Prix level. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Co-hosted athlete seminar for LA roadmap Non-riding training: media and mindset Anne Marie's journey: athlete to coach Building team strength for European, Olympic selection Youth and Para Dressage squad development GUESTS DETAILS Anne Marie Dunphy and Simone Hession are High Performance Managers at Horse Sport Ireland. Anne Marie is responsible for the Senior and Youth Dressage programmes, drawing on her experience as an international Grand Prix rider and Level 3 Coach to foster a strong youth-to-senior transition. Simone leads the Para Dressage programme, using her background as an HSI Level 2 Coach and competitive rider to focus on team support, development, and athlete communication. Connect with Anne Maire & Simone: Anne Marie Dunphy Website: https://www.annemariedunphy.com/contact Simone Hession Email: Email:simonehession@gmail.com MORE INFORMATION Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport and the sport horse industry in Ireland, overseeing disciplines and high-performance teams, regulating athletes and horses, issuing equine passports and maintaining studbooks, and supporting breeders through national breeding services and coaching programmes. https://www.horsesportireland.ie/ This podcast was produced by dustpod.io QUOTES Quote 1: The whole process of an Olympic Games, it's quite daunting when you step into it first. - Anne Marie Dunphy Quote 2 : Mindset and mental fitness is a huge aspect to sport, whichever sport you're participating in. - Simone Hession Quote 3 : The better those younger athletes get, the harder you guys at the top have to work because they'll be snapping at your heels the whole time. - Anne Marie Dunphy Quote 4 : If everyone works together and heads down the same path, you're bound to be more successful when you get to that end goal. - Simone Hession KEYWORDS: #IrishDressage #ParaDressage #HighPerformance #EquestrianCoaching #LA2028Roadmap

2. 

   15 Dec 2025

   How To Become An HSI Coach

   The equestrian industry faces the challenge of continually producing top-tier athletes while ensuring the foundation of high-quality coaching is consistently maintained at every level, from grassroots to high performance. Without a solid system, the development of both horse and rider talent risks becoming inconsistent and insufficient to meet industry demand. This episode dives into how the Horse Sport Ireland coaching pathways provide a long-lasting legacy of high-quality training. It explores the current structure, the shift from pure instruction to athlete-centred coaching, the crucial importance of a supportive peer network, and the essential role of coaching in rider safety and motivation. Listeners will gain insight into the vision for maintaining and improving coaching standards for the future of Irish equestrianism. Joining host Melanie Young are John Bagnall, the Education, Coaching and Training Manager at Horse Sport Ireland, and Joanne Jarden, an HSI Level Three Eventing Coach and tutor with extensive involvement across all coaching levels. Listen to the full episode on Horse Sport Ireland Podcast - search "Horse Sport Ireland" on your podcast app THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT HSI coaching pathway vision and structure Moving from instruction to athlete-centred coaching Value of peer networks for coach development Importance of safety in a high-risk sport Future plans for CPD and Level 3 courses GUESTS DETAILS John Bagnall is the Education, Coaching and Training Manager at Horse Sport Ireland. He is responsible for getting the HSI coaching pathway system operational and maintaining its high standard. Joanne Jarden is an HSI Level Three Eventing Coach and tutor, and a former Irish International Event Rider who competed to 5-Star level. She has also progressed through the Dressage Judges Exams up to List 1 Grand Prix Judging and coaches across all disciplines, helping to progress new coaches through the HSI Coaching Program. Connect with John & Joanne: John Bagnall Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/john-bagnall-47433922/ Joanne Jarden Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-jarden-a11a4b33/ MORE INFORMATION Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport and the sport horse industry in Ireland, overseeing disciplines and high-performance teams, regulating athletes and horses, issuing equine passports and maintaining studbooks, and supporting breeders through national breeding services and coaching programmes. https://www.horsesportireland.ie/ This podcast was produced by dustpod.io QUOTES We produce top quality athletes through focus on supporting coaches and to meet the demand of the industry. -  John Bagnall You are the important foundation. If the foundation isn't right, the whole building falls down - Joanne Jarden We're moving from away from that instruction process to understand and getting the athletes to understand the movements, understand the feel the influence that has on the horse and the relationship with the horse. -  John Bagnall I say that rider is out on that course, on their own. You are not standing by the fence... They have to be involved. They have to be involved in their own learning and their own instruction to the horse.  - Joanne Jarden KEYWORDS: #EquestrianCoaching #HSICoachingPathway #HorseSportIreland #GrassrootsDevelopment #RiderSafety

3. 

   17 Nov 2025

   RDA Ireland: Forty Groups, Four Hundred Riders, Zero Paid Executives

   Mary Walsh chairs RDA Ireland—nearly 60 years, 40 groups, 400 riders weekly, zero paid executives, volunteer-led providing riding/therapy to adults/children with challenges. Founding member Cavan group 30 years ago, progressed from volunteer to area rep to welfare officer (delivers Sport Ireland safeguarding) to chairperson. Also Michael Fox whose autistic son Leo (no family horse background) seeing quick results—20-message text exchange never texted before, writing poetry school, saying feels "calm" on Henry never used that term, holding cabbage for Henry despite severe ARFID requiring covering vegetables at the supermarket. Listen to the full episode on Horse Sport Ireland Podcast - search "Horse Sport Ireland" on your podcast app Keywords: #equineTherapy #RDAIreland #horseHeartbeat #autismSupport #volunteerImpact THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Horse's heartbeat synchronises with rider's creating zen calming effect for everyone Six year old profoundly autistic non-verbal girl now sleeping talking after sessions Leo holding cabbage for Henry overcoming ARFID food phobia through horse feeding Forty groups, four hundred riders, nearly sixty years, zero paid executives Sponsor rider two hundred euros yearly enabling secondary school improved centre access GUEST DETAILS Mary Walsh is Chairperson of RDA Ireland, a volunteer-led organization operating nearly 60 years providing riding therapy to 400 riders weekly across 40 groups with zero paid executives. Founding member of Cavan group 30 years ago, she progressed from volunteer to area rep to welfare officer (delivers Sport Ireland safeguarding courses) before becoming chairperson. Her most powerful story: a six-year-old profoundly autistic non-verbal girl who never slept one night in six years now sleeps every night, talks, and wears a bobbin after RDA sessions—transforming her exhausted single mother's life completely. CONNECT WITH MARY RDA Ireland: rdaireland.org Instagram and Facebook: Search RDA Ireland Interactive map on website showing 40 centres nationwide Volunteer, donate, or sponsor a rider (€200/year MORE INFORMATION Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport and the sport horse industry in Ireland, overseeing disciplines and high-performance teams, regulating athletes and horses, issuing equine passports and maintaining studbooks, and supporting breeders through national breeding services and coaching programmes. https://www.horsesportireland.ie/ (https://www.horsesportireland.ie/initiatives/breeding-grants-schemes/) This podcast was produced by dustpod.io (https://www.dustpod.io/) QUOTES Quote 1: The horse's heartbeat and theirs synchronises, so that's actually very calming for them. Even if I have a volunteer walking beside or leading a horse, the same thing happens, and you're just so zen. It's so good." - Mary Walsh Quote 2 : "We have a little girl, six, profoundly autistic, rolled around the muck in the yard on the first day. This girl is six. She has never slept one night in six years.' After three sessions with us, she's sleeping three nights. After another few sessions, sleeping every night. Her mom grabs me crying: 'You cannot believe I've slept for the first time in six years.' - Mary Walsh Quote 3: "So much happened in such a short space of time after he started equine therapy. My sister in law received a really long text exchange from him, maybe 20 messages. I hadn't even known him to send any text messages apart from game screenshots. - Michael Fox Quote 4: "He's got ARFID—avoidant resistant food intake disorder. Extremely limited diet, almost a fear of foods. He won't touch vegetables. If we're in the supermarket, we have to separate them and cover them. But he will hold it when he's feeding Henry. To be able to cross that barrier that allows him to hold a piece of cabbage, a carrot, because it's for Henry, all of a sudden it's not a problem anymore. You would never think that horse riding would be a route to help him deal with a fear of certain foods." - Michael Fox

4. 

   20 Oct 2025

   Olympic Eventing Resilience: Austin O'Connor

   What does it take to bounce back from major disappointment and win a five star just weeks later? Four-time Olympian Austin O'Connor joins host Melanie Young to discuss resilience, strategic decision-making, and the team behind his success with top horse Colorado Blue. From comparing four different Olympic experiences to explaining why Burghley 2024 required choosing five-star competition over European Championships, Austin provides honest insights into elite eventing. We also hear from Francesca Denning, his competition groom, about the behind-the-scenes work that makes championship performances possible—from quarantine logistics to keeping a grey horse pristine white. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT How resilience is the strongest word in sport The evolution of four Olympic experiences from Sydney to Paris Why Colorado Blue's temperament and competitive heart make him exceptional The vital role of competition groom Francesca Denning Strategic decision-making around targeting five stars versus team championships GUEST DETAILS Austin O'Connor is a four-time Irish Olympic eventing rider who has represented Ireland at Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Austin grew up in a dealing and riding school environment in County Cork, which led him naturally into eventing, particularly drawn by the adrenaline of cross country. His top horse, Colorado Blue (known as "Salty"), was born in County Limerick and is sired by Jagermell out of a proven dam line. Austin is known for his strategic approach to competition planning and his close-knit team approach, including his wife Amy and competition groom Francesca Denning. Francesca Denning is Austin O'Connor's competition groom for Colorado Blue, a role she's held since Tokyo 2020. She previously worked for Austin early in her career after university and spent several years grooming for Lucy Jackson, where she developed her competition grooming expertise. MORE INFORMATION Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport and the sport horse industry in Ireland, overseeing disciplines and high-performance teams, regulating athletes and horses, issuing equine passports and maintaining studbooks, and supporting breeders through national breeding services and coaching programmes. https://www.horsesportireland.ie/ (https://www.horsesportireland.ie) This podcast was produced by dustpod.io (https://www.dustpod.io) QUOTES You know that's sport. There's certainly more downs than ups at the end of the day. Yeah, we did have to pick ourselves up. - Austin O'Connor Paris and Versailles was probably the most special. The setting, the French crowds and everything just made that extremely special. It was as close to playing in Old Trafford as you get in the eventing world. It felt like a new beginning really, getting there with a great group of riders. - Austin O'Connor The strongest word in sport is resilience. If you don't have it, you're not going anywhere. You just sort of pick yourself up and look forward or go and get a different job. - Austin O'Connor KEYWORDS #eventing #Olympics #horsesport #resilience #fivestar

5. 

   15 Sept 2025

   Breeding Champions - The Ballypatrick Formula

   Horse breeding demands massive financial investment and years of patience before seeing any return, making it one of the most challenging aspects of equestrian sport. Ballypatrick Stables has cracked the code on successful breeding operations, producing 60-70 foals annually through innovative embryo transfer techniques. In this podcast, we’ll discover the critical importance of starting with quality mares, the strategic decision-making behind retaining versus selling young horses, and how X-ray evaluations can identify future champions early. Our guest Cheryl Broderick, Ireland's leading breeder and co-owner of Ballypatrick Stables, reveals insider secrets about breeding for international markets, the role of young horse classes in development, and how proper teamwork between breeding and sporting operations creates a winning formula. We also speak with Ballypatrick rider Niamh McEvoy about her rise to National Champion status and five-star success at Dublin Horse Show. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Breeding and Business of Ballypatrick Stables Development of Breeding Facilities Strategies and Market Demands Training and Development of Young Horses Breeding Initiatives GUEST DETAILS Cheryl Broderick is the head of the breeding department at Ballypatrick Stables in Thurles, County Tipperary. She has been at the helm of the breeding operation for many years overseeing all aspects from embryo transfers to the mares' foaling season. Ballypatrick has been in the Broderick family for five generations and Cheryl works alongside her brother Greg Broderick, an Olympic show jumper and coach. Niamh McEvoy is a 20-year-old Irish showjumper who has been working full-time at Ballypatrick Stables for three years. Niamh has quickly risen to become one of Ireland's most promising young equestrian talents. MORE INFORMATION Find details on a range of government-funded initiatives available in 2025 to support Irish sport horse breeders, owners, and producers at all stages of equine development at this page on our website. https://www.horsesportireland.ie/initiatives/breeding-grants-schemes/ (https://www.horsesportireland.ie/initiatives/breeding-grants-schemes/) This podcast was produced by dustpod.io (https://www.dustpod.io/) QUOTES There is a whole big catalogue from the best mares in the world. If you get a filly or buy into a yearling and start that way, the first investment will be the hardest, but she will repay you down the road. – Cheryl Broderick We breed an average of 60 to 70 folds a year. Very few of our own mares carry their own foals, it's mostly based on embryo transfer.  There are a lot of different dynamics in the in the breeding business now. – Cheryl Broderick I have 62 frozen embryos in the tank from our best mares and some of those could give you several frozen embryos in one season. – Cheryl Broderick KEYWORDS #Breeding #embryo #mares #BallypatrickStables #pedigrees #stallions #equestrian

6. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Dublin Horse Show Special

   Recorded live at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show, this fast-moving special podcast drops you right at ringside. Enjoy exclusive behind the scenes chats with riders, managers, course designers and the crew who make the show happen. Catch up with competition winning riders, hear what it takes to ride with the best, and immerse yourself in all of the buzz of one of the biggest days in the Irish Horse Sport Calendar. Things we learned from this episode ●      Team success starts with honest feedback ●      Developing talent means keeping it at home ●      Behind-the-scenes crews are the show’s backbone ●      Course design is about fairness, not flash ●      Helping to breed the future of Irish racing talent GUEST DETAILS ·       Denis Lynch – One of Ireland’s most experienced show jumpers, fresh from leading the Aga Khan team as pathfinder and always ready with honest insights on team performance and horse breeding. ·       Debbie Byrne – Eventing High Performance Manager, steering Ireland’s young-horse pipeline with a focus on clear targets and keeping top talent in the country. ·       John Kyle – International commentator whose voice is as much a part of Dublin as the ring itself, offering both behind-the-booth prep and seasoned perspective. ·       Kim Hendricks  – The unsung hero in the stable, keeping horses happy, healthy, and ready to deliver double clears under pressure. ·       Tom Wachman – Rising Irish show jumping talent making his Aga Khan debut, blending youthful energy with the precision of the Carlswood system. ·       Simone Hession – Para High Performance Manager, guiding Ireland’s para riders with a mix of coaching expertise and strategic leadership. ·       Paddy Gately – International Stable Manager, the man behind the stabling logistics that keep the whole show running smoothly. ·       Alan Wade – One of the world’s top course designers, crafting fair but challenging tracks that bring out the best in riders and horses. ·       Laura Kraut, Grand Prix Winner – Laura is the newly crowned champion at Dublin, sharing the thrill of a perfectly timed campaign paying off in the ring. MORE INFORMATION Check out horsesportireland.ie (http://horsesportireland.ie) QUOTES “Honest feedback is the quickest way to make a good rider great.” — Denis Lynch “We’re not just building riders—we’re building a system that keeps talent in Ireland.” — Debbie Byrne “A course should test you, not trap you.” — Alan Wade “The grooms win their own kind of medals every day.” — Kim Hendricks “In Dublin, you don’t just show up—you peak.” — Laura Kraut

7. 

   14 Jul 2025

   From Pony Trials to Glory: Seamus Hughes Kennedy

   Seamus Hughes Kennedy, a star 23-year-old Irish show jumper, discusses his rapid rise in the sport, including winning double gold at the 2023 Young Rider Europeans and helping Ireland win the Nations Cup in Le Ball. He credits his family's equestrian background and mentors like Ger O'Neill for his development. Seamus highlights his journey with his horse, ESI Rocky, from a young, inexperienced horse to a top performer. He also mentions his upcoming goals, including the European Championships in A Coruña and the potential of his young horses. Seamus emphasises the importance of mental preparation and the support from his team. Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include: The journey from a family of horse enthusiasts to international glory Climbing the ranks from junior to senior competitions The impact of HSI’s Youth Programs and Mentorship The story of Seamus’s success aboard ESI Rocky Helping to breed the future of Irish racing talent GUEST DETAILS Seamus Hughes Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most exciting young talents in international showjumping. Born in Kilkenny in 2002, Seamus grew up on a family-run yard, where his passion for horses and competition was nurtured from a young age. His early years saw a rapid rise through the youth ranks, highlighted by standout performances at major championships. A breakthrough moment came when Seamus won individual gold at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses. He continued to build momentum, achieving a remarkable double gold—both team and individual—at the European Young Rider Championships. These successes showcased not just his skill in the ring, but also his ability to develop lasting partnerships with his horses, many of which have been produced from a young age. In his debut season at the senior international level, Seamus earned top placings in prestigious events, including Grand Prix victories and an impressive Under-25 win at CHI Geneva. His consistent performances and calm, focused approach have earned him recognition as a future star of Irish showjumping. Beyond his results, Seamus brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to the sport. He credits his close-knit family and support team for their role in his journey. With his sights set on senior championships and top five-star competitions, Seamus Hughes Kennedy represents the next generation of elite riders with talent, humility, and drive. MORE INFORMATION Check out horsesportireland.ie (http://horsesportireland.ie) QUOTES I have such faith in the horse that he'll stay jump and clear, as long as I let him so as long as I do my own job, he'll do his. - Seamus Hughes Kennedy A lot of riding is kind of nearly mental, and if you can try get a good, strong mental head during those stages, anyway, I think it's a great step open... I think Ireland is really becoming a country to reckon with out in Europe and everything. - Seamus Hughes Kennedy We were very much underdogs at that Europeans, I knew the horse was brilliant, and he had it in him, but he'd done very little up to that stage... it was a very long week in Italy, it was very hot. It was very much an endurance week to get through it all. - Seamus Hughes Kennedy There's plenty of times where I might have been pulling up my hair where I didn't know what to do, but it just kind of stayed trudging on, and, you know, stayed moving forward, and not to let anything that didn't go to plan get me too down. Because always, once you stay going... it always seemed to work out afterwards. Keep thinking. Bigger picture, yeah, bigger picture. - Seamus Hughes Kennedy It's been a long journey, but been a great journey at the same time. So, yeah, no, it's amazing to be up there and doing it all, enjoying it so far. - Seamus Hughes Kennedy

8. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Breeding Champions: How Ireland Stays on Top

   International showjumper Paddy O’Donnell and Horse Sport Ireland's Conor Sheridan discuss Ireland's horse breeding industry developments, including support, funding, and breeding programs, in an interview that highlights opportunities within Ireland's evolving equestrian landscape.

9. 

   22 May 2025

   From the Ground Up: How to Break Into Eventing

   Event rider Ian Cassells discusses how riders can achieve eventing success through determination, vision, and effort, regardless of their background, in this interview.

10. 

    21 Apr 2025

    Youth Show Jumping: Pathway to the Podium

    Denis Flannelly and Liz Brennan discuss Ireland's youth show jumping program, detailing its structure, support, and long-term vision for developing young riders to achieve success on the European stage in this interview.

11. 

    18 Mar 2025

    Unshattered Dreams: The Trevor Breen Story

    Show jumper Trevor Breen recounts his devastating fall at the Hamburg Grand Prix and subsequent recovery with his wife Caroline Breen, highlighting resilience and the support needed for extraordinary comebacks in this interview.

12. 

    7 Sept 2020

    William Micklem - Inventions, Sport for All & Eventing High Performance

    Equestrian expert William Micklem discusses his inventions and his vision for inclusive equestrianism and high-performance eventing in Ireland with host John Kyle in an interview.

13. 

    10 Aug 2020

    William Micklem - Breeding & Coaching

    Equestrian expert William Micklem discusses breeding strategies and effective coaching techniques with host John Kyle in an interview, offering insights for equestrian enthusiasts.

14. 

    27 Jul 2020

    Voices of Irish Equestrian Sport

    Host John Kyle interviews Brendan McArdle, Louise Parkes, and Paul Nolan about their equestrian backgrounds, media careers, and memorable moments in Irish equestrian sport.

15. 

    13 Jul 2020

    Five Star Eventing as an Amateur Rider

    Alan Nolan shares his experiences balancing a full-time job with competing in five-star eventing, offering feeding tips for horses post-lockdown in an interview with John Kyle.

16. 

    29 Jun 2020

    Showjumping with Michael Blake and Francis Connors

    John Kyle interviews Michael Blake and Francis Connors about the return of national and international showjumping, focusing on the HSI Premier and ISH Studbook Series.

17. 

    15 Jun 2020

    Covid Catch-Up with High Performance Riders

    Host John Kyle interviews Irish high-performance riders Shane Sweetnam, Michael Murphy, Judy Reynolds, and Padraig McCarthy about navigating lockdowns and planning for the resumption of equestrian sports.

18. 

    1 Jun 2020

    Breeding and Young Horse Production with Hugh Suffern

    Hugh Suffern discusses the veterinary side of breeding and producing high-performance horses with host John Kyle in this interview.

19. 

    18 May 2020

    Covid-19 with Ronan Murphy

    Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy discusses safe sport resumption under Covid-19 restrictions with host John Kyle in this interview.

Who has been a guest on Horse Sport Ireland Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Paddy O’Donnell
• Conor Sheridan
• Ian Cassells
• Denis Flannelly
• Liz Brennan

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

45

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Horse Sport Ireland Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.