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. 

From beginning with the organisation 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/ 

This podcast was produced by 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

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/

This podcast was produced by 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

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/

This podcast was produced by 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

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

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

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

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

Ireland’s continued success on the world stage depends on our ability to consistently breed and produce top-class sport horses

In this episode, we’re exploring the exciting developments in Ireland’s horse breeding industry—where passion, tradition, and innovation come together. With increased support, targeted funding, and structured breeding programs, it’s never been more achievable for Irish breeders to produce top-level horses. 

Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:

●       The important influence of mentors on horsemanship and horse production
●       Producing one of Ireland’s standout horses, Harristown Princess
●       Developing young horses with time, patience, and understanding
●       How Ireland’s horse sport sector has grown more competitive and professional
●       Opportunities and support from Horse Sport Ireland & Breeding Programs

We’re joined by Paddy O’Donnell, a respected international showjumper from County Waterford, who has successfully developed top horses like Harristown Princess. We’ll also hear from Conor Sheridan, Breeding Executive at Horse Sport Ireland, who explains how new initiatives are empowering breeders and shaping a strong, sustainable future for Irish horse sport.

GUEST DETAILS
Paddy O'Donnell is a distinguished Irish showjumper from County Waterford, renowned for his dedication to producing top-level sport horses. His most notable partnership was with Harristown Princess, a mare he developed from a young age. Together, they achieved significant success, including winning the TRM/Horseware Premier Series and being crowned National Show Jumping Champions in 2013. Paddy has also represented Ireland on Nations Cup teams and secured victories in international classes, such as at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. 

Beyond his competitive achievements, he is committed to nurturing young equine talent and supporting the growth of Ireland's breeding programs. His journey from aspiring rider to national champion exemplifies the opportunities available within Ireland's evolving equestrian landscape.

https://www.facebook.com/podshowjumping/

Conor Sheridan is the Breeding Executive at Horse Sport Ireland and owner of Brosna View Stables in County Offaly. A passionate advocate for Irish sport horse breeding, he combines hands-on experience with strategic leadership in national breeding initiatives. Conor also co-founded The Irish Horse Breeders Group, promoting collaboration and innovation within the industry.

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/conor-sheridan-2bb87139

MORE INFORMATION

Check out horsesportireland.ie

 
Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io 

QUOTES

The more you do, the more knowledge you gain. Knowledge is power. - Paddy O’Donnell 

I never rode anything that wanted to avoid fences like her. - Paddy O’Donnell 

It gives breeders a chance that if they're going to breed a horse, they can follow the journey. - Paddy O’Donnell 

The biggest thing is you don't over phase horses, and you don't over push them. - Paddy O’Donnell 

Horses would rather be eating grass in the field than be ridden. So if that's the case, we have to treat the animal with that respect. They have to be happy. - Paddy O’Donnell 

Sport should make a person better. That should help your character develop. - Paddy O’Donnell 

It's a great life. Horses are a wonderful life. They're hard work. There's loads of ups and downs. - Paddy O’Donnell 

KEYWORDS

#Horse #breeding #showjumping #training #welfare #competition

In today’s eventing world, success isn’t limited to those with a horsey background—it’s earned through determination, clear vision, and consistent effort. For riders who start without early access to the sport, the journey can be more challenging, but it proves that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.

In this episode, we explore how one of Ireland’s top event riders carved out his own path to success, showing that strong values, long-term relationships, and a commitment to growth can build a world-class career from the ground up.

Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:

• Developing young horses with patience and purpose
• Building a sustainable equestrian business rooted in strong values
• The lasting importance of traditional Irish breeding
• How formal education can strengthen an equestrian career
• Creating meaningful partnerships with horses and owners

Joining us is Ian Cassells, currently ranked 43rd in the world, who shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Ireland’s leading event riders.

GUEST DETAILS
Ian Cassells is a leading Irish event rider who began his equestrian journey from a non-horsey background. He graduated with an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, where he also captained the equestrian club. Ian has represented Ireland at major competitions, including the FEI Nations Cup and European Championships, earning individual and team medals. In 2024, he was the top rider at the Eventing Ireland Nationals and Home Internationals. Based in Newcastle, Co. Dublin, Ian runs his own yard, focusing on developing young horses and training riders, and is respected for his dedication and strong values in the sport.

https://iancassellseventing.com/about.html 

MORE INFORMATION

Check out horsesportireland.ie

Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io 

QUOTES

Just because you don't come from a horsey background doesn't mean it's not a possibility. - Ian Cassells

With horses, you never know everything, and you're forever learning. And when you think you know everything, they'll catch you by surprise and teach you something else. - Ian Cassells

People don't understand how much goes into the day to day. - Ian Cassells

It's made me more grateful, and made me work even harder to have that success. - Ian Cassells

If you're representing your country you take massive honor and pride. - Ian Cassells

KEYWORDS

#Horse #sport #eventing #rider #PonyClub #Badminton #training #competition #breeding

As the road to the 2025 Nations Cup and European Championships begins, the focus isn’t just on selecting the strongest riders—it’s about building a pathway that supports young athletes through every stage of development.

Today, we are going to explore how a more structured, athlete-focused approach is shaping Ireland’s youth show jumping programme for long-term impact. 

Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:

• Creating structure, support, and a long-term vision for young riders
• A new leadership approach to reshaping Ireland’s youth programme 
• What selectors are really looking for at trials
• The importance of mentorship and team culture
• Preparing to compete on the European stage

With a new leadership team heading the Youth Show Jumping High Performance Programme, newly appointed Lead Consultant, Denis Flannelly and Youth Athlete Liaison, Liz Brennan join us to share the training and team values they’re implementing to reach big ambitions on the national stage. 

GUEST DETAILS
Denis Flannelly is Lead Consultant of the HSI Youth Show Jumping High Performance Programme and a highly respected Level 3 HSI Jumping Coach. Denis has years of experience as Chef d’Équipe and Jumping Manager, with a proven track record of developing medal-winning riders for Ireland on the international stage. 

Liz Brennan is Youth Athlete Liaison of the HSI Youth Show Jumping Programme. A cornerstone of Irish youth show jumping, Liz has a long-standing history of supporting young riders through every stage of their competitive journey. Liz plays a vital role in mentoring athletes, fostering team culture, and ensuring open communication between riders, families, and the performance team. 

https://www.horsesportireland.ie/horse-sport-ireland-announces-new-leadership-for-youth-show-jumping-high-performance-programme/ 

MORE INFORMATION

Check out horsesportireland.ie

Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io 

QUOTES

If they just want to be better, that's the first thing for me. - Denis Flannelly 

Success breeds success. - Liz Brennan 

We're all about success, and our end game is European Championship podium finishes. - Liz Brennan 

Horse welfare for me is at the top. - Denis Flannelly 

Ireland is punching above its weight at the moment. - Liz Brennan 

There are four elements of success; physical fitness, mental fitness, technical education and tactical awareness. - Denis Flannelly 

KEYWORDS

#youth #showjumping #horse #welfare #coaching #athlete #competition #trainingprogram #equestrian 

When life throws its toughest challenges, true champions find a way to rise. Trevor Breen’s story is one of resilience, grit, and the unwavering support that fuels extraordinary comebacks. 

Trevor and his wife Caroline take us on an emotional journey from a devastating fall at the Hamburg Grand Prix—where he suffered a broken and dislocated neck and back.

Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:

• A champion’s mentality that helped Trevor return to competition after a catastrophic injury
• Behind-the-scenes details of professional show jumping
•  The logistics of competing internationally
•  Key turning points in Trevor’s career, from amateur rider to elite show jumper
•  Practical safety advice for riders at all levels, including Trevor’s adoption of the Air vest

Trevor also shares the physical and psychological battles of his recovery and we hear Caroline’s experience managing Breen Sport Horses, along with exciting plans for upcoming competitions. With honesty, vulnerability, and a champion’s mindset, their story is one you won’t want to miss.

GUEST DETAILS

Trevor Breen has ridden nationally and internationally all his life to great success. With selections for The European Championships, Nations Cup Finals, and GCL Teams amongst other Irish National & International teams, and being longlisted for London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Trevor has had a consistently successful career on the international show jumping scene, winning on huge stages in The UAE, as well as CSI5* wins in London, Dublin, and Hickstead, and riding for Ireland on numerous winning Nations Cups.

Caroline Breen shares the passion for show jumping, achieving wins on the national and international circuit. She has trained with accomplished figures in British Showjumping, such as Tim Stockdale, and plays a crucial role in producing the young horses, training clients and overseeing all aspects of the business management.
https://breensporthorses.co.uk/

MORE INFORMATION

Check out horsesportireland.ie

Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io 

QUOTES

It's the first fall that I haven't walked away from in my whole life. - Trevor Breen 

I knew it was serious as soon as I saw him. - Caroline Breen 

There was only one horse I was riding, and that was Highland President. The whole show nearly came to a standstill when I went in. - Trevor Breen 

He's come back into the sport very mentally strong as well, which is obviously so important for an athlete. - Caroline Breen 

I have had a serious injury, and if I’ve got something that can help protect me if I do fall again, which I'm sure I will, why not use it? - Trevor Breen 

He's quite strong, he fights for me in the ring, but he also fights against me. - Trevor Breen 

KEYWORDS
#Horsesport #TrevorBreen #HamburgGrandPrix #injuryrecovery #showjumping #equestrian #HighlandPresident #Airvest #NationsCup

Welcome to our brand new podcast for everyone who lives and breathes horse sport!

From the breeding sheds of Ireland to the international show jumping arenas, we'll be bringing you all the country’s biggest equestrian stories.

In our launch episode, we hear the incredible journey of Trevor Breen, whose heavy fall at Hamburg’s Grand Prix left him millimetres from death.

The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is the only podcast that speaks directly to the heart and soul of Irish horse sport. 

Press ‘follow’ now so you get the next episode automatically and do share with a friend in the industry. Just tell them to search “Horse Sport Ireland” on their podcast app.

The all new Horse Sport Ireland Podcast. Coming this March to Apple, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.