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

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

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

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.

In this second episode with William Micklem, host John Kyle discusses William's inventions, his desire to make equestrianism a sport for all in Ireland and High Performance eventing in Ireland today.

In this episode host John Kyle discusses breeding and coaching with William Micklem for Part 1 of our interview with an equestrian "renaissance man".

In this episode host John Kyle welcomes three of Irish equestrianism's most recognised voices - Brendan McArdle, Louise Parkes and Paul Nolan - to discuss their own riding histories, how they got started in the media and some of their favourite moments from their careers.

In this episode host John Kyle welcomes GAIN's Alan Nolan to discuss his equestrian journey from local riding school to the world's biggest horse trials alongside a full-time job. Alan has some feeding tips and advice for horses following lockdown and explains how our Olympic athletes will access GAIN horse feeds in Tokyo.

In this episode host John Kyle discusses the return of national and international showjumping, including the HSI Premier and ISH Studbook Series, with High Performance Manager Michael Blake and reigning National Champion Francis Connors.

In this episode host John Kyle chats to 4 overseas-based Irish high performance riders - Shane Sweetnam, Michael Murphy, Judy Reynolds and Padraig McCarthy - about how they, their families and their horses have dealt with lockdown in each country and what their plans are for resumption of sport.