Originally from Newry, Co Down, my childhood was alternative to most kids, filled with ponies. My journey with horses began when I was about seven or eight by participating in shows, which eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion. Every year, our family vacation revolved around the Dublin Horse Show.
Interestingly, my initial aspiration was to enter the world of beauty therapy and I even completed my work experience in that field. Nevertheless, my life took an unexpected turn at the age of 16, when a chance conversation with a stranger while accompanying a friend who was taking part in a jump at Dublin veered me in a new direction. The gentleman suggested that I check out his cousin Greg Broderick based in Tipperary who was in constant need of staff. I followed his advice, anticipated to stay there for three months to gain some hands-on experience but ended up never leaving.
My initial responsibilities involved some riding, however, I eventually took over the grooming duties when Greg’s regular groom departed. I discovered that I quite enjoyed this aspect of horse care and requested Greg to give me an opportunity to be his groom. Thus began our partnership of a rider and his groom.
My tasks spanned from preparing and unfastening tack for Greg, ensuring the horses’ cleanliness, plaiting, clipping, transporting horses to and from the field, prepping for shows and verifying the availability of the right tack. In addition, a vital part of my role is to ensure everything appears polished.
Our business revolves around breeding horses, nurturing them to a proficient stage and then selling them. Every December, we organise an auction and the Dublin Horse Show acts as a massive platform for us for this event.
Maintaining a presentable setup is crucial as we consider it akin to a shop window, appealing enough to attract attention. Hence, we pay significant importance to details like everyone wearing the same riding jacket, exhibit branded gear, well-decorated stable curtains, proper tags and a neatly organised place.
Details are critical to me, even when it comes to folding rugs or packing the tack locker. It might appear stringent, but having a routine makes everything run smoother. However, I maintain a level of flexibility, understanding that circumstances can change in a flash and I must be prepared to adapt.
For the past 16 years, I had the privilege of sharing my journey with Greg. Our adventures spanned a decade across Europe, exploring Spruce Meadows in Canada and experiencing the vastness of America.
One of the most notable highlights was our trip to the Rio Olympics in 2016, an experience nothing short of magical. It’s the kind of dream you wish for, yet the reality of it still seems farfetched. Our deserving champion was Greg’s steed, Going Global. We nurtured his growing talent ourselves.
Being a competent groom requires a willingness to exert oneself and face both trials and triumphs in stride. It’s certainly not a conventional nine-to-five gig. Going Global thrived on consistency. For the consequential three months leading up to the competition, I dedicated my time entirely to maintaining our daily structure. He was exercised in the morning followed by some field time. We also frequented a local river where we would pause for a while.
Recently, we’ve seen grooms being credited in competitions such as this year’s Dublin Horse Show. I hope this trend continues to permeate other shows. Given the amount of time we spend with our equine partners, we grow attune to their good and bad days. Recognition for the toil and commitment we invest into our charges is significant. Rising to such grand events couldn’t be achieved without the owners and riders, but the groom’s role is equally crucial.
Establishing a bond with your rider is just as vital. If you’re not both committed to the shared goal, success becomes elusive. Mutual understanding and trust is fundamental.
Even the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Dublin Horse Show was a lifelong dream. As a child, I admired the great riders, and finally being there, being recognised by them, felt surreal.
There are challenging days when our efforts seem in vain, like when a fence comes down, or the horse is under the weather and cannot jump, or being left out from a team lineup. But the key is to persevere, and look forward to brighter days ahead.
Recalling my initial days working with Greg, I always fantasised about participating and achieving double-clear in a Nations Cup in Dublin. Remarkably, this aspiration became a reality. Striding into the grand arena for the awards ceremony was a surreal experience that I treasure till this day. This victory was marked during my debut in the Nations Cup, also the inaugural year we claimed the title. Dublin possesses a unique and electrifying atmosphere where the tremendous support from the crowd amplifies the spirits.
The attributes of an excellent groom include dedication, resilience, and embracing both the highs and lows. The role is not constrained within the typical working hours but extends beyond that, effectively annihilating any plans for summer breaks. The job demands keen attention: be it preparing for competition entries, coordinating drivers, or managing phone calls. Working in the yard for me supersedes the essence of a mere job. Having been part of it for a significant period, it feels like an extended family, making it integral to my lifestyle.
The presence of horses in my life has been transformative, crafting my persona. These extraordinary creatures, with their remarkable intelligence, have been my trusted companions. My bond with Going Global was akin to a deep friendship. Intriguingly, horses can comprehend human emotions better than we understand theirs.
A conversation by Joanne Hunt. The upcoming 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show is slated for 14th to 18th August.