PROMOTING IRISH HORSE - Defence Forces

Army equitAtion school 

Promoting 

the 

irish horse 

Army Equitation School 

McKee Barracks, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7. 

www.military.ie

CONTENTS 

TiTle Page 

Mission 1 

Objectives 2 

Army Equitation School - A Unique Establishment 3 

A Brief History of the Army Equitation School 4-6 

Army Equitation School - Core Activities 7-8 

Structure of the Army Equitation School - Personnel 9 

Officer Profiles 10-16 

Commanding Officers of the Equitation School 17 

Winning Irish Team Meydan Super League Nations Cup 18 

Army Equitation School Photographic Highlights 19-20 

International Horse Profiles 21-24 

Young Horse Profiles 25-26 

Star of The Future - Drumiller Lough 27 

Horse Procurement 28 

Leasing of Horses 29 

Sourcing of Horses 30 

International Riders trained by the Equitation School 31 

Army Equitation School - Prestigous Victories 32-35 

Equine Hall of Fame 36 

The Army Equitation School Groom 37-38 

Army Equitation School Historic Nations Cup Win 39

MISSION 

To advertise 

the Irish competition horse 

through participation 

in International events at the 

highest level 

A SChOOl Of EquESTrIAN ExCEllENCE 

1

OBJECTIVES 

1. To Promote the Irish Horse. 

2. To maintain a standard of excellence in: 

a. Equitation 

b. Stable Management 

c. Training 

d. Coaching 

3. To co-operate with National Equestrian Organisations. 

(Horse Sport Ireland, Show Jumping 

Association of Ireland, Eventing Ireland 

and Royal Dublin Society). 

4. To participate in an advisory capacity in: 

a. Breeding Programmes 

b. Mare Selection 

c. Stallion Selection 

d. Performance Testing 

e. Coaching 

f. Training 

g. High Performance 

2

Army riders saluting at the rDS Dublin horse Show 

ArMY EquITATION SChOOl 

A uNIquE ESTABlIShMENT 

The Army Equitation School was founded in 1926. Irish Army riders have been the backbone of 

Irish showjumping and three day eventing teams since its inception. 

Army riders have represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European Championship level in 

Showjumping and Three Day Eventing. They have assisted the Irish teams to many Aga Khan 

Trophy successes at the R.D.S. in Dublin, and other great Nations Cup successes at prestigious 

venues such as Aachen, Calgary, Washington and Toronto. 

With wins in competitions at the World Championships, Grand Prix Dublin, Grand Prix Falsterbo, 

Drammen, Hickstead Derby (on three occasions), Hickstead Speed Derby (on three occasions), 

Bordeaux, Dortmund, Millstreet Derby and the Monterrey Derby to name but a few, Army riders on 

Irish bred horses have indeed been and continue to be a powerful force in advertising and promoting 

the sale of Irish horses abroad. Its success in achieving this objective can be established by reviewing 

the impressive record of Irish horses competing for other nations over the years. 

As a result of the School’s direct involvement at the highest level of international competition, 

its coaches, riders and grooming staff are recognised for their high standard of horsemanship and 

skills. On numerous occasions Army grooms have won prizes for the exemplary turn-out and care of 

their horses. Through the participation of its riders in various national equestrian bodies, the Army 

Equitation School aids in the development of riding and general equestrian development by passing 

on the invaluable training and experience gained by its competitive riders. The Army Equitation 

School helps young riders through the Minister for Defence’s training bursary. This is an annual 

bursary that is awarded to two promising young riders and includes training and participation at 

junior level international shows. 

It could also be said that the Army Equitation School has represented a shop window for many of 

Ireland’s other assets, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade and marketing, by putting emphasis 

on Ireland and things Irish in a public and eminently suitable way. 

3

A BrIEf hISTOrY Of ThE 


The brave decision to form an Army Show Jumping team back in the infant days of the State in 

1926 has been variously termed an ambitious undertaking, a foray into unknown territory, a mission 

impossible. But perhaps the best comment on this far reaching development came, at the time from 

the French equestrian writer, Captain Montergon, when he declared, “How fine the courage of the 

young Irish Army thus flinging itself boldly into the water in order to learn how to swim!” 

Some eight years later this same author had changed his opinion. Writing in Revue de Cavalerie, he 

declared “Ireland has indeed begun to swim and its swimming master Col Paul Rodzianko chose the 

proper method.” The master referred to there was the Russian riding instructor, Col Paul Rodzianko, 

whose genius helped bring the new Irish team from the status of novice to one of the most feared 

squads in the world. 

The formation of the Army Equitation School had come about very quickly in 1926 following 

contact between Judge Wylie of the RDS, Col Hogan (Quartermaster General), and the then head 

of the new Free State, President William T. Cosgrave. Through a miracle of far sighted initiative, 

the funding was found to have Ireland field teams for international show jumping competitions. Its 

purpose - to advertise the new State and to promote the Irish horse, which in the long run would 

rebound to the benefit of farmer breeders around the country. 

Recruitment began in early 1926. One of the first to be called, Ged O’Dwyer of Limerick, later 

declared, “we were all hunting and racing men and knew nothing about show jumping.” Another 

recruit, Dan Corry of Galway, noted “when we got to the barracks, the only horses there were 

pulling carts in the yard.” 

With what now has to be seen as a super-human effort, the newly formed team of Corry, O’Dwyer 

and fellow Limerick man, Cyril Harty, prepared themselves and horses selected by Judge Wylie to 

compete just three months later at the Dublin Horse Show against practiced sides from Switzerland, 

Great Britain, France, Belgium and Holland. On the Friday of the first Aga Khan Trophy, record 

numbers turned out at the RDS. So much so that the gates had to be locked hours before the 

competition began, to prevent any more people cramming into the Ballsbridge grounds. To their 

credit, Captain Corry on Finghin, Captain O’Dwyer on Oisin and Captain Harty on Cuchulainn 

were placed second behind the Swiss, who were all mounted on Irish horses and who bought 75 more 

before the show was over! 

4

November 1935 Winning Nations Cup Team 

Madison Square Gardens, New York 

Capt Jed G. O’Dwyer riding limerick lace Capt fred A. Ahern riding Gallowglass 

Capt Dan J. Corry riding red hugh Capt Jack J. lewis riding Glendalough 

However this auspicious beginning proved to be a false dawn as the riders were to discover on their 

first trip abroad in 1927, to the tough Nations Cup meeting, at Olympia, London. “Our horses 

and riders could not cope with the tight confines of the indoor arena,” Captain O’Dwyer recalled 

of their chastening experience, when they placed last of six teams in the Prince of Wales Cup, 

some 70 faults behind Great Britain. Thus, when Col Michael Hogan met Col Paul Rodzianko at 

Olympia that year, he was a man under pressure to find a way forward for the new team and justify 

the monetary outlay it involved to civil servants and public alike. 

On return to Dublin, Col Hogan made the case for employing Col Rodzianko, who recorded in his 

memoirs, “I was asked over to Dublin. Col Hogan met me in Kingstown in the grey light of dawn. 

I spent several days discussing propositions and finally the Minister for Defence nominated me 

Director (Chief Instructor) of the Equitation School... The Army Equitation School had splendid 

horses, great courage and a certain amount of experience but no technical knowledge... What grand 

material they were. With Irish horses and Irish hearts I knew I ought to win around the world.” 

But before that miracle could happen, there would be pain. After his arrival at McKee Barracks in 

the spring of 1928, Col Rodzianko applied the disciplines from Caprilli to the “grand Irish material”. 

Captain Ged O’Dwyer recalled those early punishing days of training under the new coach- “He 

turned us inside out but it hurt. We were in the saddle for six hours a day and while the new forward 

seat was easier on the horse it was uncomfortable for us. I can remember many nights dragging 

myself back to our barracks and just about having enough energy to fall into bed only to wake up 

sore again the next morning. It was back to the grind: heels down, toes out, hollow back and light 

hands for six more hours.” 

The medicine worked because that August, the Irish team of Corry, O’Dwyer and Harty on Finghin, 

Cuchulainn and An Craobh Rua scored Ireland’s first win in the Aga Khan trophy ahead of Great 

Britain, France and the Belgians, who were soon to be trained by Col Rodzianko’s brother Alexander. 

5

Col Rodzianko remained at McKee Barracks for the next four years. However above all else, Col 

Rodzianko left behind him in Ireland a riding tradition that has remained with us ever since. Not 

only that, during his time here in the thirties and again when he returned in the fifties, he was 

released by the Minister for Defence to share his genius with Irish riders far beyond the walls of 

McKee, as he gave lessons to prospective young riders. The Officers he taught and those that have 

come after them have continued this tradition of sharing with the wider Irish equestrian scene. 

Having found it in a state of depression, Rodzianko left the Army Equitation School with the 

capability of taking on the world. This they did between 1931 and 1939 as they scored 20 Nations 

Cups wins:-1931 Lucerne; 1932 Dublin and Boston; 1933 Toronto; 1935 Lucerne, Dublin, New 

York and Toronto; 1936 Nice, Amsterdam, Lucerne and Dublin; 1937 London, Lucerne, Dublin and 

Aachen; 1938 Dublin, New York and Toronto; 1939 Lucerne. 

After the War (the Emergency), the Army was underfunded and as a result, the Equitation School 

was starved of finance. It was only under the Cosgrave Government of the 1970’s that the school 

got the funds to enable it to compete on the world stage again. During the last 50 or so years since 

the end of World War II, individual Army riders have won hundreds of International classes and 

for individual Grand Prix achievements. 

In addition to all of this very effective competition activity, the Army Equitation School has also 

participated in both the breeding and organisational aspects of Irish equestrianism down through 

the years. Col J.J. Lewis was the third national chairman of the Show Jumping Association of 

Ireland and became its first Director General in 1988. Col Billy Ringrose has served not only as 

Chef d’Equipe to the Irish team but has also been main Arena Director for the Dublin Horse Show 

and is a retired RDS President. Col Ned Campion was also Chef d’Equipe and Secretary General 

of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland. Lt Col Ronnie MacMahon has been on committees of 

the Irish Horse Trials Society and was Chef d’Equipe, trainer and coach to Ireland’s International 

Eventing Teams. Col Campion and Lt Col MacMahon were two of the founding members of the 

Riding for the Disabled. Comdt John Ledingham (Retd) is currently Chairman of the Horse Sport 

Ireland Coaching Committee and Comdt Tom Freyne is a member of the same Committee. 

When the former Army jumper Mullacrew finished her competitive life she was sent to Hartwell 

Stud as a breeding mare. Crossed with Sea Crest, she produced the great international show jumping 

stallion Cruising. Other mares from the Army Equitation School participated in the artificial 

insemination and embryo transfer breeding programmes at Necarne Castle in County Fermanagh 

and with Teagasc, Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny. 

Through its involvement with RACE, the school has trained superb jockeys John Murtagh, Kieran 

Fallon, Conor O’Dwyer and Jimmy Quinn to name but a few - these people have brought further 

glory to Ireland through the international racing scene. 

Thus down through the years, the Army Equitation School has fulfilled its mandate to both promote 

Ireland and the Irish horse abroad while working to benefit the Irish equestrian scene at home. 

6


COrE ACTIVITIES 

Strategic level influence 

Horse Sport Ireland (H.S.I) is the National Governing Body for the Equine industry. Presently, both 

serving and retired Army Equitation School Officers sit on a number of H.S.I Committee Boards. 

Officers are also sitting on a number of other Irish equestrian bodies, including; Show Jumping 

Association of Ireland, Eventing Ireland & RDS Equestrian Committee. On an international 

level, retired Officers contribute to the International Governing Body, Federation Equestrian 

International (F.E.I.) 

Influence on Training 

The Equitation School designed and developed a coaching and training system that has since 

been adopted as the National Coaching and Training Syllabi for the sport horse industry. This 

coaching system is accepted as the international standard and is used World-wide by the Federation 

Equestrian International (F.E.I.). Similarly, the Equitation School’s training syllabus for grooms 

has been adopted by H.S.I as the National Standard. 

Influence on Educating 

Officers of the Equitation School host demonstrations and clinics for various interest groups in the 

industry. These demonstrations are conducted in order to educate and inform people on breeding, 

training & coaching. 

Influence on Breeding 

H.S.I set up a sub committee to produce a new High Performance Sport Horse Breeding Policy. Two 

Equitation School Officers are members of this “World Class irish Bred Taskforce.” The objective of 

this taskforce is to improve the breeding strategy of the Irish Bred Sport Horse. 

Bursaries 

Three annual Training Bursaries, approved by the Minister for Defence, are awarded to young riders 

competing at showjumping and eventing. The recipient of the bursary receives training with their 

own horses from Equitation School Riding Officers. These young riders have the potential to be the 

next generation of International competitors and the training provided by the Equitation School 

helps develop this potential. 

7

Work Experience 

The Equitation School accommodates applications for Work Experience from Transition year 

students. Students are given an introduction to the equestrian careers offered by the School. 

Visits 

The Equitation School regularly receives visit requests from a large cross section of society. The 

School has hosted many high profile visitors including Princess Anne & Emperor of Japan. Other 

visitors range from Equine/Agricultural Colleges/ interest groups to local youth groups. 

Stamullen National School Co. Meath Visit Army Equitation School 

June 2006 

Enhancing the Breeding Herd 

The Equitation School Horse Purchase & Lease Scheme allows for the return of mares to their 

owners on the termination of the mare’s competitive career. This enables the owner to breed from 

an Irish bred mare that has a proven competitive record. This type of broodmare has been identified 

as the most desirable for breeding high performance sport horses. This activity contributes to 

enhancing the quality of the National Herd. 

Independent Centre of Excellence 

The Equitation School is identified within the Sport Horse Industry as an independent body and 

a centre of excellence which provides support to policy and strategic development of the National 

Governing Body (H.S.I). 

Public Relations agent for the Nation, the Defence Forces and the Irish Sport 

Horse Industry 

Army riders competing on Irish Bred horses provide an instantly recognisable symbol of Ireland 

and the Defence Forces. The Equitation School advertises a positive image of the Defence Forces 

and the sport horse industry to the public. In carrying out the various activities outlined above, the 

Equitation School exposes a large section of society to the positive image of the Defence Forces. 

The Army Equitation School competes only on Irish Bred Sport Horses, thereby providing the 

exclusive “shop window” for the Irish Sport Horse Breeder. 

8

STruCTurE Of ThE ArMY EquITATION SChOOl 

Personnel 

OFFICER COMMANDING 

lt Col G. O’Gorman 

2 IC 

Comdt T. freyne 

ADMIN OFFICER 

Capt S. Crean 

A ADMINISTRATION Q ADMINISTRATION 

CS P. Byrne CqMS C. Mcquillan 

RIDING OFFICERS 

Capt D. O’Brien Capt G. Curran Capt B. Curran-Cournane 

Capt M. Kelly 2/lt J. heelan 2/lt D. Power 

Capt S. Carey (lOA) 

YARD MANAGEMENT 

GROUND STAFF YARD SGT HOGAN LINES 

Cpl D. rooney Sgt D. horgan Cpl J.P. rogan 

9

PrOfIlE 

lT COl GErrY O’GOrMAN 

COMMANDING OffICEr EquITATION SChOOl 

Lt Col O’Gorman joined the Cadet School in 1972 and on 

commissioning was posted to the Equitation School. On transferring 

to the Transport Corps he attended Bolton Street College for 

three years where he studied transport engineering. He has 

served overseas with the United Nations both in Transport and 

Operational appointments in Lebanon (1978 & 1999) and in Iraq & 

Kuwait (1992 & 1993). While stationed in the Curragh, he carried 

out duties of liason officer to the Racing authorities of the Curragh 

Race-course and Punchestown. He is a National Hunt racing 

enthusiast and also hunts regularly with local packs from his home 

in Straffan. He is currently a board member of Horse Sport Ireland & also a member of the 

finance committee of Horse Sport Ireland. Since his appointment as Officer Commanding 

the Equitation School in 2004, Lt Col O’Gorman has consistently pursued the promotion 

of the image of the School to all elements of the equestrian industry. 

PrOfIlE 

COMDT ThOMAS frEYNE 

SECOND IN COMMAND AND ChIEf INSTruCTOr 

Comdt T. Freyne joined the DF in 1988 and was posted to the 

Equitation School in 1990. During his riding career he competed 

in showjumping at a national and international level. In 1995 he 

competed in the international class’s in the RDS as well as winning 

numerous national Grand Prix classes. In 1998 he continued his 

career outside the Equitation School joining the 3rd Battalion in 

Kilkenny. He served overseas in 1999 in Lebanon and in 2006 in 

Afghanistan. During this time he continued his involvement with 

horses by hunting and teaching. He is a qualified HSI Level 2 coach, 

tutor and joint master of the Kilkenny Foxhounds. In 2009 Comdt 

Freyne returned to Equitation School as 2 i/c and Chief Instructor. 

10

PrOfIlE 

rIDING OffICEr 

Name: DAVID O’BrIEN - Showjumping rider 

rank: Captain 

Commissioned 1998 

Capt O’Brien is from Clonbonny, Athlone. After attending Marist College 

(Athlone), he entered the Cadet School in 1996 to begin training as an Army 

Officer. His other interests include Handball, Squash and Hunting. 

2003 Winner Grand Prix, Pontedera CSI3*, Italy 

Winner Speed Class, Cervia CSI3*, Italy 

Winner National Grand Prix, Stepaside 

Winner National Grand Prix, Galway 

Winner National Grand Prix, Cavan 

Winner MCR Cup, Falsterbo 

Winner ‘Drive and Ride’, Falsterbo 

Winner Indoor Grand Prix, Cavan 

Winner 1.40 Class, Helsinki 

Winner Puissance, Helsinki 

Winner National Grand Prix, Limerick 

Winner National Grand Prix, Celbridge 

2004 Winner Welcome Stakes, Balmoral CSI 

Winner Topscore, Balmoral CSI 

Winner National Grand Prix, Rolestown 

Winner National Grand Prix, Crecora 

Winner National Grand Prix, Galway 

Winner Puissance, RDS, Dublin CSIO 

2005 Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Modena CSI4* Italy 

3rd 1.40m Speed Class, Modena CSI4* Italy 

3rd 1.50m Speed Class, Modena CSI4* Italy 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Cervia CSI3* Italy 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Napoli CSI4* Italy 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Copenhagen CSIO4* 

Denmark 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Santander CSI3* Spain 

Winner 1.40m Jump Off, Podebrady CSIO4 

Czech Republic 

3rd Nations Cup, Czech Republic 

2006 Winner Grand Prix, Cavan 

Member of winning Nations Cup Team, Lumen 

2007 Winner Top Score Class, Balmoral 

2nd Two Phase Class, Balmoral 

recent Achievements in the Equestrian field: 

2008 5th Nations Cup, Lisbon CSIO3* 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Maubeuge CSI3* 

5th Super League Nations Cup, Rotterdam CSIO5* 

5th Super League Nations Cup, Aachen CSIO5* 

5th Super League Nations Cup, Hickstead CSIO5* 

2nd Dublin Stakes, RDS, Dublin CSIO5* 

4th Super League Nations Cup, Barcelona CSIO5* 

Winner 1.50m International Stakes, Belfast CSI3* 

2009 3rd 1.50m Jump Off, Hardelot CSI3* 

Winner 1.50m Jump Off, Maubeuge CSI3* 

3rd Grand Prix Qualifier, Chantilly CSI4* 

2nd Grand Prix Qualifier, Lesno CSI** 

Winner Super League Nations Cup, Falsterbo CSIO5* 

4th Grand Prix Qualifier, Falsterbo CSIO5* 

5th Grand Prix Qualifier, Rotterdam CSIO5* 

2nd Grand Prix Qualifier, Weize CSI* 

Winner 6 Year Old National Championships 

2nd 6 Year Old Final, RDS Dublin Horse Show 

Silver Medal World Breeding Championships, 

6 year Old Final, Lanaken 

2nd National Championships, Coilog 

2nd Grand Prix, Kill 

2010 (Year to September) 

5th Grand Prix, Lummen CSIO3* 

2nd Grand Prix, Maubeuge CSI3* 

Winner 1.45m Jump Off, Rotterdam CSIO5* 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Falsterbo CSIO5* 

3rd Hickstead Derby 

3rd Puissance, Dublin CSIO5* 

3rd Speed Championship, Dublin CSIO5* 

2nd Accumulator Speed Class, Dublin CSIO5* 

5th Nations Cup, Gijon CSIO5* 

3rd Table A Jump Off, Barcelona CSIO5* 

5th Accumulator, Horse of the Year Show 

11

PrOfIlE 

rIDING OffICEr 

Name: ShANE CArEY - leave of Absence 2010 

rank: Captain 

Commissioned 1998 

Also joining the Equitation School in 1998, Capt Carey comes from Kilpeacon, 

Crecora, Co. Limerick. He attended St. Clements College and the Limerick 

Tutorial Centre before beginning training in 1996. 

His other interests include Soccer, Rugby and Hunting. 

2003 Winner Grand Prix, Vilamoura, Portugal 

Winner National Grand Prix, Sutton 

Winner National Grand Prix, Mullingar 

Winner 1.45m Class, Rome CSIO 

Winner Accumulator Class, Rome CSIO 

Leading International Rider, Rome CSIO 

Winner Nations Cup, Hamina Finland CSIO4* 

Winner Speed Class, Falsterbo 

Winner Accumulator Class, Gijon 

Winner Nations Cup, Gijon 

Winner Speed Championship, Barcelona 

Winner 1.40 Speed Final, Barcelona 

Leading Rider at Cavan 

Winner Derby, Milstreet 

2004 Winner 1.50m 2-Phase - Dublin CSIO 

Winner 1.50m Grap Class - Rotterdam CSIO 

Winner 1.45m Speed - Barcelona CSIO 

Winner 1.40m Speed - Newscastle West 

Winner 1.40m Speed - Bourg en Brest CSI3* 

Winner 1.45m Speed - Bremmen CSI3* 

Winner 1.45m Speed - Bremmen CSI3* 

5th member for Athens Olympics 

2005 Winner 1.40m Speed - Modena 

Winner 1.40m Speed - Cervia 

Winner 1.45m Accumulator - Cervia 

Winner 1.40m Jump Off - Naples 

Winner 1.40m Speed Derby - Vichy 

Winner 1.40m National - Cavan 

2nd Group - Rome 

2nd 1.45m Speed - St. Gallan 

2nd 1.50m Speed - Vichy 

2nd 1.40m 2phase - Vichy 

2nd 1.40m Speed Derby - Dublin 

2nd 1.40m Speed Derby - Aachen 

3rd 1.50m Jump Off - Aachen 

Leading rider Vichy 

Competed on Nations Cup Teams at Rome, 

St. Gallen, Dublin, Aachen and Barcelona 

2006 Winner 1.40m Mini Grand Prix, Zagreb 


Winner Speed Class, Zagreb 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Athens 

Winner Speed Class, Athens 

Winner, Jump Off Class, Cavan 

Winner National Grand Prix, Kill 

Winner National Grand Prix, Boswel 

2007 Winner Speed Class, Copenhagen 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Poznan 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Falsterbo 

Winner Accumulator Class, Gijon 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Maubeuge 

4th Grand Prix, Maubeuge 

Member of winning Nations Cup Team, Drammen, 

Poznan & Lummen 

2008 Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Le Baule CSIO5* 

Winner 1.40m Two Phase Class, Le Baule CSIO5* 

Winner 1.40m Accumulator Class, Le Baule 

2nd 6 Year Old Final, Le Baule CSIO5* 

2nd 1.50m Accumulator Class, Rotterdam CSIO5* 

Winner 1.45m Jump Off Class, Tattersalls CSI2* 

2nd Speed Derby, Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* 

Winner 4 Year Old Championship, Dublin Horse Show 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Prague CSI3* 

2nd 1.40m Speed Class, Prague CSI3* 

Winner 6/7 Year Old Final, Prague CSI3* 

Winner 1.40m Speed Class, Barcelona CSIO5* 

Winner National Grand Prix, Cavan 

Winner 4 Year Old Final, Cavan 

2009 3rd 1.40m Jump Off Class, Eindehoven CSI3* 

Winner Speed Class, Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* 

Winner Puissance, Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* 

2nd Speed Championship Dublin CSIO5* 

Winner Leading Irish Rider at Dublin CSIO5* 

3rd National Speed Derby championship, Coilog 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, South County Dublin 

Winner Speed Class, National Championships 

Winner Speed Class, Newcastle West 

Winner Speed Class, Blessington 

12

Name: GEOffrEY CurrAN 

rank: Captain 

Commissioned: 2001 

PrOfIlE 

rIDING OffICErS 

Capt Curran hails from Fenar, Co. Waterford. He joined the Cadet School in 1999 

to begin his training as an Army Officer. He competed in pony and horse classes at a 

national level. He was placed at the RDS in the young horse classes and also won a 

Spillers Golden Saddle Award in 1998. 

2004 Showjumping 

Winner 1.40m Derby, Ward Union Hunt Show 

Winner 1.30m Speed Derby, Ward Union Show 

horse Trials 

3rd O/CNC2*, Tyrella One Day 

2nd O/CNC*, Margarite Lodge 

3rd CNC3*, Loughanmore 

3rd O/CNC2*, Annoharvey 

Winner CNC2*, Grove 

Winner CNC3*, Parkhouse 

5th CCI*, Dartfield 

7th CCI2*, Necarne 

Winner CNC*, Kilmanahan 

2nd CNC*, Tyrella 2 Day 

3rd O/CNC2*, Grove 

2005 horse Trials 

4th CIC3* World Cup, Ballindenisk 

Winner O/CNC2*, Tattersalls 

2nd CNC3*, Annoharvey 

5th CNC3*, Ashmount 

5th CNC3*, Ashmount 

Winner CNC3*, Annoharvey 

2nd CNC3*, Loughanmore 

3rd CNC3*, Loughanmore 

4th CNC3*, Loughanmore 


15th World Cup Final, Malmo 

2nd International Event CIC*3, Ballendenisk 

10th Three Day Event CCI3*, Punchestown 

2nd Three Day Event CCI2*, Tattersalls 

8th Three Day Event, CCI3*, Strezgom 

5th International Event, CIC3*, Ballindenisk 

10th International Event, CIC3*, Pau 

9th Team Place,World Equestrian Games 

CCI4*, Aachen 

Winner CNC2* Grove, National One Day 

Event, 2006 



7th Three Day Event, CCI3*, Punchestown 

14th CIC3* Thirlestane International Event 

10th CIC2* Balindenisk International Event, 2007 

6th CCI2* Ede, International Three Day Event, 2007 

Selected Irish Team, European Championships 


10th World Cup Qualifier CICW3*, Burnham Market 

3rd Two Day Event CIC3*, Tyrella 

3rd Two Day Event CIC3*, Ballygraffen 

2nd One Day Event CNC* Loughanmore 

4th Three Day Event CCI3* Strezgom, Poland 

Winner World Cup Qualifier CICW3* Tattersalls 

Winner One Day Event CNC*, Tullylish 

Winner One Day Event O/CNC2*, Kilmanahan. 

8th Team Place, Three day Event CCI4* Olympic 

Games, Hong Kong. 


Winner One Day Event CNC3* Balindenisk 

4th One Day Event CNC3* Tyrella 

19th World Cup QualiferCIC3*W Tattersalls 

16th Three Day Event CCI4*, Luhmullen 

8th One Day Event CNC2*, Kilmanahan 

4th One Day Event CNC3*, Balindenisk 


Showjumping 

Winner 1.30m Speed Class, Balivor 

Winner 1.30m Speed Class, Clonmel 

3rd 1.30m Speed Class, Iverk 

2nd Mini Grand Prix, South County Dublin 

13 

horse Trials 

17th Two Day Event CNC2*, Gatcombe 

17th Three Day Event CCI4* Burghley 

17th Two Day Event CIC3* Hartpury 

7th Team Place World Equestrian Games, Kentucky

Name: BrIAN CurrAN-COurNANE 

rank: Captain 


PrOfIlE 


Capt Curran Cournane originally from Kerry is now living in Cabinteely, Co. 

Dublin. Brian attended Rockwell College and joined The Equitation School 

in 2002 after completing his military training in the Cadet School. He began 

riding at an early age and competed to national level in showjumping and 

hunter trials. 

2003 Showjumping (National) 

2nd Grand Prix, Cavan 

3rd Grand Prix, Pilltown 

3rd Grand Prix, Punchestown 

Winner 130m Speed, Ballina 

2nd 130m Speed, Crecora 


4th Grand Prix, Ballivor 

4th Grand Prix, Newcastlewest 

3rd Grand Prix, Cavan 

2nd Power and Speed Final, Sutton 

Winner RDS Qualifier, Tyrella 


Winner Grand Prix - Crecora 

3rd Grand Prix - Crecora 

Winner Grand Prix - Millstreet 

Winner Grade A Championship Qualifier - RDS 

Winner 7/8 Year Old Qualifier - Millstreet 

3rd Grand Prix (Super league) - Mullingar 

3rd Grand Prix (Super league) - Dun Laoighire 

3rd Grand Prix - Newcastlewest 

3rd Grand Prix - Ennis 

4th Grand Prix - Ennis 

3rd 1.30m - Galway 

2nd 1.30m - Kill 

2006 Showjumping 

5th 1.30m Class, Clare 

3rd Grand Prix, Boswell 

4th 1.30m Class, Rolestown 

3rd Grand Prix, Kilronan 


14 

horse Trials 

2nd One Day Event, CNC* Tyrella 

4th Three Day Event, CCI* Tattersalls 


Winner One Day Event, CNC* Tyrella 

2nd Three Day Event, CCI*, Necarne 

2nd One Day Event, CNC*Tyrella 

2nd One Day Event, CNC* Loughanmore 

2008 9th Two Day Event CIC2*, Ballygraffen 

14th World Cup Qualifier CICW3* Tattersalls 

6th Three Day Event CCI** Ligniers 

2nd One Day Event CNC2* Tyrella 

2nd One Day Event CNC2* Glenarm 

2nd Two Day Event CNC2* Burnham Market 

2009 5th Two Day Event CIC3* Belton 

5th One day Event CNC2* Tyrella 

Winner One Day Event CNC3* Tyrella 

2nd One Day Event CNC3* Tyrella 

5th One Day Event CNC2* Tyrella 

20th Three Day Event CCI3* Saumur 


20th Two Day Event CNC2* Gatcombe 

2nd Two Day Event CIC3* Balindenisk 

8th World Cup Qualifier CIC3*W Tattersalls 

24th Two Day Event CIC3* Hartpury 

3rd Three Day Event CCI3* Balindenisk

Name: MIChAEl KEllY 

rank: Captain 


Capt Kelly hails from Carrickedmond, Co. Longford. He joined the Cadet 

School in 2001 to begin his training as an Army Officer. He competed at 

National level in Showjumping before joining the Defence Forces. Michaels 

other interests include Gaelic Football, Reading and Music. 

2008 Winner 1.30m Speed Class, Tattersalls 

5th National Grand Prix, Charleville 

Winner RDS Qualifier, Barnadown 

3rd National Grand Prix, Clare 

6th National Grand Prix, Boswel 

3rd 6/7 Year Old Class, Cavan 

2nd 6/7 Year Old Final, Cavan 

2009 5th 1.30m Class, Newcastle West 

5th RDS Qualifier, Claremorris 

4th 1.40m Grand Prix, West Clare 

Winner 6/7 Year Old Class, Mullingar 

Winner 6/7 Year Old Irish Sport Horse Studbook Grand Final, Tattersalls 

Winner 7 Year Old Qualifier, Dublin 

3rd 6/7 Year Old Qualifier, National Championships 


3rd 1.35m Jump Off Class, Cavan 

2nd Mini Grand Prix, Newcastle 

4th Grand Prix Qualifier, South County Dublin 

2nd Chippison Grand Prix, Mullingar 

Winner Chippison Grand Prix, Cavan 

Winner 1.35m Jump Off Class, Cavan 

PrOfIlE 



15

Name: JAMES hEElAN 

rank: Second lieutenant 


2/Lt James Heelan hails from Knocklong, Co. Limerick. James attended 

John the Baptist, Community School and joined the Equitation School in 

2010. Before joining the Defence Forces he completed at national level in 

showjumping. His other interests include boxing, hurling and hunting. 

Name: DAVID POWEr 

rank: Second lieutenant 


PrOfIlE 


2/Lt David Power hails from Kilkenny City and attended Kilkenny College 

before joining the Equitation School in 2010. Before joining the Defence 

Forces he completed at national level in showjumping. His other interests 

include rugby and soccer. 

16

COMMANDING OffICErS Of ThE EquITATION SChOOl 

MAJOR L. HOOLAN 1926 _ 1930 

COL L. HAYES 1930 _ 

COL M. HOGAN 1932 

1932 

_ 

COL J. J. O’CONNELL 1932 

1932 

_ 

COL F. BENNETT 1932 

1932 

_ 


1933 

_ 

MAJOR J. G. DWYER 1935 

1935 

_ 


1939 

_ 

COMDT T. FINLAY 1940 

1940 

_ 

COL J. J. LEWIS 1945 

1945 

_ 

COL F. AHERNE 1949 

1949 

_ 

COL J. F. NEYLON 1958 

1958 

_ 

COL W. REA 1968 

1968 

_ 

LT COL W. A. RINGROSE 1971 

1971 

_ 

LT COL J. P. DALY 1975 

1975 

_ 

COL W. A. RINGROSE 1977 

1977 

_ 

LT COL E. V. CAMPION 1989 

1989 

_ 

COL E. V. CAMPION 1989 

1989 

_ 

LT COL R. M. MACMAHON 1997 

1997 

_ 

LT COL M.G. MULLINS 1999 

1999 

_ 

LT COL G. O’GORMAN 2004 

2004 

_ 

SErGEANTS MAJOr Of ThE EquITATION SChOOl 

RSM DALY Post War Years 

RSM W. SMITH 1950 _ 

1964 

RSM S. HICKEY 1964 _ 

1984 

RSM P. WATERS 1984 _ 1989 

RSM M. SMYTH 1989 _ 2000 

17

WINNING IrISh TEAM 

MEYDAN SuPEr lEAGuE 

NATIONS CuP - fAlSTErBO 2009 

(l-r) Daragh Kerins, Capt David O’Brien, robert Splaine (Chef d’Equipe), 

Denis lynch & Cameron hanly 

The current Nations Cup stable stars are Kiltoom and Mo 

Chroí and are typical Irish-bred horses. Ridden by Captain 

David O’Brien, Kiltoom and Mo Chroí are currently on 

Ireland’s Super League Nation’s Cup Teams. 

Capt David O’ Brien rode Kiltoom as part of the winning Irish Team at falsterbo 2009 

18

Capt David O’Brien on river foyle 

Capt Geoff Curran on The Jump Jet 

ArMY EquITA 

Mission: To Advertise the Irish 

Participation in International 

Capt David O’Brien on Mo Chroí 

Army horses on the move Capt Brian Curran Cournane on rossbeigh 

riders of the Equi 

the Nation

TION SChOOl 

Competition Horse Through 

Events at the Highest Level 

tation School with 

al Colours 

Capt Michael Kelly on lough foyle 

Capt David O’Brien on Drumiller lough 

Capt Geoff Curran on Kilkishen 

at Beijing Olympics 2008 

Capt Brian Curran-Cournane on rossbeigh 

Pte Sinead Carolan with Kiltoom

PrOfIlE 

INTErNATIONAl hOrSES 

ShOWJuMPErS ShOWJuMPErS 

MO ChrOI 

1997 Grey Mare 

Sire: Cruising 

Dam: Into the Blue by Mister Lord 

Breeder: Claire McDonnell, Ballymoney 

Park Stud, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow 

Career Highlights: 

Winner Cavan International Grand Prix 2005 

Winner Copenhagen Nations Cup 2006 

Winner Athens Nations Cup 2006 

2 nd Athens Grand Prix 2006 

Winner Towerlands Masters Class 2006 

Member of winning Nations Cup Team, Linz, 

Austria, 2007 

Member of winning Nations Cup Team, Poznan, 

Poland, 2007 

Member of winning Nations Cup Team, 

Drammen, Norway 2007 

Winner Grand Prix Drammen 2007 

2 nd Grand Prix Chantilly 2007 

Winner Longines International Grand Prix, 

Dublin 2007 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Maubeuge CSI3* 

2008 

Winner International Stakes, Belfast CSI3* 2008 

Winner National Grand Prix, Kill, 2008 

Winner Jump Off Class, Maubeuge CSI3 2009 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier No.1, National 

Championships, 2009 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier No.2, National 


2 nd Two-Phase Class, Leszno, 2009 

2 nd Grand Prix, Maubeuge, 2010 

Winner Jump Off Class Rotterdam 2010 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Falsterbo 2010 

2 nd Nations Cup, Gijon, 2010 

3 rd Hickstead Derby 2010 

21 

KIlTOOM 

1998 Bay Mare 

Sire: Cajetono (USA) 

Dam: Ashley Green by Aristocracy 

Breeder: E. Hamilton, Brentford, 108 

Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Co. Down. 

Owner: Jude Doherty, 81 Cottown Road, 

Bangor 

Carreer Highlights: 

Winner Super League Nations Cup, Falsterbo 

2009 

3 rd Two-Phase Class, Hardelot, 2009 

3 rd Grand Prix Qualifier, Chantilly, 2009 

2 nd National Grand Prix, Cavan Indoor 


3rd Speed Championship, Dublin 2010 

2 nd Accumulator Speed Class, Dublin 2010 

3 rd Jump Off Class, Barcelona, 2010 

5 th Accumulator, Horse of the Year Show, 

Birmingham 2010 

rIVEr fOYlE 

1997 Grey Gelding 

Sire: Cavalier Royale 

Dam: Cruising Line by Cruising 

Breeder/Owner: Kathleen Gallagher, 95 

Ballykelly Rd, Limavaddy, Co. Derry 


4 th Grand Prix, Maubeuge 2007 


Drammen, 2007 


Poznan, 2007 


Lummen, 2007 

Winner Grand Prix, Cavan International 

Show 2008 

Winner Jump Off Class, St Lo, 2008 

2 nd Derby Class, Eindehoven, 2009 

Winner Speed Class, Dublin Horse Show 2009 

3 rd Speed Championship Dublin 2009 

Winner National Grand Prix Cavan, 2010 

Winner Puissance, Dublin 2009 

3 rd Puissance, Dublin 2010

CAShlA BAY 

1993 Chestnut Gelding 

Sire: Carrolls Flight 

Dam: Sanyo Beta by Cor de la Bryere 


Winner 1.40m Mini Grand Prix, 

Zagreb 2006 

Winner Speed Class, Zagreb, 2006 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Athens 2006 

Winner Speed Class, Athens, 2006 

Winner, Jump Off Class, Cavan, 2006 

Winner National Grand Prix, Kill, 2006 

Winner National Grand Prix, Boswel, 2006 

Winner Speed Class, Copenhagen, 2007 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Poznan, 2007 

Winner 2 Phase Class, Falsterbo, 2007 

Winner Accumulator Class, Gijon, 2007 

Winner Grand Prix Qualifier, Maubeuge, 2007 

Winner National Grand Prix, South County Dublin, 

2009 

Winner Speed Class, National Championships, 2009 

3 rd Speed Derby, National Championships, 2009 

ANNESTOWN 

2002 Bay Gelding 

Sire: Royal Concorde 

Dam: Annestown Cavalier by Cavalier 

Royale 

Breeder: Margaret Moore, 

Ballinagorkagh, Annestown, Co. 

Waterford 


4 th 6/7 Year Old Class, Cavan Indoor International, 

2008 

Winner 7 Year Old Qualifier, National 


2 nd 7 Year Old Final, National Championships, 2009 

2 nd 7 Year Old Qualifier, RDS Dublin Horse Show, 

2009 

6 th 7 Year Old Final, RDS Dublin Horse Show, 2009 

PrOfIlE 


ShOWJuMPErS ShOWJuMPErS 

22 

lOuGh fOYlE 


Sire: Touchdown 

Dam: Cruising Line by Cruising 

Breeder: Lesley Ann Kelly, Lough Enagh 

House, 11 Temple Road, Londonderry 

Owner: Kathleen Gallagher, 95 Ballykelly 

Rd, Limavaddy, Co. Derry 


Winner RDS Qualifier 6 Year Old Class, 

Barnadown, 2008 

2 nd 6/7 Year Old Class, Cavan Championship 

Show, 2008 

Winner 1.30m Speed Class, Tattersalls 2009 

4 th National Grand Prix, West Clare 2009 

Winner 6/7 Year Old Class, Mullingar 

International Show 2009 

Winner 6/7 Year Old Irish Sport Horse 

Studbook Grand Final, 2009 

Winner 7 Year Old Qualifier, Dublin 2009 

3 rd 6/7 Year Old Qualifier, National 

Championships 2009 

3 rd National Championships 7 Year Old Class, 

2009 

2 nd National Grand Prix, Mullingar 2010 

2 nd Mini Grand Prix, Newcastle, 2010 

4 th Mini Grand Prix, Kill, 2010 

Winner 1.35m Cavan 2010

KIlKIShEN 



Career highlights: 

Winner CNC3* Tyrella National One 

Day Event 2006 

2 nd in CIC3* World Cup Qualifier, 

Balindenisk International Event 2006 

10 th in CCI3* Punchestown International 

Three Day Event 2006 

Winner CNC3* Laughanmore National 

Event 2006 

15 th CCI3* Malmo, Sweden, World Cup Final 

Three Day Event 2006 

10 th CCI3* Pau, France, International Three 


Winner of the Number one ranked Irish 

Event Horse in 2006 

7 th CCI3* Puncehstown International Three 


10 th CCIW3* World Cup Qualifier, Burnham 

Market, International Event 2008 

3 rd CIC3* Tyrella International Event 2008 

Winner CICW3* World Cup Qualifier 

Tattersalls, International Event 2008 

32 nd CCIO3* Olympic Games 2008, Irish 

Team placed 8 th 

Winner CNC3* Balindenisk National One 


PrOfIlE 


EVENTErS EVENTErS 

BAllADEEr AlfrED 

1996 Grey Gelding 

Sire: Edmund Burke (USA) 

Dam: Teadies Girl by Bassompierre 

Breeder: Declan Hurley, Teadies Lr, 

Enniskeane, Co. Cork 

Patron: Maurice Cassidy 

Carreer Highligjhts: 

8 th CCI3* Strezgom International Three Day Event, 

2006 

9 th Team Place CCI4* World Equestrian Games, 

Aachen, 2006 

14 th CIC3* Thirlestane International Event, 2007 

Selected Irish Team, European Championships, 2007 

4 th CCI3* Strezgom International Three Day Event, 

2008 

1 st Reserve Irish Team, Olympic Games, 2008 

19 th O/CNC2* Gatcombe, UK Event, 2010 

26 th CIC2* Burnham Market, International Event, 

2010 

ThE JuMP JET 

1998 Brown Gelding 


Dam: Sea Water by Triggerero 

Breeder: Andrew Thornton, Cruagh Lodge 

Stud, Kilakee, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. 



Winner O/CNC2* National One Day Event, 2006 

2 nd CCI2* Tattersalls International Three Day Event, 

2006 

3 rd CIC2* Ballygraffen International Event 2008 

5 th CCI2* Tattersalls International Three Day Event, 

2008 

Winner O/CNC2* National One Day Event, 2008 

4 th CNC3* National One Day Event, 2009 

16 th CCI4* Luhmullen International Three Day 

Event, 2009 

18 th CCI4* Pau International Three Day Event, 2009 

17 th CIC3* Hartpury International Event, 2010 

17 th CCI4* Burghley International Three Day Event, 

2010 

31 st CCI4* World Equestrian Games, Kentucky 2010 

Irish team placed 7 th 

23

ThE SAllY rOD 



Dam: Ballycoog Sudess by Soudno 

Breeder: James Mc Kenna, 

Corlealackagh, Castleblaney, Co. 

Monaghan 



14 th CIC3*W Tattersalls World Cup Qualifier 

International Event, 2008 

5 th O/CNC2* Tyrella National One Day Event, 

2009 

Winner CNC3* Tyrella National One Day Event, 

2009 

17 th CIC3* Belton International Event, 2009 

19 th CCI3* Saumur International Three Day 

Event, 2009 

Selected Irish Team, European Championships 

2009 

rOSBEIGh 

2001 Bay Mare 

Sire: Mark Twain 


Winner CNC* Tyrella National One 

Day Event, 2007 

2 nd CCI* Necarne, International Three Day Event, 

2007 

2 nd CNC2* Tyrella National One Day Event, 2008 

14 th CIC2* Ballygraffen International Event, 2008 

2 nd CNC2* Burnham Market, UK One Day Event, 

2008 

6 th CCI2* Lignieres International Three Day 

Event, 2008 

5 th O/CNC2* Tyrella National One Day Event, 

2009 

2 nd CNC3* Tyrella National One Day Event, 2009 

5 th CIC3* Belton International Event, 2009 

20 th CCI3* Saumur International Three Day 

Event, 2009 

Selected Irish Team, European Championships, 

2009 

PrOfIlE 


EVENTErS EVENTErS 

DuNrAN CASTlE 


Sire: Blue Moon Clover 

Dam: Hannah May by Smooth Stepper 

Breeder: Julie Mc Mullen, The Farm House, 

Derrynasaggart, Ballvourney, Co. Cork 


20 th O/CNC2* Gatcombe, UK One Day Event, 2010 

2 nd CIC2* Balindenisk International Event, 2010 

8 th CIC3*W Tatteralls World Cup Qualifier 

International Event, 2010 

24 th CIC3* Hartpury International Event, 2010 

3 rd CCI3* Balindenisk International Three Day Event, 

2010. 

luGGAlA 


Sire: West China 

Dam: Unrecorded 



4 th CNC2* Loughanmore, National One Day 

Event, 2006 

Winner CNC2* Grove, National One Day Event, 

2006 

4 th O/CNC2* Balindenisk, National One Day Event, 

2006 

25 th CIC2* Pau, International Event, 2006 

10 th CIC2* Balindenisk International Event, 2007 

6 th CCI2* Ede, International Three Day Event, 2007 

13 th CIC3* Tyrella, International Event, 2008 

8 th CIC2* Necarne International Event, 2008 

3 rd O/CNC2* Calverstown, National One Day Event, 

2009 

10 th CIC2* Balinacoola, International Event, 2009 

Winner O/CNC2* Balindenisk, National One Day 

Event, 2009 

5 th CIC2* Pau, International Event, 2009 

24

PrOfIlE 

YOuNG hOrSES 

DErrYNANE lADY 


Sire: Cruising 

Dam: Missing Lady by Gleason (USA) 

Breeder: Helen Walsh, Greenhills, Kill Co. Kildare 

Owner: Katie Walsh, Greenhills, Kill, Co. Kildare 

DOllANSTOWN 


Sire: Ard VDL Douglas 

Dam: Wyndham Rose Royale by Cavalier Royale 

Breeder: Lars& Caroline Bjoerk, Dollanstown Stud, Kilcock, 

Co. Kildare 

DruMIllEr lOuGh 


Sire: Heartbreaker 

Dam: Pearl Diver by Mountain Pearl 

Breeder: Paul Dillen, 23 Ballyvalley Road, Loughgilly, 

MarketHill, Co. Armagh 

MulABANE 


Sire: Parco 

Dam: Mullentine Formula by Porsch 

Breeder: George Allen, Mullentine Farm, 1 Artabracka Rd, 

Portadown, Co. Armagh 

25

MullENTINE lOuGhGAll 


Sire: Tlaloc M 

Dam: Crosskeys Cavalier by Cavalier Royale 

Breeder: George Allen, Mullentine Farm, 1 Artabracka Rd, 

Portadown, Co. Armagh 

Patron: Eoghan Lavelle 

MINIhOMA 

2005 Chestnut Mare 

Sire: Ard VDL Douglas 

Dam: Persian Clover Ann by Clover Hill 

Breeder: Dominic Vallely, Ard na Taul, Ardress, Portadown, 

Co. Armagh 

rINGWOOD GlEN 

2004 Bay Roan Gelding 

Sire: VDL Arkansas 

Dam: Penny Royale by Kilglass Pennistone 

Breeder: Ray O’Reilly, Clanmahon House, Urney, Ballinagh, 

Co. Cavan 

rINGWOOD ABBEY 


Sire: Clover Clon VII 

Dam: Doolin Lass VII 

Breeder: John Guerin 

OThEr INTErNATIONAl & NATIONAl hOrSES 

Carrigoran 

Donadea 

Bolabaun 

Kilteely 

Derryinver 

26 

Ballymoney 

Warrenstown 

Kilmichael 

Derrynasee 

Tir Eoghain

STAr Of ThE fuTurE 

DruMIllEr lOuGh 

Capt David O’Brien riding Drumiller lough 

competing at the Dublin horse Show in 2009 

Drumiller Lough is a seven year old gelding (2003) by the Dutch Warmblood Stallion, Heartbreaker 

and out of a mare by the Registered Irish Draught Stallion, Mountain Pearl. The Army Equitation 

School purchased Drumiller Lough as a four year old in 2007. Since then Capt David O’Brien 

& Drumiller Lough have achieved success in the Young Horse Classes on the National Circuit 

which include 4th place in the 5 Year Old Final at the Dublin Horse Show 2008, 2nd place in 

the 6 Year Old Final at the Dublin Horse Show 2009 & 2009 National 6 year Old Champion. In 

2009 Drumiller Lough & Capt O’Brien represented the Irish Bred Sport Horse at International 

level at the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken winning the silver 

medal in the 6 Year Old Final. Again in 2010, Drumiller Lough and Capt O’Brien represented 

the Irish Sport Horse in the 7 Year Old Final at the World Breeding Championships. 

27

hOrSE PrOCurEMENT 

Procurement of Horses 

The Army Equitation School procures horses by the following means: 

• Purchase 

• Lease 

• Patron 

Horse Purchase Board 

The Horse Purchase Board assess the suitability of all potential horses as part of the procurement 

process. The members of the Board are: 

• Officer Commanding Army Equitation School 

• Col E.V. Campion (Retd) 

• 2 IC Army Equitation School 

• A current Riding Officer 

• Principal Officer Executive Branch DoD 

Patron 

Since the history of the Army Equitation School a quantity of horses have been donated to the 

school by such people as Sir John Galvin, Lady Moria Forbes and presently Mr. Maurice Cassidy 

and Captain Eoghan Lavelle (retired). Mr. Cassidy has placed four event horses with the school 

to date. Patronage of the Equitation School is a most generous and sporting gesture supporting 

the school and the Irish Horse for which we are most grateful. 

The Sally rod competing with Capt Curran Cournane at Saumur horse Trials 

The Sally rod was donated to the Equitation School by Maurice Cassidy 

28

lEASING Of hOrSES 

Presently there are three horses leased to the Army Equitation School by their owners, Kiltoom, 

River Foyle and Lough Foyle. The owners are paid an annual lease fee for the competition life of the 

horse. In addition to the lease fee there are in-built performance bonuses in the lease agreement. 

The leasing concept is of great mutual benefit to both the Army Equitation School and the horse 

owner, in that, for an annual fee, the owner places his or her horse with the Equitation School. 

During the lease period the horse is both trained and campaigned at a gradual pace. The Army 

Equitation School is very proud of its training facilities and we would boast on our ability and 

expertise to maximise the potential of the horse. 

The leasing of horses to the Equitation School is a ‘win-win’ situation for both the Equitation 

School and the horse owner as it is a means of procuring horses for the Equitation School while 

the owner retains ownership of the horse, which, with a much enhanced value, is returned to the 

owner at the end of its’ competition life. 

This leasing system is ideally suited for mares and stallions. The Equitation School encourages 

people who may have potential star horses to consider leasing such horses to the Equitation 

School for their competitive career. 

river foyle, owned by Kathleen Gallagher, 

Competing at Nations Cup in the rDS Dublin horse Show 

29

SOurCING Of hOrSES 

The mission of The Army Equitation School is to advertise the Irish Sport Horse through 

participation in international competition at the highest level. The demands of the modern 

sport of Showjumping and Three Day Eventing require the Irish Sport Horse to possess 

certain qualities. The type of horse sought by The Army Equitation School will possess the 

following qualities; 

General Qualities 

• A desire and ability to jump fences CAREFULLY. 

• Confirmation that will allow the horse to maximise its’ competition life. The horse should 

be in proportion with a sloping shoulder, good length of neck that is NOT inverted, normal 

to short back and strong hindquarters. It is of course true that if a horse cannot jump, these 

qualities are wasted. Nevertheless, care needs to be taken when breeding to ensure the 

breeding stock chosen are not pre-ordained to pass on serious confirmation deficiencies. 

• The horse must be sound and is subject to a veterinary examination. 

• In most cases a horse with size, at least 16.1 hh is desirable. 

• Length of stride is important but equally as important is the horses ability to shorten when 

required (this is directly related to age, experience and stage of horses training). 

• A good temperament and amenable to training and control. 

• A good jumping TECHNIQUE. The horse should be able to fold its’ knees, bascule over 

the fence and bend its’ hocks. 

• A horse with SCOPE is a very important asset to a jumper. 

• Three good PACES are important for the Eventing horse and an ability to lengthen and 

shorten within all three paces. 

30

INTErNATIONAl rIDErS TrAINED 

BY ThE EquITATION SChOOl 

rIDEr frOM TO 

LT COL C. HARTY 1926 1938 

LT COL J. O’DWYER 1926 1939 

LT COL D. CORRY 1926 1958 

CAPT T. FINLAY 1929 1932 

LT COL F. AHERNE 1929 1948 

COMDT G. HEFFERNAN 1930 1939 

CAPT L. MAGEE 1930 1954 

CAPT D. LEONARD 1931 1935 

CAPT J. LEWIS 1932 1948 

CAPT J. NEYLON 1932 1952 

COMD T J. STACK 1934 1939 

CAPT W. MULLINS 1947 1950 

CAPT M TUBRIDY 1947 1953 

CAPT C. O’SHEA 1949 1954 

COL J. J. O’NEILL 1950 1957 

CAPT K. BARRY 1952 1956 

CAPT T. MOLONEY 1953 1957 

CAPT P. KIERNAN 1954 1958 

CAPT D. RINGROSE 1954 1960 

COL W. RINGROSE 1954 1970 

LT COL R. MOLONEY 1954 1972 

CAPT P. GRIFFIN 1956 1962 

LT COL S. DALY 1957 1962 

COMDT J. WHELAN 1959 1963 

COMDT E. O’DONOHUE 1959 1965 

COL E. V. CAMPION 1961 1977 

CAPT E. LAVELLE 1962 1972 

LT COL R. MACMAHON 1963 1970 

CAPT J. QUINN 1966 1971 

LT COL L. KIELY 1966 1978 

CAPT J. NICHOLSON 1969 1971 

COMDT P. PHELAN 1971 1974 

CAPT D. FOSTER 1975 1989 

CAPT C. POWER 1976 1984 

CAPT B. MAC SWEENEY 1977 1989 

CAPT J. ROCHE 1978 1982 

LT COL G. MULLINS 1978 1996 

CAPT M. NOLAN 1980 1982 

COMDT J. LEDINGHAM 1980 1999 

CAPT N. CONNORS 1983 1986 

CAPT T. FREYNE 1993 1998 

COMDT G. FLYNN 1997 2007 

CAPT S. CAREY 2000 – 

LT D. QUINLIVAN 2000 2002 

CAPT D. O’BRIEN 2000 – 

CAPT G. CURRAN 2002 – 

CAPT B. CURRAN-COURANNE 2007 – 

CAPT M. KELLY 2009 – 

31


PrESTIGIOuS VICTOrIES 

1930 - Dublin, (Capt Dan Corry and Sliabhnamon) 

1932 - Dublin, (Capt Ged O’Dwyer and Limerick Lace) 

1934 - Dublin, (Capt Ged O’Dwyer and Limerick Lace) 

1935 - King’s Cup, (Capt John Lewis and Tramore Bay) 

1936 - King’s Cup, (Capt Ged O’Dwyer and Limerick Lace) 

1937 - Lucerne, (Capt Dan Corry and Red Hugh) 

1938 - Dublin, (Capt Fred Ahern and Blarney Castle) 

- Lucerne, (Capt John Lewis and Limerick Lace) 

- Rome, (Capt John Lewis and Limerick Lace) 

1939 - Amsterdam, (Capt Ged O’Dwyer and Limerick Lace) 

- Dublin, (Capt Dan Corry and Red Hugh) 

1946 - Dublin Grand Prix (Capt Michael Tubridy - Kilkenny) 

1950 - New York Grand Prix (Major Michael Tubridy - Rostrevor) 

1951 - King’s Cup,London (Capt Kevin Barry - Ballyneety) 

1953 - Dublin Grand Prix (Capt Michael Tubridy - Ballynonty) 

- Rotterdam Grand Prix (Capt Kevin Barry - Hollyford) 

1955 - Dublin Grand Prix (Capt Patrick Kiernan - Glenamaddy) 

1956 - New York Grand Prix (Capt Billy Ringrose - Ballynonty) 

1961 - Rome Grand Prix (Capt Billy Ringrose - Loch an Easpaig) 

1964 - Harrisburg Grand Prix (Capt Billy Ringrose - Loch an Easpaig) 

1971 - Punchestown Three Day Event (Capt Ronnie MacMahon - San Carlos) 

1979 - Wiesbaden Grand Prix (Capt Con Power - Lough Crew) 

- Deauville Grand Prix (Capt Con Power - Lough Crew) 

1982 - La Baule Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) 

- Bordeaux Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) 

- Dortmund Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) 

1983 - Punchestown Three Day Event (Capt David Foster - Inis Meain) 

1984 - Hickstead Derby (Lt John Ledingham - Gabhran) 

1985 - Wolfrath Grand Prix (Lt John Ledingham - Gabhran) 

32

Col Billy ringrose riding loch an Easpaig to 

win the rome Grand Prix in 1961 

Comdt John ledingham riding Kilbaha to 

win the hickstead Derby in 1996. Comdt 

ledingham and Kilbaha triumphed for the 

second successive year in the prestigious 

Derby. This achievement created a new record 

by becoming the first rider to achieve a double 

clear round on two consecutive occasions. 



Comdt Gerry Mullins riding rockbarton in the 

World Championships at the rDS in 1982



1985,86,87,88. Puissance,Dublin (Capt John Ledingham - Kilcoltrim) 

1986 - Dublin Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) 

1987 - Helsinki Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Glendalough) 

1988 - Millstreet Derby (Capt John Ledingham - Gabhran) 

1989 - European Eventing Team Gold (Capt David Foster - Inish Meain) 

1993 - Babenhausen Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Lismore) 

1994 - Falsterbo Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Millstreet Ruby) 

- Hickstead Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Pallas Grean) 

1995 - Falsterbo Swedish Derby (Comdt Gerry Mullins - Killone Abbey) 

1995,96 Hickstead Derby (Capt John Ledingham - Kilbaha) 

1997 - Monterrey Derby (Capt John Ledingham - Millstreet Ruby) 

1998 - Altenhof, CSI-C Grand Prix (Capt John Ledingham - Kilbaha) 

- Drammen, CSIO Grand Prix (Capt John Ledingham - Kilbaha) 

1999 - Eindhoven, CSI-A Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Flynn - Carraig Dubh) 

- Tripoli, CSI-A Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Flynn - Rincoola Abu) 

2000 - Helsinki, Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Flynn - Rincoola Abu) 

2001 Lisbon CSIO Grand Prix (Lt David O’Brien - Boherdeal Clover) 

Bourg-en-Bresse CSI-A Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Flynn - Carraig Dubh) 

Le Mans CSI-C Grand Prix (Lt D. O’Brien - Cruise Hill) 

2002 - Gijon CSIO Grand Prix (Lt David O’Brien - Boherdeal Clover) 

- Falsterbo Derby (Lt Shane Carey - Killosery) 

2003 - Pontedera CSI*** Grand Prix (Lt David O’Brien - Boherdeal Clover) 

- Vilamoura Grand Prix (Lt Shane Carey - Ballycumber) 

2004 - Athens Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Flynn - Bornacoola) 

- Puissance, Dublin (Capt David O’Brien - Cruisehill) 

2005 - Cavan Grand Prix (Comdt Gerry Flynn - Mo Chroí) 

2007 - Dublin, (Comdt Flynn - Mo Chroí) 

2007 - Maubeuge, (Capt Shane Carey - Killossery) 

2008 - Tattersals CCIW*** World Cup Qualifier (Capt Curran - Kilkishen) 

34

Comdt Gerry flynn riding Mo Chroí 

to win the Dublin Grand Prix 

at the rDS in 2007 



Capt David O’Brien riding Boherdeal 

Clover to win the Grand Prix 

in Gijon, Spain in 2002 

Capt Geoff Curran and Kilkishen after 

winning the Three Day Event World Cup 

qualifier CIC3* at Tattersalls, 

Co. Meath in 2008

AhErlOW 

AN CrAOBh ruA 

BAllYNEETY 

BAllYNONTY 

BEANN EADAIr 

BlArNEY CASTlE 

BOhErDEAl ClOVEr 

BOrNACOOlA 

BrurEE 

CArrAIG DuBh 

CASTlEPOllArD 

ClONTArf 

CruISE hIll 

CuChulAINN 

DErrYNANE 

DIAMOND ExPlOSION 

DuhAllOW 

fINGhIN 

GABhrAN 

GAllOWGlASS 

GlENAMADDY 

GlENDAlOuGh 

hOllYfOrD 

INISh MEAIN 

IrElAND’S OWN 

KIlBAhA 

KIlCOlTrIM 

EquINE hAll Of fAME 

36 

KIllArNEY 

KIllOSSErY KruISETTE 

KIllOSSErY 

KIlMAllOCK 

KINSAlE 

lIMErICK lACE 

lISMAKIN 

lISMOrE 

lOCh AN EASPAIG 

lOuGh CrEW 

lOuGh Gur 

MIllSTrEET ruBY 

MISS IrElAND 

MOONSTruCK 

MullACrEW 

OISIN 

PAllAS GrEAN 

rED huGh 

rINCOOlA ABu 

rOCKBArTON 

rOSTrEVOr 

SAN CArlOS 

SAN PEDrO 

ShANNON DAlE 

SlIEVENAMON 

TrAMOrE BAY 

COOlrONAN

ThE ArMY EquITATION SChOOl GrOOM 

The cornerstone of the Army Equitation School Team is the Riding Officer and the Army 

Groom. Each Riding Officer has an Army Groom assigned to his/her stable of horses. Together, 

the Army Grooms and the NCO staff provide the essential support to the Riding Officer and 

to the Army Equitation Team. 

The Army Groom is a skilled member of the Permanent Defence Forces. On joining the 

organisation the Army Groom is firstly required to complete the sixteen week Army Recruit 

Training Course. On successful completion of this course the potential Groom has achieved 

the standard of a trained soldier, with the rank of Private in the Defence Forces. The next 

step in the potential Groom’s training is to undergo the Groom’s Course. During this course 

the student learns all the skills and techniques required to be a groom in the Army Equitation 

School. On completion of the Groom’s Course the Army Groom is assigned to a Riding 

Officer and a stable of horses. 

Pte Aoife flood & The Jump Jet 

37

ThE ArMY EquITATION SChOOl GrOOM 

The qualified Army Groom carries out a range of tasks in their role as a member of the Army 

Equitation School Team. Those tasks include; stable routine, yard maintenance, grooming, 

feeding and exercising the horses assigned to their Riding Officer. The Riding Officer and his/ 

her Army Groom work together as a team both in the daily routine in Mc Kee Barracks and 

at competitions throughout Ireland and on tour on the International Circuit. 

The Army Groom is provided the opportunity to learn additional skills as part of his/her career 

development. These skills include the training of suitable grooms to become qualified drivers 

of army vehicles and Horse Transporters. Career development within the Defence Forces is an 

integral part of the organisation and the Equitation School. The Army Groom will have the 

opportunity to undergo army courses in order to qualify for promotion to the rank of Corporal. 

The Army Groom plays a vital role in the continued success of the Army Equitation School. 

Sgt D. horgan with Mo Chroí 

38


hISTOrIC NATIONS CuP WIN 

The All Army Irish Team won the Nations Cup in Aachen in 1937 

The winning Irish Team were presented with this trophy by Adolf hitler. 

Members of the winning team Capt J. lewis, lt Col f. Aherne, 

Comdt G. heffernan, Comdt T.J. Stack 

lt Col f. Aherne & Gallowglass pictured here at Madison Square Gardens in 

1935 were also members of the All Army winning team at Aachen 

39

capt D. o’Brien on river Foyle 

Printed by Defence Forces Printing Press 

DFPP/JN11207/MARCH2011/1000

PROMOTING IRISH HORSE - Defence Forces

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