The Inside Rein Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Inside Rein Podcast
Damien Griffin is an Irish international show-jumper from Ballinasloe in Co. Galway. After running a successful sales yard for 10+ years, he decided to make a change and focus on sourcing & producing top quality young horses for show-jumping & eventing with his wife Fiona. In addition they also run a rewarding breeding programme with over 100 youngsters ranging from foals to 3 year olds.
Damien radiates an immense amount of passion & determination & with that he has worked his way to accumulating numerous titles to his name from Puissance wins, winner of Cavan Indoor Derby, placings at Hickstead Speed derby alongside national titles.
We dived into many areas of Damien's life with horses, from the importance of having patience when producing young horses, building resilience & staying focused. Damien also kindly opened up about his stammer, and the stress & anxieties he felt surrounding it during his early days, especially whilst competing. In our chat he also outlined his management practices he's learned over the years that he uses today and i cannot thank him enough for being so open & honest. Damien's Website: Showjumping | Damien Griffin Lissyegan Stables | County Galway
Joining "The Show Ring" series is a super episode I had the pleasure of recording with the lovely Ciara Mullen.
Ciara is a hugely successful rider based in Malahide in Co. Dublin, and she runs an extremely educational page on Instagram known as "It's A Grooms Life"
Ciara is regularly seen amongst the ribbons in the showing world and has completed in the likes of HOYS, Royal Windsor and of course the Dublin Horse Show. She has taken home many titles from Dublin such as Riding Horse Champion, Intermediate Side Saddle & Hunter Mare Champion but to name a few.
Ciara and I decided to do something a little different and add in a Q&A to our episode, and she gave her insights and advice on starting young horses, preparations for the showing season, what to look for in a horse or pony, clipping and loads more.
Ciara was such a joy to talk to and of course we covered many topics throughout her career from, balancing horses and a job, the importance of giving a horse time to mature, being a good sportsperson, the benefit of keeping a diary for horses, her time with other riders and so much more!
Ciara's Instagram: Ciara Mullen (@itsa_groomslife) • Instagram photos and videos
Tara Oliver Donohoe is an Irish international dressage rider based in Limerick. Along with her husband Mark, they run a small livery and training yard whilst also providing top quality young horses from Preliminary to Grand Prix.
Originally from Dublin she made the move west to study Equine Science in the university of Limerick & found her love for dressage. Since then she's worked her way up on the high performance team for dressage & has completed internationally many times in Premier Leagues, along with holding many national titles and wins around the country.
It was so nice to sit down and chat to Tara and she gave put so much helpful tips and advice applicable to riders of any discipline & level. We covered the importance of being adaptable, having patience, along with tips on moving up the levels.
She also gave unique perspective on viewing dressage tests, why it's critical to truly listen to horse underneath you in doing what's best for them in their training, listening to judges and so much more!Tara's Facebook:
Joining me for a second time is Irish international Dressage rider, Courtney Akkari. We catch up on her life since the release of her first episode, 3 years ago which is linked below. We touch on her life now as a new mother, balancing that with the demands of horses & competing, buying & selling horses, her Olympics hopes & dreams and so much more!
Courtney's First Episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-inside-rein-podcast/episodes/Enter-At-A-Courtney-Stuart-ersl6o/a-a4sjrkd
Courtney's Instagram: Courtney Akkari ❤️ (@court016) • Instagram photos and videos
Jacqueline Murphy is a BHSAI & HSI accredited coach that runs Ahead For Horses. She has devoted so much time to her education and has achieved qualifications in Management, Coaching, Psychology, Sports & Exercise Psychology, Neuro Linguistic Programming & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She worked with riders from grassroots to 5* to increase their confidence, improve enjoyment & maximise performance to achieve their goals. With a background in working in the corporate world, she's takes us through the challenges she faced after an accident that led her to setting up her Ahead For Horses. Jacqueline's Website: AHEAD FOR HORSES Sports Psychology & Mindset for Riders Get A-head for Horses change your mind and the rest will follow. AHEAD FOR HORSESJacqueline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aheadforhorses?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
Molly Sullivan is a Sports Performance Nutritionists & Strength and Conditioning Coach from Kerry. her educational background & sporting career is nothing short of impressive; with a Degree in Law & Sports Psychology, qualifications such as a personal trainer & fitness instructor and a two Masters in Sports Performance and in Sports Nutrition with the International Olympic Committee.
Along with show-jumping, she also has had an incredibly successful rowing career, representing Ireland on numerous occasions. Throughout her career she's worked with various elite & professional sports from swim Ireland, Munster Rugby & the Women's Tennis Association with a professional tennis player.
Molly's Instagram: https://instagram.com/moll.sull?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
Penny Sangster is a BHS Performance, British Eventing & Centre 10 Coach. She's a former 4* International Event Rider that ran her own competition & training yard in Sussex for 28 years before making the big move to Northern Ireland. Penny has accumulated years of experience in the industry working in many disciplines from Show-jumping, Point-to-points, eventers and dressage riders.Penny's passion for coaching really shone though in this episode and we covered many topics from why coaches need to hone in on the importance skill of truly listening to their riders, why we need drive & resilience, and why she's so passionate about the Pony Club.
On this episode I'm joined by Olive Clarke, an Irish International show-jumper from Co. Galway. She runs one of Ireland's most respected yards that is well-known for producing top quality young horses, alongside a successful breeding program.
Olive is a 3 time national Indoor grand prix Champion and has ridden on numerous nations Cups & big stage competitions such as the Hickstead Derby and many classes in the RDS.
Four Seasons Stables Instagram: Olive Clarke (@four_seasons_stables) • Instagram photos and videos
Four Seasons Stables Facebook: Four Seasons Stables | Loughrea | Facebook
Join me on today's episode of the podcast where we take a deep dive into the remarkable career of Faith Ponsonby.
No stranger to the horse world, Faith is an BHS Coach & International FEI Judge from Co. Tipperary.
Faith has worked incredibly hard throughout her outstanding career as a coach, dressage & showing judge, former instructor at Kildalton College, a chief Steward at the RDS, to name a few.
Faith is a wealth of knowledge and through her experience in the horse industry we touched on the importance of keeping things simple, why coaches need to ensure they're passing valuable information onto the next generation, why every rider needs a toolkit and so much more.
Sonya McAleer is a showjumper and equestrian coach from Northern Ireland. Through her own experience and struggles with mental health, she identified a need for a support system within the equestrian community, after speaking with clients and friends and following her passion of helping others, a charity was built called the Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project. The project offers a range of services such as counselling, webinars and in person workshops to help people find the tools they need to have good mental health and well being. The project also works to signpost people to the correct places to get the help they need in times of struggle.This conversation is so incredibly paramount for our industry and it's important to recognise and appreciate Sonya's passion, determination, honesty & resilience from her struggles that led her to setting up Ireland's only equestrian mental health hub. We touch on subjects from her experience with depression, anxiety, suicide, her 12 year riding break and how she came back from that. Overcoming the feeling of not feeling good enough, burnout, validation on social media, coaching and so much more.Find Sonya and IEMHP here;Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project: Home | Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project (iemhp.co.uk)Instagram: https://instagram.com/irishequestrianmhp?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==Facebook: Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project | Facebook
Another instalment of the "Coaches Corner" has gone live, and it's with the legend that is Christa Dillon.Christa is an author, writer, coach, and sport horse producer that runs the uplifting page, Blackhill Eventing on socials. Her love for eventing began while watching Lucinda Green galloping through Badminton and since then has become a passionate young horse producer with vast experience and knowledge in evening and showjumping. She is the author of a wonderful book called "Red On The Right" and has written for many publications like Eventing Nation, and she recently joined Irish Country Living at the Farmers Journal as an equestrian columnist.I really didn't want out conversation to end when we recorded, she's a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly passionate and it's really evident in the topics we covered from, the value in giving riders space and listening to them intently, ensuring we don't underestimate the importance of effective communication and language, the eventing community and so much more! Christa Instagram: https://instagram.com/christadillon3?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Blackhill Eventing on Facebook.
On this episode I had an incredible conversation with Irish international dressage rider Fenella Quinn. Fenella is currently based in Aberdeen in Scotland with a beautiful string of horses ranging from international level to exciting youngsters. Over the past number of years she's competed throughout the UK & Europe up to Grand Prix, and has clocked up wins at Premier Leagues, High Profiles and Regional Championships. Fenella is extremely passionate about the riders mental well being and we spoke in depth about the importance of reaching out for help and how we don't have to suffer mentally in order to succeed. We spoke at length about her incredible comeback after a horrific accident, the importance of discipline, being kind to yourself and so much more! Fenella's Instagram: https://instagram.com/fenellaquinndressage?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Philippa Kearns is a professional Bit and Bridle Fitting Consultant based in Co. Offaly. Having been around horses her whole life, her motivation to becoming a fitting consultant was born out of a desire to help her own horse. Pippa sought out the best training possible and became an independent LANTRA certified bit & bridle fit consultant. She is also a founding director of the Association of Professional Bit & Bridle Fitters (APBBF), which is a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide regulation within the bit and bridle fitting industry and set the gold standard for the profession. She operates nationwide, educating clients with a focus on correct biomechanics and working with the horse’s ethology to achieve maximum success alongside optimum welfare. Facebook page: Bit & Bridle Fitting – Pippa Kearns (@bbfpk) or you can email pippa at hello@bitandbridlefitting.ie
Helen O' Hanlon is a fully qualified life coach, horsemanship instructor & secondary school teacher from Co. Cork. She is a member of the Association of Coaches, The British Psychological Society & a member of the Teaching Council. She holds two first class honours Masters in Education & Coaching Psychology from the University College Cork. With an extensive and impressive CV, Helen specialises in areas of confidence, resilience & problem solving. In her practice she uses a wide range of approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Coaching, mindfulness, positive psychology & Body work. Helens Instagram: https://instagram.com/helenohanloncoaching?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Helen's Website: https://www.helenohanloncoaching.com/ Helen O' Hanlon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenohanloncoaching
In this episode I was joined by Irish international showjumper and HSI coach, Cormac Rafferty. Originally from Banbridge, Cormac produces top class young horses and coaches from his base in Tuam, Co. Galway. He has built up a solid reputation within the equine community, with experience in competing in showjumping, eventing and even racing, Cormac has spent time with Irish team vet Hugh Suffern as well as travelling around the world training with top international showjumpers in Germany, Switzerland and America. Cormac has produced and competed numerous horses at the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken and has several wins and placing in thr HSI Young Sport Horse classes as well as competing internationally up to 3* level. We touched on how to prepare horses for the World Breeding Championships, the importance of having a mentor and why preparation and communication are key things to prioritise when working with riders. Cormac's website: https://www.cormacraffertysporthorses.com/. Cormac's Instagram: https://www.cormacraffertysporthorses.com/. Cormac's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cormacraffertysporthorses
A super fun episode with three Irish international event riders, Ian Cassells, Ella Boyle and Robbie Kearns. Find out their best tips for getting sponsors, their most embarrassing moments and what their perfect day off looks like! Robbies episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Uui3jcXfLfGZSdfaq8bxx?si=7H85czWYS4STcA_wH9Xdhg&utm_source=copy-link Ella's Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uH8THofC7QmRsd2D5XYRm?si=ra4cmsvCTUulU3oLrkow5w&utm_source=copy-link
Brendan is an inspirational coach, mentor and assessor at his base Bergin Equine in Co. Wicklow. He is one of few coaches in Ireland to hold the BHSI Performance Coach in Complete Horsemanship, IGEQ International Level 3 Coach as well as the BHS Stage 4 Senior Trail Yard Manager. Brendan is a biomechanic specialist that focuses in horse and rider centered development of all ages, disciplines and levels. In our conversation we touched on the importance of asking riders the right questions, words he stays away from when coaching, how we can manage our chimp and what he's learned from failing exams. If you would like to get in contact with Brendan: www.berginequine.com. Bergin Equine Instagram: https://instagram.com/berginequine?utm_medium=copy_link. Bergin Equine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berginequine/
Ann's first episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UI945ZQ1qPBPvK0VIqUsd?si=Bp8DzsVWRt22Zp9yCTT6jQ&utm_source=copy-link On today's episode we talked a little more about veterinary topics. We covered; 🟡 The conversation surrounding whether buyers are buying the horse, or are they buying the x-rays.
🟡 Kissing spine, when it warrants surgery and the rise in demand on backs getting x-rayed for vettings. 🟡 The most important thing to get checked when buying a horse no matter the price.
🟡 Sarcoids: what they are, why they're undesirable and techniques used to remove them.
🟡 Chips, clean x-rays and the importance of conformation.
🟡 Advice for younger vets regarding the process of vetting horses and being aware of client confidentiality and phone use when on the job.
Cannot thank Ann enough as always for her time, expertise and honesty, it's so so appreciated and I really hope you enjoy!
On today's episode I'm joined by Irish International event rider, Robbie Kearns. Originally from Co. Limerick, Robbie is regularly seen in top placings at both national and international events, has represented Ireland at the Young Rider European Championships in Millstreet, and winner of the CCI1* in Tattersalls Horse Trials. Currently based with Kevin McNab eventing, we get an insight into being part of team McNab eventing, his journey so far, a trick that helps him with nerves before cross country and so much more!
Casey Webb, an up and coming Irish Event Rider, currently based with leading Irish event riders Steven and Trevor Smith. Casey is a member of the Irish Senior High Performance Horizon Squad and has represented Ireland at a Young Rider European Championships. Her recent successes include winning the HSI 8/9 year old mare Development League on Steven Smiths “April’s Pacino Time”. Having show jumped ponies up to Grand Prix level, she made the big switch to eventing after attending Queen’s University in Belfast where she got a first class honours in Actuarial Science. Casey's Instagram: https://instagram.com/caseywebbeventing?utm_medium=copy_link. Casey's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyWebbEventing/. Photo Credit: Sporting Images
Niamh McEvoy is an Irish international show jumper who has recently made the transition from ponies to horses. After a successful pony career with highlights such as being a member of the Gold Medal European team in 2019, she moved into horses at the beginning of 2021. With her horse Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick, she has worked her way up to 150 level competing in the national Grand Prix and Premier League while producing Lisboy Louie and Haifa OL up to Grand Prix level. Niamh is incredibly dedicated and hardworking and is taking the showjumping world by storm at just 17 years old. We covered the importance of discipline and time management when it comes to balancing school and top level competing, the value of mindset and flatwork and the journey to the gold medal.
Kate Derwin is an Irish international showjumper who recently made a career change to racing, and is currently based with top trainer, Edward O'Grady. Having had a hugely successful showjumping career, winning numerous medals including individual gold, she has now turned her hand to a successful racing career, with a point-to-point win under her belt. Kate's drive, determination and focus is truly inspiring, and we covered the importance of self belief, how she builds her own self belief, the value of paying attention to small details both on and off the horse, working hard and also the journey to the all important gold medal.
Gemma Ferrer is a BHSI Coach & Assesor, HSI and Pony Club Coach based in Co. Tipperary. Originally from Barcelona, Gemma came to Ireland when she was taking a year out of University and hasn't looked back since. She specialises in training rider of all levels towards BHS, Pony Club exams and competitions. In this conversation we covered her newest adventure of going freelance, the power coaches have in a riders life and the power of language. The importance of not labelling people and how she's using her experience eith confidence to help riders perform at their very best. Gemma's Instagram: https://instagram.com/gfperformancecoach?utm_medium=copy_link
Irish international dressage rider, Vicky Campbell is the latest rider to join the wonderful "Enter At A" series!
Vicky is an international dressage rider from Co. Down who has represented Ireland at two European championships. She has recently moved to Devon to base with Anna Ross. She is currently competing her own Lotti Van Bergsham at PSG while aspiring to study veterinary medicine at college next year
In this conversation we covered her experience of working with a sports psychologist and how she got introduced to visualisation, her experience at the Europeans and how lockdown helped her discover her love for veterinary.
Harriet qualified as a vet from UCD, Dublin in 2017. From there she went into a 12 month equine surgical internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, and then decided to peruse a career in anesthetics. She completed a 3-year veterinary anesthesia & critical patient care residency at the University of California, Davis and obtained board certification in 2021. Following her residency she has stayed on as a staff anesthesiologist at UC Davis. We talked through why horses are a difficult to manage as an anesthetics case, and why she's working hard to make it a safer procedure for horses in the future. We also touched on the importance of having a mentor and not letting ego interfere with your job.
Abi Lyle is an Irish international Grand Prix Dressage rider whom is based in Northumberland in the UK with a lovely string of horses. Coming from a non-horsey background, she's worked her way up to Grand Prix with not one, but two incredible horses. Abi showcases her day-to-day behind the scenes life on social and in this conversation we touch on her motivation for being open on social, how she deals with competition nerves, and much more! Abi Instagram: https://instagram.com/abilyle?utm_medium=copy_link
Poppy is an performance coach based in Co. Meath. Originally an Occupational Therapist specialising in adolescent mental health, Poppy was fascinated by the psychology of humans. A background in international sport and an untimely injury inspired Poppy to learn more about the mental strength and inner workings of those performing at the top of their game, in both sport and business. Re-educating herself in sport and Business Performance Psychology, Poppy is using her background to help individuals and teams understand how they can unlock their potential, progress and perform when it counts. Poppy works with clients around the world to make sure they are mentally bringing their best to their game. Book recommendations: - Bounce: Matthew Syed. - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Stephen R. Covey - Mindset: Carol Dweck. Poppy Website: www.poppyblandford.com.
Ann qualified as a vet from UCD, Dublin in June 2014, and went straight into a 12 month surgical internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. She then came back to Ireland for a 12-month internship at Fethard Equine Hospital in Tipperary. She also completed a 3-year European College of Veterinary Surgeons large animal surgical residency programme back in UCD, whilst doing a concurrent doctorate in veterinary medical specialisation, her doctorate was on "Impingement of dorsal spinous processes and their effect on performance in the Thoroughbred racehorse". After her residency, she worked as a solo surgeon in Oaklands in north Yorkshire for 10mnts, followed by 13 months at Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital on the Curragh, and then finally moved back to Fethard 3 months ago.
Shane McKenna is a show rider, producer and judge from Co. Limerick. Shane has successfully competed right from county shows to RDS and Balmoral. Shane facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanemck92 McKenna Show Team Instagram: https://instagram.com/mckenna_show_team?utm_medium=copy_link
Alex Baker is an Irish international Grand Prix dressage rider based in the UK. Shes been based at Anna Ross Yard, Elite Dressage for the last number of years. Alex has competed at many high profile shows including the Europeans and World Young Horse Breeding Championships. Alex's Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dressagealexbaker/. Website: www.alexbakerdressage.com. Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexbaker.dressage?utm_medium=copy_link
Sarah-Jane Doyle is fast making a name for herself as Ireland’s go to mindset and performance coach. She works with riders from grass roots to high performance level to help them make the changes they need in their lives in order to achieve their equestrian dreams. She was awarded Centre10 Coach of the Year Award and she gives us an insight into her life as a coach and Dressage Judge. Sarah-Jane Instagram: https://instagram.com/sjd_performancecoach?utm_medium=copy_link Sarah-Jane Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahjane.doyle.90
John O'Regan is both and Irish international showjumping and eventing groom, he has worked for the likes of Kerry McCahill, Greg Broderick and now works for Brian Morrison from Global Event Horses. Having been awarded 'Groom of the Year' in 2019 for the Eventing Ireland Munster Region, John talks about the realities of being a groom, the mental health stigma that still exists in equestrian world and the need for a Grooms Association. I can't thank John enough for his honesty and vulnerability and I hope you enjoy!
Rebecca is an Irish horse producer and judge from Co. Clare. Heavily involved in the showing world she has led not one but two Young Horse Champions at the Royal Dublin Horse Show. With numerous high profile wins and titles to her name both at Dublin & around the country,she made history with her "Horse of Lifetime" Notalot in 2015. Rebecca led Notalot on to win the All Ireland 3 Yesr old Final at Bannow & Rathangan show, the only ever filly to do so. We talk about how she got into showing, what she looks for in a youngster and advice for up and coming generation.
In this episode we talk to Master Saddle Fitter of Saddles Ireland, Lauren Coxhead SMS QSF MSFC. Lauren is the highest qualified Saddle fitters in Ireland. She holds not one, but two Master qualifications, that only a handful of fitters have managed to achieve globally. Lauren is best known for her honesty and dedication to finding and fitting the right Saddle for riders from happy hackers right up to Olympic level.
Kevin Acres is an Irish international dressage rider based in Greenogue Equestrian. Being one of Ireland's youngest riders to compete at Grand Prix, Kevin sure is no stranger to the dressage scene. With numerous national titles, Kevin shares an insight into his life on how he got into dressage and his dreams for the future!
Ella Boyle is an Irish international event rider from Co. Down. Producing and competing horses from young horses to 4* level, she is rarely seen outside the top placings. Having represented Ireland on two European teams and an international win under her belt, she gives us a insight into her life, we cover nerves, visualisation and the recent change in circumstances with her injury.
Sarah Jane Arthur is an Irish International dressage rider whom had been living in the USA for the last 10 years. She is a USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist and has competed extensively in Wellington, FL and also in New England. Originally from Co. Clare, she has been living in the USA since 2011. She made the move when she met her trainer Pamela Goodrich at a clinic here at home in Ireland, since then she has conquered the dressage scene in America with numerous horses. She has top placings at the Region 8 Open Training and First Level Championships and has multiple high at reserve scores at shows she attends.
Super fun group episode with Courtney Stuart, Rachel Dowley and Kevin Acres where we go through the thrills and spills of their daily life with horses. Courtney's Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QvUaG6YC29LP0SokRjyJD?si=xJCPyauOQRmxyzJLIQfn0g&utm_source=copy-link Rachel's Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pA7hskCwldp48A8C03Wgj?si=7m7XV7XvSY--KSicuP5DuA&utm_source=copy-link
Rachel Dowley is an Irish international dressage rider, Along side her successful dressage career she is also a HSI Level II accredited coach. She has won multiple national championships from young horses to Grand Prix, and her clients range from members of the Pony Club to members of Ireland's senior international high performance squads. Instagram: https://instagram.com/racheldowleydressage?igshid=11w634wtoswme Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RachelDowleyDressage7/
This episode is with Veterinary Physiotherapist & event rider Karen MacGrath. Karen is one of few chartered physiotherapist specialising in Veterinary Physiotherapy in Ireland. Having set up KMG Physiotherapy after studying in Hartpury, she's been juggling working with horses, dogs and humans. A really informative episode where we cover alot of topics including burnout, tips for keeping horses sound and her time in the UK with her golden boy Rico! ⭕ Please forgive that we had a few audio difficulties during this recording, I did my best to resolve the overlap during our conversation! This episode has some excellent nuggets of knowledge and I really hope you enjoy! ⭕ Karen's email: physio@kmgphysiotherapy.ie or WhatsApp 0876134893
Courtney Stuart is an international dressage rider who is also part of the Hor Sport Ireland High Performance Development Squad, from Northern Ireland. A lengthy episode where we cover the many highs of Courtney's career both nationally and internationally. She was extremely open and vulnerable about the lows, we discussed dealing with self doubt, loss of identity and the retirement of her golden boy Flynn. Instagram: https://instagram.com/court016?igshid=dpz9msq462fb
Natasha's Blog: https://teamrksports.wordpress.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/natasha_bk_eventing?igshid=1el6os3v1ni86