Biography of Speakers at the 2014 Equine Hedge School
7th January 2014 at Kilashee House Hotel, Naas.
David Broome OBE
Born in Wales, attended Monmouth School and still maintains his stables at Mount Ballan Manor, Crick, near Chepstow in Monmouthshire. He won the European championships in 1961, 1967, and 1969, individual Olympic bronze medals in 1960 and 1968, and the latter on his best-known horse Mr Softee, on which he was only two fences behind the Gold medal position. In 1960 he was also voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He won the World individual championship in 1970, and in the same year was Western Mail Welsh Sports Personality of the year. In 1978 he was part of the world championship winning British team. He turned professional in 1973. David Broome has won the King George V Gold Cup a record six times on six different horses between 1960–1991, a record yet to be equalled. He has enjoyed most of his success on Irish horses and he has said his favourite horse of all was Sportsman.
Billy Twomey
Starting his equestrian career in his family’s riding school in Cork, throughout his childhood, he won 128cm, 138cm and 148cm titles nationwide. Despite contemplating a career as a jockey as a teenager, he went to Holland to train with Olympic medallist, Albert Voorn. He then decided to move to England where he became stable jockey to Michael Whittaker, International Showjumper and Olympic medallist. His partnership with stallion, Luidam, contributed to Nations Cup wins for Ireland in both St. Gallen and Aachen. This combinations performance and results was also a main factor in securing Olympic qualification for Ireland. 2013 has been a very successful year for the Showjumper with wins including the British Grand Prix Trophy at Wettenhall, Leading Showjumper of the Year at the HOYS with Tinka’s Serenade he also won the Charles Stanley British Masters Grand Prix. In addition to being a two time member of the Aga Khan Winning team, Winning a World Cup in Ovido, and being a regular Nations Cup Team Member.
Lt Col. Gerry Mullins
le=”text-align: justify;”>Joined the Army in 1971 and began riding at the Equitation School in 1973. By the time he had retired from international competition in 1997, he had represented Ireland on 50 Nations Cup teams and had racked up over 100 international wins. He represented Ireland in show jumping at two Olympic Games; in Los Angeles 1984 on Rockbarton and in Seoul 1988 on Glendalough. He was fourth in the 1982 World Show Jumping Championships in Dublin on Rockbarton. He has also served as Chef d’Equipe to both the Irish Senior and Young Rider show jumping teams. He has also managed and consulted other riders and Showjumping teams during his career post army and is accredited with contributing the establishment of coaching programmes.
Marcus Swail, MVB MRCVS
Former European Pony Team Gold Medallist in show jumping, has been Irelandʼs Equestrian Team Vet since 2003. During that time he has worked at three Olympic Games, eight European Championships and two World Equestrian Games. Originally in practice at the famous Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital before establishing EquiVET Ireland specialising in lameness and equine sports medicine.
Sabrina Barnwell, MVB MRCVS
Graduated from Veterinary Medicine in University College Dublin in 2004. She has worked in equine practice in Ireland, the UK and in Kentucky. She has a particular interest in breeding and stud medicine, both in the thoroughbred and sport horse industries and has just recently joined the team at Connolly’s RED MILLS.
Jeremy Stanley D.W.C.F
Master Farrier and Chairman of The Irish Master Farriers Association he has vast experience on correct shoeing and foot care and the important a role it plays in today’s level of competition where surfaces have changed and are becoming more scientific in make-up. The Irish Master Farriers Association was founded in the early 1970’s around the time of the establishment of the Irish Horse Board ( Bord na gCapall ) and created apprenticeships under those auspices. Within its remit clinics and seminars are held which examines new product development, procedures and to promote higher standards of practice.
Jim Hickey
Is a qualified professional performance coach for Equestrians and other sports professionals who also specialises in public motivational and strategy speaking for leading businesses, sports teams and individuals. Based in Barna. County Galway, he has been self-employed since his early twenties, setting up and growing a number of successful companies and has always had a passion for personal growth and self-development. Since commencing his practice he has coached hundreds of clients and has developed an 8 part “life work balance wheel” which helps to stay focused on being happy and at the best in each specific area of life.
Tom Holden
Competed in show-jumping and eventing as an amateur for many years before he got involved in course design with a local riding club at the age of 18. Since then, show jumping course design has become Tom’s vocation in life. A Horse Sport Ireland Level 2 coach and tutor, he became involved with assisting several senior course designers in Ireland, including the highly respected Sgt Major Steve Hickey, Paul Duffy Snr and Gerry Byrne, progressing through the course design examination process, earning FEI level 3 status in 2006. Considered to be amongst the elite in his field has designed at the highest level in major events around the world including Dublin Horse Show, Estonia (World cup Qualifier), Croatia, Slovenia (World cup Qualifier), Portugal, England, and Canada (Spruce Meadows) and has collaborated with many of the world’s top course designers.
Tiernan Gill
Well known within the Industry and with his late father was a consistent winner in the RDS Show Rings. He has likewise been a long time Showjumping supporter as a rider, owner and sponsor. Brooklands Bedding forms part of his Empire together with Gill Group who is providing a one stop shop for all Equine Transport Related requirements.
Gary Johnston
With over 25 years’ experience in the Insurance Industry is a Director of Wexford Insurances, one of the Country’s largest Equestrian Insurance Providers. He is an expert in the potential risks involved pertaining to the sport and related activities and advises in the areas which should be adequately insured for specific risks and business.
Dr. Noel Cawley
One of the best known names in corporate Ireland from his associations with the Irish Dairy Board, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and particularly his involvement with the Kerrygold Dublin Horse Show. He is also a director of a number of other private entities. Dr. Cawley is Chairman of Teagasc and has served as Chairman of the Irish Horse Board. He is well noted for his passion for breeding in Ireland and for his involvement in Irish Showjumping where is has a number of horses being campaigned by Greg Broderick.