Dublin Horse Show class to reward top grooms
Woman In The Horizon Format Grooming Stall, Horse
They brush and clean the coats of horses, prepare them for shows, race meetings and other equestrian events and are a key part of a sport that became an industry.
Yet, grooms were often unrecognised in public for the dedicated care they gave to horses in all disciplines.
That changed in recent decades, however, with prizes for the style and turn-out of horses being awarded at some events.
And it is set to be expanded at the RDS Dublin Horse Show which takes place at the RDS in Ballsbridge from August 14 to 18.
Behind the initiative is Cian O’Connor, the Irish Olympic show jumping medallist, coach and international horse producer.
Karlswood, his industry-leading high-performance equestrian centre in Batterstown, Co Meath, is sponsoring a €10,000 competition.
It is for international grooms at the showpiece event, which will have 168 classes and competitions with a prize fund of over €1.45m, one of the biggest in Europe for the sport.
O’Connor, who is currently competing at the Paris Olympics, said the aim is to ensure that good horsemanship remains at the core of everything they do and to reward those who do it best.
“While it is undoubtedly a very fulfilling profession for those with a passion for horses, grooming also offers many possibilities for those with a good work ethic and who are interested in professional progression,” he said.
The RDS said it is delighted to facilitate the novel and generous initiative, which highlights the important role that grooms play within the industry.
Two well-known, former international grooms, Jimmy Doyle and Marie Yorke, will assess the turnout of horses competing in three competitions.
These are the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes (August 15), the Nations’ Cup Aga Khan Trophy (August 16) and the Dublin Stakes (August 17).
Show director Pat Hanly said the RDS is delighted to welcome this initiative from Karlswood.
“It highlights the importance of the groom in the success of any rider or stable. It is the grooms and the background team who provide the detailed care and ensure the day-to-day well-being of the horses.
“For many, it is a labour of love. The hours can be long, the work is physical, and the attention to detail required is vital.
“It is the riders and horses that most often get the limelight and the glory, so it’s wonderful to see the grooms rewarded for a job well done,” he said.
Jimmy Doyle, one of the judges, started his equestrian career with the Irish Army Equitation School.
Over the course of 21 years there, he perfected the art of grooming and looking after horses to the highest standard.
After leaving the Equitation School, he went to America and became Georgina Bloomberg's trainer, coaching her from youth championships to five-star level.
Marie Yorke, the other judge, has been the practice manager for EquiVet Ireland for the past seven years.
She grew up in Newtown Forbes, Co. Longford, and like Jimmy Doyle, she started her career in the Army Equitation School before pursuing professional grooming roles at top show jumping stables, in both Ireland and the USA.
Marie groomed at the European Championships, the World Equestrian Games, and multiple 5* International Shows.
She understands the hard work, dedication and attention to detail it takes to be a top-class competition groom.
RDS chief executive Liam Kavanagh said Dublin Horse Show is a unique event in Ireland, with the Aga Khan Trophy one of the most prestigious annual competitions in international show jumping.
Agriculture has been a persistent theme of the RDS since it was founded in 1731 with a mission to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically.
It continues to encourage the pursuit of excellence in agriculture, arts, science and industry by educating, providing practical guidance, acknowledging success and encouraging ability.
