Horse Sport Ireland Podcast
For professionals in Ireland's equestrian world, immerse yourself in compelling stories from breeders who've transformed bloodlines, trainers who've discovered championship talent, and riders who've overcome incredible odds to stand on podiums. You also get event previews, post-competition analysis and exclusive interviews with competitors across dressage, showjumping, and other disciplines. Plus, hear firsthand accounts from industry peers who've successfully navigated HSI's grant programs and support systems to elevate their businesses and careers in ways you might not have considered. The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast delivers essential industry intelligence straight from the source.
From Pony Trials to Glory: Seamus Hughes Kennedy
Seamus Hughes Kennedy, a star 23-year-old Irish show jumper, discusses his rapid rise in the sport, including winning double gold at the 2023 Young Rider Europeans and helping Ireland win the Nations Cup in Le Ball. He credits his family's equestrian background and mentors like Ger O'Neill for his development. Seamus highlights his journey with his horse, ESI Rocky, from a young, inexperienced horse to a top performer. He also mentions his upcoming goals, including the European Championships in A Coruña and the potential of his young horses. Seamus emphasises the importance of mental preparation and the support from h...
Breeding Champions: How Ireland Stays on Top
Ireland’s continued success on the world stage depends on our ability to consistently breed and produce top-class sport horses
In this episode, we’re exploring the exciting developments in Ireland’s horse breeding industry—where passion, tradition, and innovation come together. With increased support, targeted funding, and structured breeding programs, it’s never been more achievable for Irish breeders to produce top-level horses.
Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:
● The important influence of mentors on horsemanship and horse production
● Producing one of Ireland’s standout horses, Harristown Princess
● Develop...
From the Ground Up: How to Break Into Eventing
In today’s eventing world, success isn’t limited to those with a horsey background—it’s earned through determination, clear vision, and consistent effort. For riders who start without early access to the sport, the journey can be more challenging, but it proves that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
In this episode, we explore how one of Ireland’s top event riders carved out his own path to success, showing that strong values, long-term relationships, and a commitment to growth can build a world-class career from the ground up.
Some brill...
Youth Show Jumping: Pathway to the Podium
As the road to the 2025 Nations Cup and European Championships begins, the focus isn’t just on selecting the strongest riders—it’s about building a pathway that supports young athletes through every stage of development.
Today, we are going to explore how a more structured, athlete-focused approach is shaping Ireland’s youth show jumping programme for long-term impact.
Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:
Unshattered Dreams: The Trevor Breen Story
When life throws its toughest challenges, true champions find a way to rise. Trevor Breen’s story is one of resilience, grit, and the unwavering support that fuels extraordinary comebacks.
Trevor and his wife Caroline take us on an emotional journey from a devastating fall at the Hamburg Grand Prix—where he suffered a broken and dislocated neck and back.
Some brilliant insights you’ll gain from this episode include:
A champion’s mentality that helped Trevor return to competition after a catastrophic injuryBehind-the-scenes details of professional show jumping The logistics of competing internationally Key turning...2025: A Brand New Horse Sport Podcast is Coming
Welcome to our brand new podcast for everyone who lives and breathes horse sport!
From the breeding sheds of Ireland to the international show jumping arenas, we'll be bringing you all the country’s biggest equestrian stories.
In our launch episode, we hear the incredible journey of Trevor Breen, whose heavy fall at Hamburg’s Grand Prix left him millimetres from death.
The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is the only podcast that speaks directly to the heart and soul of Irish horse sport.
Press ‘follow’ now so you get the next episode a...
William Micklem - Inventions, Sport for All & Eventing High Performance
In this second episode with William Micklem, host John Kyle discusses William's inventions, his desire to make equestrianism a sport for all in Ireland and High Performance eventing in Ireland today.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
William Micklem - Breeding & Coaching
In this episode host John Kyle discusses breeding and coaching with William Micklem for Part 1 of our interview with an equestrian "renaissance man".
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Voices of Irish Equestrian Sport
In this episode host John Kyle welcomes three of Irish equestrianism's most recognised voices - Brendan McArdle, Louise Parkes and Paul Nolan - to discuss their own riding histories, how they got started in the media and some of their favourite moments from their careers.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Five Star Eventing as an Amateur Rider
In this episode host John Kyle welcomes GAIN's Alan Nolan to discuss his equestrian journey from local riding school to the world's biggest horse trials alongside a full-time job. Alan has some feeding tips and advice for horses following lockdown and explains how our Olympic athletes will access GAIN horse feeds in Tokyo.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Showjumping with Michael Blake and Francis Connors
In this episode host John Kyle discusses the return of national and international showjumping, including the HSI Premier and ISH Studbook Series, with High Performance Manager Michael Blake and reigning National Champion Francis Connors.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Covid Catch-Up with High Performance Riders
In this episode host John Kyle chats to 4 overseas-based Irish high performance riders - Shane Sweetnam, Michael Murphy, Judy Reynolds and Padraig McCarthy - about how they, their families and their horses have dealt with lockdown in each country and what their plans are for resumption of sport.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Breeding and Young Horse Production with Hugh Suffern
In this episode host John Kyle discusses the veterinary aspects of breeding and producing high performance horses with HSI's Breeding Programme veterinary consultant, Hugh Suffern.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
Covid-19 with Ronan Murphy
Welcome to our first Podcast! Our podcast series is hosted by professional equestrian sports commentator John Kyle, and to launch the new series John speaks with Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy about safe sport resumption under the Covid-19 restrictions.
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Horse Sport Ireland Podcast is produced by DustPod.io
