School Promotional Brochure

PROMOTINGTHE

IRISH HORSE

THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

The Army Equitation SchoolMcKee Barracks, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7

www.military.ie/education-hq/equitation-school

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Pantone 5743c

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PROMOTINGTHE

IRISH HORSE

THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

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MISSIONTo advertise the Irish competition horse

through participation in international events at the highest level.

A SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE

Capt Geoff Curran on Kilkishen representing Ireland at the Beijing Olympics 2008.

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OBJECTIVES ❖ To PROMOTE the Irish horse.

❖ To SUPPORT the national industry and organisations

(Horse Sport Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Eventing Ireland and the Royal Dublin Society).

❖ To ADVISE on:

1. Coaching. 2. High performance training for horse and rider. 3. Sport horse breeding strategies.

❖ To PERFORM to a standard of excellence in:

1. Competition. 2. Training of horse and rider. 3. Coaching. 4. Stable management. 5. Grooming.

❖ To ACT as a public relations agent for the nation, the Defence Forces and the Irish horse.

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Since its inception in 1926, the Army Equitation School has had a proud tradition of promoting Ireland, the Irish horse and the Defence Forces. The success of the Army Equitation School has been built on the endeavour, esprit de corps and pride taken by successive Army Equitation School staffs in representing Ireland and the Defence Forces at the highest levels of competition.

Army riders have represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European level in showjumping and Three Day Eventing. They have assisted Irish teams to many Aga Khan trophy successes and in other Nations Cup victories throughout

the world. This has all been achieved using exclusively Irish bred horses.

The Army Equitation School is truly unique, as it is the only military establishment in the world whose Officers and support staffs serve as professional riders and grooms who participate in top class international equestrian competition.

This promotional brochure aims to provide a summary of the history of the Army Equitation School together with updated information on the Officers, NCO’s, Privates and horses presently serving in this unique establishment.

THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOLA UNIQUE ESTABLISHMENT

Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the National Stud in May 2011. Her Majesty reviewed a parade of representatives of the Irish Sport Horse Industry which included the Army Equitation School. Also pictured is Lady O’Reilly and Captain Geoffrey Curran riding Kilmichael.

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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’ and ‘a mission impossible’. 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 Montergon noted in the Revue de Cavalerie that “Ireland has indeed begun to swim and its swimming master Colonel Paul Rodzianko chose the proper method.” The master referred to 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 and its purpose was 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 with one of the first to be called, Ged O’Dwyer of Limerick,

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

Ireland’s first Nations Cup win: presentation of the Aga Khan trophy 1928 (right to left) Captains Cyril Harty on An Craobh Rua, Dan Corry on Finghin, Ged O’Dwyer on Cuchulainn.

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remembering, “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 the 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, Capt Corry on Finghin, Capt O’Dwyer on Oisin and Capt Harty on Cuchulainn were placed second behind the Swiss, who were all mounted on Irish horses and who bought seventy five more before the show was over!

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”, Capt O’Dwyer recalled of their chastening experience, when they placed last of six teams in the Prince of Wales Cup, some seventy 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”.

Colonel Paul Rodzianko, team trainer to the Army Equitation School from 1928 - 1931.

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Corporal James Elder grooms Red Castle at the National Horse Show, Madison Square

Gardens, New York, November 1953.

Comdt J Neylon on Duhallow in Lucerne.

Headline form the Irish Independent 1938.

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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”. Capt 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 Belguim, (who were soon to be trained by Col Rodzianko’s brother Alexander).

Col Rodzianko remained at McKee Barracks for the next four years. However, above all else, Col Rodzianko left behind him a riding tradition that has remained 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 Barracks, 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, Col 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 Second World War (the Emergency), the Army was underfunded and as a result, the Army Equitation School was starved of finance. It was only under the Cosgrave Government of the 1970s that the school got the funds to enable it to compete on the world stage again. During the last seventy or so years since the end of the Second World War, individual army riders have won hundreds of international classes and numerous 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: Chef d’Equipe and Secretary General of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland. Lt Col Ronnie MacMahon served 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. Commandant John Ledingham 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 showjumper 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. More recently, Mo Chroi, a daughter of the aforementioned Cruising who was purchased by the Equitation School as a four year old, was officially retired from competition after thirteen

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years of outstanding performance on the International showjumping circuit representing Ireland and the Irish Horse. In September 2014, Mo Chroi was officially handed over to her breeder, Ms Claire Mc Donnell by the Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney TD. In the care of Ms Mc Donnell, Mo Chroi has embarked on a breeding programme and to date there are two of her offspring on the ground. 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 such as 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.

On the occasion of her retirement, Mo Chroi meets her Sire Cruising.

Retirement of Mo Chroi in the Main Arena, RDS in 2014. (left-right) Sgt JP Rogan handling Mo Chroi, Comdt Gerry Flynn (who rode Mo Chroi to numerous victories, most notably the Dublin Grand Prix 2007), Ms Claire Mc Donnell (breeder of Mo Chroi), Lt Col Brian Mac Sweeney (Officer Commanding Equitation School) & Mr Matt Dempsey, President

of RDS presenting an award to mark the achievements of Mo Chroi.

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In the early 19th century, the British Government developed a new design for the defence of Dublin which involved a connected chain of barracks surrounding the city. While certain elements of the design were never implemented, a number of barracks were built, the last of which was completed and occupied in 1891. This barracks was provisionally named Grangegorman Barracks until it was given its formal name of Marlborough Barracks after Winston Churchill’s grandfather, former Lord Lieutenant and Viceroy of Ireland.In total, a site of 45 acres was purchased at a cost of £15,000 on which the barracks was constructed over four years at a cost of

£80,000. The various buildings that make up the barracks were constructed with a distinctive red brick in an architectural style that comprises of a mix of Tudor, Elizabethan and Queen Anne. Its features also display influences from French and Italian architectural styles. The barracks was designed to accommodate a cavalry regiment at full war strength comprising of 862 NCO’s, men and horses. As was traditional with cavalry barracks, the horses were stabled on the ground floor in order to provide supplementary heating to the soldiers billets above. The riding school, together with Officers stables were located to the west of the square.

Parading in front of the Officer’s Mess in Marlborough Barracks, about 1900.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MC KEE BARRACKS HOME TO THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MC KEE BARRACKS HOME TO THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

The barracks was occupied by various British cavalry regiments before it was finally taken over by Irish forces on 17 December 1922 in accordance with the Anglo Irish Treaty. It was not until 1926 that the barracks was formally renamed ‘Mc Kee’ after Dick Mc Kee, Commmandant of the Dublin Brigade, IRA, who was killed on Bloody Sunday 21 November 1921.

The Army Equitation School took up residence in the old Cavalry Riding School in 1926 were it remains today. It is the unit with the longest and continuous occupation in Mc Kee Barracks.

In 1931 Mc Kee Barracks became host to a new equine military Unit when the Blue Hussars were formed under the command of Major Ged O’Dwyer of the Equitation School. The Blue Hussars were a mounted escort who made their first appearance at the Eucharistic Congress in 1932. The Escort continued in service, operating out of its base in Mc Kee Barracks until it was disbanded in 1948.

Today, only Irish bred horses of the Army Equitation School are stationed in Mc Kee Barracks alongside a number of branches of Defence Forces Headquarters.

Facade of the Clocktower Block in 2013.

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STAFF OF THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

OFFICER COMMANDINGLt Col B. Mac Sweeney

SECOND-IN-COMMAND (2 IC)Comdt T. Freyne

ADMIN OFFICER

Capt S. Crean

A ADMINISTRATION Q ADMINISTRATION Coy Sgt P. Byrne CQMS C. McQuillan Sgt E. Price

RIDING OFFICERSCapt G. Curran Lt D. Power 2/Lt J. Larkin

Lt C. Kehoe

YARD MANAGEMENT

YARD SGT SHOWJUMPING YARD EVENTING YARD Sgt J.P. Rogan Sgt T. Craig Cpl S. Carolan Cpl R. Kearney Cpl P. Hessin Cpl D. Byrne

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PROFILE

LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRIAN MAC SWEENEYCOMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

Lt Col Mac Sweeney joined the Defence Forces in 1976. On commissioning in December 1977 he was posted to the Equitation School as a Riding Officer. During his riding career he competed in showjumping and three day eventing at both national and international level. His notable successes in three day eventing include winning the National Championships in Punchestown in 1980 and winning the individual bronze medal at the European Championships in Denmark in 1981 riding Inis Meain. Lt Col Mac Sweeney also competed in showjumping with success as a member of Nations Cup teams in Rome and

Paris. He has competed at international shows in Dublin, Milstreet, Hickstead, Munich, Dnaweschingen and St Gallen. In 1990 Lt Col Mac Sweeney continued his military career outside the Army Equitation School in various command and staff postings in the Eastern Brigade and Defence Forces Headquarters. During this time he served as a member of the Senior Selection Committee for Eventing Ireland and qualified as a HSI Level 2 Coach and Tutor. From 2004 until 2009, Lt Col Mac Sweeney returned to the Army Equitation School as second in command and Chief Instructor. In 2009 Lt Col Mac Sweeney was posted to Eastern Brigade Headquarters to serve as Brigade Transport Officer and Officer Commanding Transport Company. In February 2012 he was posted to the appointment of Officer Commanding the Army Equitation School and in December 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Lt Col. In 2016, Lt Col Mac Sweeney will retire after 40 years dedicated service to the Defence Forces.

COMMANDANT THOMAS FREYNESECOND-IN-COMMAND AND CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

Comdt Freyne joined the Defence Forces in 1988 and was posted to the Army Equitation School in 1990. During his riding career he competed in showjumping at a national and international level. In 1995 he competed in international classes in the RDS, as well as winning numerous national Grand Prix classes. In 1998 he continued his career outside the Army 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 3 coach, tutor and past joint master of

the Kilkenny Foxhounds. In 2009, Comdt Freyne returned to the Army Equitation School as second in command and Chief Instructor.

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PROFILERIDING OFFICERS

Name: GEOFFREY CURRAN

Rank: Captain

Commissioned: 2001

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.

Recent Achievements in the Equestrian Field:

2006 Horse Trials 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

2007 Horse Trials 7th Three Day Event, CCI3*, Punchestown 14th CIC3* Thirlestane International Event 10th CIC2* Balindenisk International Event, 2007 6th CCI2* Ede, International Three Day Event, Selected Irish Team, European Championship

2008 Horse Trials 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.

2009 Horse Trials Winner One Day Event CNC3* Balindenisk 4th One Day Event CNC3* Tyrella 19th World Cup QualiferCIC3*W Tattersalls 16th Three Day Event CCI4*, Luhmullen 4th One Day Event CNC3*, Balindenisk

2010 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

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

2011 Winner CIC3* Balindenisk International Winner CNC3* Balindenisk International 5th CNC2*, Tyrella 4th CIC3* Johnson & Perrot Land Rover International 3rd CIC2* Johnson & Perrot Land Rover International 4th CIC3* Cameri, Italy International

2012 4th CCI3* Balindenisk International Horse Trials 2nd CIC2* Balindenisk International Horse Trials 4th One Day Event O/CNC2* Belton, UK 5th One Day Event O/CNC2* Kilmanahan 3rd CIC3* Tattersalls International Horse Trials 4th CCI3* Tattersalls International Horse Trials 1st Reserve Irish Three Day Eventing Team, Olympic Games, London 2012 Winner Express Eventing Grand Prix, Milstreet CSI2* 5th CIC3* Blair International Horse Trials 3rd CIC3* Balindenisk International Horse Trials 5th CIC3* Waregem International Horse Trials

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2013 Showjumping 5th 1.35m Bluegrass Spring Tour Grand Prix, Wexford Equestrian 6th Grand Prix, Louth County 1.40m Table A Speed Class, Balmoral CSI2* 5th 7 & 8 Year Old RDS Qualfier, Coilog 2nd National Grand Prix, Bannow & Rathangan 4th 1.40m TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix, Balmoral 2nd Premier Series Grand Prix, Balmoral 3rd Boomerang Final, Milstreet Winner Gain Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League, Wexford 2nd Power & Speed Class, Cavan International 5th Six & Seven Year Old Final, Cavan International

Horse Trials 6th CNC3* Balindenisk One Day Event 4th CIC3* Balindenisk International Horse trials 6th CIC3* Tattersalls International Horse Trials

2014 Showjumping 2nd Two Phase Class, Arezzo CSIYH* 5th Table A Class, Arezzo CSIO3* 6th Two Phase Class, Arezzo CSIO3* 6th Table A Speed Class, Arezzo CSIO3* 3rd Nations Cup, Arezzo CSIO3* 6th Grand Prix Qualifier, Cavan CSI* 3rd Grand Prix, Cavan CSI* 6th Autumn Grand Prix, Wexford 3rd Autumn Grand Prix, Killosery 3rd Premier Grand Prix Final, Coilog 3rd Premier Grand Prix, Tattersalls 4th Irish Sport Horse 7 Year Old Final, Cork 2nd 1.50m Class, Omagh 3rd Spring Tour Final, Coilog 3rd Premier Grand Prix, Louth County

Horse Trials 3rd CNC* Balinamona One Day Event 3rd CNC* Kilguilkey One Day Event Winner CNC2* Balinamona One Day Event 5th CNC2* Kilmanahan One Day Event 4th O/CNC2* Grove One Day Event

2015 Showjumping 4th Nations Cup, Drammen CSIO3* 4th Nations Cup, Odense CSIO3* 5th Pegus Leinster Summer Tour, Tattersalls 4th Premier Grand Prix, National Balmoral Championships 4th National Grand Prix, Cork 2nd Bluegrass Ulster Summer Tour, Omagh 2nd National Grand Prix, Galway 5th National Grand Prix, Galway 2nd 1.35m Class Spring Tour, Barnadown

Horse Trials 2nd CNC2* Balindenisk One Day Event 3rd CNC2* Tyrella One Day Event Winner O/CNC* Marguerite Lodge 3rd CIC2* Camphire International Horse Trials 4th CNC3* Kilguilkey House Winner O/CNC2* Ballinamona One Day Event Winner O/CNC2* Lisgarvan One Day Event 11th CIC3* 8&9 Year Old Class, Blenheim International Horse Trials.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Shanaclough Crecora at Tattersalls CCI3* 2012.

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Name: DAVID POWER

Rank: Lieutenant

Commissioned: 2010

Lt David Power hails from Kilkenny City and attended Kilkenny College before joining the Equitation School in 2010. Before joining the Defence Forces he competed at national level in showjumping. His other interests include rugby and soccer.


Recent Achievements in the Equestrian Field:

2013 5th Munster Grand Prix, Clare Show 4th 1.35m Bluegrass Spring Tour Grand Prix, Mullingar 3rd 130 Coilog

2014 8th National Grand Prix Final, Barnadown 6th Grand Prix, Bannow & Rathangan Winner Indoor Derby, Cavan 3rd Autumn League Grand Prix, Cavan 2nd 4 Year Old Preliminary Final, Cavan 2nd 4 Year Old Final, Cavan 6th 1.40m Jump Off Class, Balmoral CSI2* 8th Table A Class, Cavan CSI* 10th Grand Prix, Cavan CSI1*

2015 5th Bluegrass Summer Tour Final 3rd Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series 7 Year Old Final, Mullingar 6th Leinster Summer Tour Grand Prix, Cavan 8th Premier Grand Prix, Omagh 6th Power & Speed, Balmoral CSI2* 5th Ulster Grand Prix Final, Balmoral 6th Leinster Summer Tour, Bollivor 9th 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier, Chazey sur Ain CSI2* 10th 1.35m Speed Class, Chazey sur Ain CSI2* 4th Grand Prix, Chazey sur Ain CSI2* 8th 1.45m Jump Off Class, Haras de Jardy CSI2* 8th 1.30m Speed Class, Haras de Jardy CSI2* 10th 1.30m Speed Class, Haras de Jardy CSI2*

Lt David Power riding Dollanstown in Balmoral 2015.

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2/Lt Jennifer Larkin riding Deerpairc in Cavan 2015

Name: JENNIFER LARKIN

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Commissioned: 2015

2/Lt Jennifer Larkin is from Clonmel, Co.Tipperary. She attended Yeats College, Waterford and completed three years of Nutritional Science in UCC before joining the Defence Forces in 2013 to begin her training as an Army Officer . Her previous experience includes competing at national level eventing and showjumping and she was placed in a Silver Spurs final in 2009. Jennifer’s other interests include horse racing and athletics.

Name: CHARLENE KEHOE

Rank: Lieutenant

Commissioned: 2016

Lt Kehoe is from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. She attended Colaiste Bride Secondary School and graduated from Maynooth University with a Bachelors of Science Education. Before joining the Defence Forces in 2014, Lt Kehoe worked as a secondary school teacher. Her previous equine experience includes competing at national level showjumping and eventing. Charlene’s other interests include hunting, running and camogie.


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COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE EQUITATION SCHOOL

MAJOR L. HOOLAN 1926 _ 1930

COL L. HAYES 1930 _ 1932

COL M. HOGAN 1932 _ 1932

COL J. J. O’CONNELL 1932 _ 1932

COL F. BENNETT 1932 _ 1933

COL M. HOGAN 1933 _ 1935

MAJOR J. G. DWYER 1935 _ 1939

COL M. HOGAN 1939 _ 1940

COMDT T. FINLAY 1940 _ 1945

COL J. J. LEWIS 1945 _ 1949

COL F. AHERNE 1949 _ 1958

COL J. F. NEYLON 1958 _ 1968

COL W. REA 1968 _ 1971

LT COL W. A. RINGROSE 1971 _ 1975

LT COL J. P. DALY 1975 _ 1977

COL W. A. RINGROSE 1977 _ 1989

LT COL E. V. CAMPION 1989 _ 1989

COL E. V. CAMPION 1989 _ 1997

LT COL R. M. MACMAHON 1997 _ 1999

LT COL M.G. MULLINS 1999 _ 2004

LT COL G. O’GORMAN 2004 _ 2011LT COL B. MAC SWEENEY 2012 – 2016

SENIOR NCO’S 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

CS D. O’ CONNOR 2002 _ 2005

CS P. BYRNE 2005 _

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2nd 1.40m Jump Off Class, Cavan CSI* 20146th National Grand Prix, Tattersalls 2014Winner National Grand Prix, National Balmoral Championships 20142nd National Grand Prix, Omagh 2014Winner 1.50m Jump Off Class, Vejer de la Frontera CSI3* 20152nd 1.45m Jump Off Class, Vejer de la Frontera CSI3* 20152nd Table A Speed Class, Vejer de la Frontera CSI3* 20155th 1.40m Table A Speed Class, Chantilly CSI2* 2015Winner Grand Prix, Chantilly CSI2* 2015Winner Jump Off Class, Fontainebleau CSI2* 20154th 1.40m Two Phase Class, Balmoral CSI2* 20152nd 1.40m Two Phase Class, Bolesworth CSI4* 20152nd 1.45m Jump Off Class, Bolesworth CSI4* 20153rd 1.40m Two Phase Class, Arnhem CSI4* 20153rd Table A Speed Class, Vichy CSI3* 20155th Speed Stakes, Dublin CSIO5* 20153rd The Underwriting Exchange Ltd Jumping in the City Final, Shelbourne Park 20152nd 1.40m Table A Class, Gijon CSIO5*-NC 20154th 1.40m Two Phase Class, Arezzo CSIO3* 2015Winner 1.40m Table A Class, Odense CSI3* 2015Winner Two Phase Class, Lezno CSI3* -W 2015

SHOWJUMPERS

PROFILEINTERNATIONAL HORSES

Drumiller Lough at the RDS Horse Show, Dublin 2015.

DRUMILLER LOUGH2003 Bay GeldingSire: Heartbreaker (KWPN)Dam: Pearl Diver (ISH) by Mountain Pearl (RID)Breeder: Paul Dillon, 23 Ballyvalley Road, Loughgilly, Market Hill, Co. Armagh

Career Highlights:4th 5 Year Old Final, Dublin Horse Show, 20082nd 6 Year Old Final, Dublin Horse Show, 2009Silver Medal, 6 Year Old World Breeders Championships for Young Horses, 20095th Speed Stakes, Dublin CSIO5*, 20112nd Table A 1.45m Speed Class, Linz CSIO3*20135th Table A 1.45m Speed Class, Geestern CSI3* 2013Winner Ride & Drive Class, Falsterbo CSIO5* 2013 7th 1.50m Two Phase Class, Dublin CSIO5* 20132nd Gain Allthech Autumn Grand Prix league, Eglington 20133rd Gain Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League, Cavan 20132nd 1.45 Accum, Sommerstorf CS12* 20146th 1.45m Two Phase Class, Lanaken CSI3* 2014Winner 1.40m Gold Tour Speed Class, Magna Racino CSI2* 2014

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SHOWJUMPERS SHOWJUMPERS

Ringwood Glen at the RDS Horse Show, Dublin 2015.

RINGWOOD GLEN2004 Bay Roan GeldingSire: VDL Arkansas (KWPN)Dam: Penny Royale (ISH) by Kilglass Pennistone (ISH)Breeder: Ray O’Reilly, Clanmahon, House, Urney, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan

Career Highlights:Winner 6/7 Year Old ISH Stud Book Final 20113rd 7/8 Year Old Class, Barnadown 20116th 1.35m Bluegrass Spring Tour Grand Prix, Barnadown 20132nd Grand Prix, Milstreet CSI 3* 2013 4th GrandPrix Q, Milstreet CSI 3* 20137th 1.50 Jump off, Hickstead CSI 4* 20135th 1.50 Jump off, Lisbon CS103* 20134th Grand Prix Q, Milstreet CSI 3* 20137th 1.50 Jump off, Hickstead CSI 4* 20135th 1.50 Jump off, Lisbon CS10 3* 20135th Nations Cup, Lisbon CSIO3*-NC 20146th 1.50m Table A Class, Magna Racino CSI5* Global Champions Tour 20146th Grand Prix Qualifier, Vichy CSI3* 20153rd Grand Prix, Vichy CSI3* 2015Winner Premier Grand Prix, National Balmoral Championships 2015Winner Premier Grand Prix, Tattersalls 20155th 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier, Milstreet CSI3* 20152nd Nations Cup, Gijon CSIO5* 20156th 1.50m Table A, Odense CSI3* 20155th World Cup Qualifier, Lezno CSI3*-W 2015

Mullaghbane at Louth County 2015.

MULLAGHBANE2004 Bay GeldingSire: Parco (BEWB)Dam: Mullentine Formula (ISH) by Porsch (BWP)Breeder: George Allen, Mullentine Farm, 1 Artabracka Rd, Portadown, Co. Antrim

Career Highlights:Winner 4 Year Old Championships, Dublin Horse Show 20085th 1.35m Bluegrass Spring Tour Grand Prix, Wexford Equestrian 20137th 1.35m Bluegrass Spring Tour Grand Prix, Killossery 20136th Grand Prix, Louth County 20138th 1.40m Table A Speed Class, Balmoral CSI2* 20137th 1.40m TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix, Balmoral 2013Winner Gain Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League, Wexford 20136th Grand Prix Qualifier, Cavan CSI* 20143rd Grand Prix, Cavan CSI* 20143rd Premier Grand Prix Final, Coilog 20143rd Premier Grand Prix, Tattersalls 20142nd 1.50m Class, Omagh 20143rd Nations Cup Arezzo CSIO3* 20144th Nations Cup, Drammen CSIO3* 20154th Nations Cup Odense CSIO3* 20154th Premier Grand Prix, National Balmoral Championships 2015

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Dollanstown at Louth County 2015

DOLLANSTOWN2004 Bay GeldingSire: Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN)Dam: Wyndham Rose Royale (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST)Breeder: Lars and Caroline Bjoerk, Dollanstown Stud, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

Career Highlights:6th Land Rover Puissance, Dublin CSIO5* 20149th 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier, Chazey sur Ain CSI2* 20154th Grand Prix, Chazey sur Ain CSI2* 20158th 1.40m Jump Off Class, Haras de Jardy CSI2* 2015



Dunganstown Boy at Balmoral 2015.

DUNGANSTOWN BOY2007 Grey StallionSire: Diamant De Semilly (SF)Dam: Rincoola Bua (ISH) by CruisingBreeder: Harold Mc Gahern, Rincoola, Co. Longford

Career Highlights:2nd 7&8 Year Old RDS Qualifier, Barnadown 201512th 7&8 Year Old Qualifier, Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* 20155th Table A 1.50m Class Millstreet CSI3* 2015

ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOLMission: To Advertise the Irish Competition Horse Through Participation in International Events at the Highest Level

Riding Officers of the Equitation School.

Lt David Power riding Galway Bay Liath at Cavan CSI1*.

Lt David Power riding Dollanstown at Balmoral CSI2*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Shannondale Rahona at Jumping in the City, Cork.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Shanaclough Crecora at Tattersalls International

Horse Trials.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Ringwood Glen at Vichy CSI-3*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding River Derg at Tattersalls International Horse Trials.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Drumiller Lough Chantilly CSI-2*.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Ringwood Glen at Vejer De la Frontera CSI3*.

2/Lt Jennifer Larkin riding Deerpairc at Cavan CSI1*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Mullaghbane at Arezzo CSI-4*.

ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOLMission: To Advertise the Irish Competition Horse Through Participation in International Events at the Highest Level

Riding Officers of the Equitation School.

Lt David Power riding Galway Bay Liath at Cavan CSI1*.

Lt David Power riding Dollanstown at Balmoral CSI2*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Shannondale Rahona at Jumping in the City, Cork.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Shanaclough Crecora at Tattersalls International

Horse Trials.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Ringwood Glen at Vichy CSI-3*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding River Derg at Tattersalls International Horse Trials.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Drumiller Lough Chantilly CSI-2*.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Ringwood Glen at Vejer De la Frontera CSI3*.

2/Lt Jennifer Larkin riding Deerpairc at Cavan CSI1*.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Mullaghbane at Arezzo CSI-4*.

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NATIONS CUP STABLE STAR RINGWOOD GLEN

The 1967 Aga Khan Nations Cup winning team of Captains Billy Ringrose, riding Loch an Easpaig & Ned Campion riding Liathdruim

along with Tommy Wade and Seamus Hayes.

Capt Michael Kelly with Ringwood Glen represented Ireland as a member of Irish teams during the 2014 and 2015 Nations Cup Series.

The Nations Cup Series are the measure of success at International Showjumping. Throughout its history, the Army Equitation School has played a pivotal role in Nations Cup competitions contributing to

numerous prestigous victories.

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SHANNONDALE RAHONA2006 Brown MareSire: Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan (BEWB)Dam: Cavalier Hill (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST)Breeder: Peter Rice, Kilnagullion House, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan

Career Highlights:6th Two Phase Class, Arezzo CSIO3* 20146th Autumn Grand Prix, Wexford 20143rd Spring Tour Final, Coilog 20145th National Grand Prix, Galway 20152nd 1.35m Class Spring Tour, Barnadown 2015

Shannondale Rahona at Arezzo 2014. Seapatrick at RDS Horse Show, Dublin 2015.

SEAPATRICK2007 Bay MareSire: Iroko (WESTF)Dam: Ankela (ISH) by Master Imp (TB)Breeder: Michael Murphy, Ballyadding, Ballyrittas, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Career Highlights:2nd Two Phase Class, Arezzo CSIYH* 20144th Irish Sport Horse 7 Year Old Final, Cork 20142nd National Grand Prix, Galway 2015

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EVENTERS EVENTERS

River Derg at Tattersalls CCI2* 2015.Shanaclough Crecora at Hopetoun CCI3* 2011.

RIVER DERG2006 Brown GeldingSire: Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN)Dam: Lismore Promise (ISH) by Western Promise (ISH)Breeder: Maeve Mc Evoy, 1 Augher Point Rd, Gortaclare, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Career Highlights:3rd CNC* Ballinamona One Day Event 20143rd CNC* Kilguilkey One Day Event 2014Winner CNC2* Ballinamona One Day Event 20145th CNC2* Kilmanahan One Day Event 20144th O/CNC2* Grove One Day Event 20142nd CNC2* Balindenisk One Day Event 20153rd CNC2* Tyrella One Day Event 2015Winner O/CNC* Marguerite Lodge 20153rd CIC2* Camphire International Horse Trials 20154th CNC3* Kilguilkey One Day Event 201511th CIC3* 8&9 Year Old Class, Blenheim International Horse Trials 2015

SHANACLOUGH CRECORA2002 Chestnut GeldingSire: Aldatus Z (OLD)Dam: Shanalough Surprise (ISH) by Rocketone (TB)Breeder: John Glynn, Collingwood, Shanaclough, Crecora, Co. Limerick

Career Highlights:12th CIC3* Blair Castle International Horse Trials, 20114th CIC3* Johnson & Perrot Land Rover International Horse Trials, 20114th CCI3* Tattersalls International Horse Trials, 20128th CIC3* Camphire International Horse Trials 20126th CNC3* Balindenisk One Day Event 2013

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EVENTERS EVENTERS

BISHOPS QUARTER2007 Bay GeldingSire: O.B.O.S. Quality 004 (OLD)Dam: Ballydunne Beauty (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST)Breeder: Gerard Murphy, Ballydunne Rathmoyle, KilkennyPatron: Maurice Cassidy.

Career Highlights:Winner CNC* Ballinamona One Day Event 20155th CNC* Grove One Day Event 2015.

FERNS2006 Black GeldingSire: Donnelly Cool Diamond (ISH)Dam: Shanballa Rebel (ISH) by Rich Rebel (TB)Breeder: Patrick Cantwell

Career Highlights:5th CCI* Balindenisk International Horse Trials 20123rd CNC* Balinaclough One Day Event 20122nd CNC2* Monart One Day Event 20133rd CNC2* Tyrella One Day Event 20134th CIC2* Balindenisk International Horse Trials, 20132nd CNC2 * Kilmanahan One Day Event 20133rd O/CNC2* Kilguilkey One Day Event 20145th CNC3* Balindenisk One Day Event 20144th O/CNC1* Kilguilkey One Day Event 2015Winner O/CNC2* Ballinamona One Day Event 2015Winner O/CNC2* Lisgarvan One Day Event 2015

Bishops Quarter at Grove Horse Trials 2015.Ferns at Ballinamona Horse Trials 2015.

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TULLYBAWN

2007 Grey MareSire: Cashman (HANN)Dam: Sea Swirl (ISH) by Sea Crest (RID)Breeder: Harold Mc Gahern, Rincoola, Granard, Co. LongfordOwner: Daryl Noble

TEMPLETOUHY

2008 Bay MareSire: Heritage Fortunus (HANN)Dam: La Juanita (ISH) by Don Juan de la Bouverie (SBS)Breeder: Michael Mc Inerney,Cahergal House, Urlanmore, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.

BONMAHON MASTER BLUE

2008 Grey StallionSire: Mister Blue (KWPN)Dam: Sambia (KWPN) by AlbaBreeder: Alan Robertson, 39 Colebrooke Rd, Fivemiltown, Co. TyroneOwner: Richard Fitzgerald

PROFILEYOUNG HORSES

Lt David Power riding Templetouhy.

Capt Michael Kelly riding Bonmahon Master Blue.

Lt David Power riding Tullybawn.

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Lt David Power riding Glengarra Wood.

Capt Geoff Curran riding Carnlea.

GALWAY BAY LIATH

2008 Grey GeldingSire: Prince Des Vaux (SF)Dam: Simply Touch (ISH) by Touch Stone Breeder: Justin Burke, Galway Bay Stud Farm, Old Doughiska, Co. Galway.

GLENGARRA WOOD

2010 Grey GeldingSire: Capitalist (HOLST)Dam: Cavalier Forest (ISH) by Cavalier Clover Lad (ISH) Breeder: Myles Somers, Rathurtin, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

CARNLEA

2010 Bay GeldingSire: ARS Vivendi (HOLST)Dam: Wood Side (ISH) by Olympic Lux (KWPN)Breeder: Michael Quirke, Ballymoureen, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

PROFILEYOUNG HORSES

Lt David Power riding Galway Bay Liath.

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River Derg is a nine year old gelding (2006) by the KWPN stallion Ard VDL Douglas and out of an Irish Sport Horse mare by Western Promise, and was bred by Ms Maeve Mc Evoy, 1 Augher Point Rd, Gortaclare, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. The Army Equitation School purchased River Derg in 2013 and since then Capt Geoff Curran has been competing the horse through the grades from National pre novice classes through to Three Star International horse trials.

In 2015 River Derg performed consistently well on both the National and international circuit with most notable results at Camphire International Horse Trials achieving 3rd place in the CIC2* class and progressing seamlessly to the three star grade with an 11th placing in the prestigious CIC3* 8 & 9 Year Old Championships at Blenheim Palace, International Horse Trials. His 2015 season culminated in a promising performance at Boekelo International Horse Trials where they completed in 29th place in the CCI3* class.

River Derg has displayed exceptional ability and consistency in advancing through the grades of Eventing competition, proving that he has the potential to reach the highest level in international Eventing.

Capt Geoff Curran riding River Derg at Tattersalls Horse Trials in 2015.

STAR OF THE FUTURERIVER DERG

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Bishops Quarter competing with Capt Geoff Curran.Bishops Quarter is owned jointly by Maurice Cassidy and the Minister for Defence.

HORSE PROCUREMENT

Procurement of HorsesThe Army Equitation School procures horses by the following means:

• Purchase.• Lease.• Patron.

Horse Purchase BoardThe 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.• 2 IC Army Equitation School.• Principal Officer, Executive Branch, Department of Defence.

PatronThroughout 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, Mr. Maurice Cassidy and Capt Eoghan Lavelle. Mr. Cassidy has placed six event horses with the school to date. Patronage of the Army Equitation School is a most generous and sporting gesture supporting the school and the Irish horse Industry for which we are most grateful.

If you are an owner of an Irish bred horse that you consider may be suitable for the Army Equitation School, please forward the relevant details, together with images & video footage where possible, to [email protected]

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Bonmahon Master Blue, owned by Richard Fitzgerald competing at Barnadown in 2015.

LEASING OF HORSES

Presently there are two horses leased to the Army Equitation School by their owners. 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 Army Equitation School is a ‘win-win’ situation for both the Army Equitation School and the horse owner as it is a means of procuring horses for the Army 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 Army Equitation School encourages people who may have potential star horses to consider leasing such horses to the Army Equitation School for their competitive career.

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INTERNATIONAL RIDERS TRAINEDBY THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

RIDER FROM TOLT COL C. HARTY 1926 1938LT COL J. O’DWYER 1926 1939LT COL D. CORRY 1926 1958CAPT T. FINLAY 1929 1932LT COL F. AHERNE 1929 1948COMDT G. HEFFERNAN 1930 1939CAPT L. MAGEE 1930 1954CAPT D. LEONARD 1931 1935CAPT J. LEWIS 1932 1948CAPT J. NEYLON 1932 1952COMDT J. STACK 1934 1949CAPT W. MULLINS 1947 1950CAPT M TUBRIDY 1947 1953CAPT C. O’SHEA 1949 1954COL J. J. O’NEILL 1950 1957CAPT K. BARRY 1952 1956CAPT T. MOLONEY 1953 1957CAPT P. KIERNAN 1954 1958CAPT D. RINGROSE 1954 1960COL W. RINGROSE 1954 1970LT COL R. MOLONEY 1954 1972CAPT P. GRIFFIN 1956 1962LT COL S. DALY 1957 1962COMDT J. WHELAN 1959 1963COMDT E. O’DONOHUE 1959 1965COL E. V. CAMPION 1961 1977CAPT E. LAVELLE 1962 1972LT COL R. MACMAHON 1963 1970CAPT J. QUINN 1966 1971LT COL L. KIELY 1966 1978CAPT J. NICHOLSON 1969 1971COMDT P. PHELAN 1971 1974CAPT D. FOSTER 1975 1989CAPT C. POWER 1976 1984CAPT B. MAC SWEENEY 1977 1989CAPT J. ROCHE 1978 1982LT COL G. MULLINS 1978 1996CAPT M. NOLAN 1980 1982COMDT J. LEDINGHAM 1980 1999CAPT N. CONNORS 1983 1986CAPT T. FREYNE 1993 1998COMDT G. FLYNN 1997 2007CAPT S. CAREY 2000 2010LT D. QUINLIVAN 2000 2002CAPT D. O’BRIEN 2000 2012CAPT G. CURRAN 2002 –CAPT B. CURRAN-COURNANE 2007 2014CAPT M. KELLY 2009 2015LT D. POWER 2014 –

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) - Wulfrath Grand Prix (Capt Larry Kiely - Inis Cara)

1979 - Wiesbaden Grand Prix (Capt Con Power - Lough Crew) - Deauville Grand Prix (Capt Con Power - Lough Crew) - European Eventing Team Gold ( Capt David Forester - Inis Meain)

1981 - Punchestown Three Day Event (Capt David Foster - Inis Meain)

1982 - La Baule Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) - Bordeaux Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) - Dortmund Grand Prix (Capt Gerry Mullins - Rockbarton) - European Individual Bronze Medal (Lt Brian Mac Sweeney - Inis Meain)

1984 - Hickstead Derby (Lt John Ledingham - Gabhran)

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

ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL PRESTIGIOUS VICTORIES

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Col Billy Ringrose riding Loch an Easpaig to win the Rome Grand Prix in 1961.

Comdt Gerry Mullins riding Rockbarton in the World Championships at the RDS in 1982.

Comdt Ged O Dwyer riding Limerick Lace to win the Saorstat Eireann Cup in Dublin in 1934.

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.

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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)

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 Grand Prix, (Comdt Flynn - Mo Chroí)

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

2009 - Puissance, Dublin (Capt David O’Brien - River Foyle)

2011 - Balindenisk CIC3* (Capt Curran - The Jump Jet)

2013 - Cavan Grand Prix ( Capt Michael Kelly - Mo Chroi )

2015- Chantilly Grand Prix (Capt Michael Kelly - Drumiller Lough)

ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL PRESTIGIOUS VICTORIES

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Capt David O’Brien riding Boherdeal Clover to win the Grand Prix in Gijon, Spain in 2002.

Comdt Gerry Flynn riding Mo Chroí to win the Dublin Grand Prix at the RDS in 2007.

Capt Shane Carey riding Killossery were winners of the Falsterbo Derby in Sweden in 2002.

Capt Geoff Curran and Kilkishen after winning the Three Day Event World Cup Qualifier CIC3* at Tattersalls, Co. Meath in 2008.

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ROLL OF HONOURHorses that contributed to the International successes of the

Army Equitation School since 1926:

LOUGH NEAGHMAIGH CUILLIN

MEANUSMILSTREET RUBY

MO CHROIMOONSTRUCK

MOSTRIMMULLACREW

MULLENTINE LOUGHGALLOISIN

OWEN ROEPALLAS GREEN

RED CASTLERED HUGH

RINCOOLA ABURIVER FOYLE

RINGFORT CRUISEROCKBARTON

ROSBEIGHROSNAREE

ROSTREVORSAN CARLOSSAN PEDRO

SHANNONDALESHANNON POWERSLIABH NA GCROTSLIABH NA MBAN

SLIEVENAMONSTARBOARD

THE JUMP JETTHE SALLY ROD

TRAMORETUROE

GARRAI EOINGLANDORE

GLENAMADDYGLENDALOUGH

HOLYFORDINIS CARA

INISH MEAININIS TEAG

IRELAND’S OWNKILBAHA

KILCARNEKILKENNYKILKISHEN

KILCOLTRIMKILLARNEY

KILLINEY BAYKILLOSSERY/KRUISETTE

KILLOSSERYKILMALLOCK

KILTOOMKINSALE

KINSALE HARBOURLAUGHTONS LASS

LIATHDRUIMLIFFEY VALE

LIMERICKLIMERICK LACE

LISMORELISMORE CLOVERLOCH AN EASPAIG

LOUGH CREWLOUGH FOYLE

LOUGH GARMANLOUGH GUR

AHERLOWAN CRAOBH RUADH

ANNESTOWNANTRIM GLENSASHBOURNE

BALADEER ALFREDBALLYNEETYBALLYNONTY

BALLYCOTTONBEANN EADAIR

BLARNEY CASTLEBOHERDEAL CLOVER

BORNACOOLABRUREE

CASHLA BAYCARRAIG DUBH

CASTLEPARKCASTLEPOLLARD

CEANNANUS MORCILL AN FHAIL

CLOYNECLONTARF

CLUAIN AODHACLUAIN MEALACLUAIN MORCOOLRONANCRUISEHILL

CUCHULAINNDIAMOND EXPLOSION

DUHALLOWFINGHIN

FLOWER HILLGABHRAN

GALLOWGLASS

ROLL OF HONOUR

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 Defence Forces, the potential Groom is required to complete basic military training which takes approximately six months. 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 ‘Grooms’ 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 Grooms’ Course the Army Groom is assigned to a Riding Officer and a stable of horses.

THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL GROOM

Students and instructors of Grooms Course conducted in 2015.

Pte Mark Mc Kenna & Carnlea.

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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 McKee 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 through the ranks.

Throughout the long and proud history of the Army Equitation School the Army Grooms have retained an international reputation as highly regarded professional horsemen & women among the Equine Community. The Army Groom consistently performs to the highest standards of horsemanship and is a key member of the Equitation School team that symbolises a positive image of the Defence Forces, the Irish Horse and Ireland.

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

THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL GROOM

Pte Seán Davidson and Bishops Quarter.

Cpl Denise Byrne and Deerpairc.

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CAREERS IN THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MILITARY.IE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

RIDING OFFICER

Induction: • Cadet competition is held annually. • Minimum education qualifications. • Candidates undergo psychometric testing, fitness

test, group assessment, riding test, medical exam & interview.

Military Training: • 15 month cadet training conducted in The Military College, Curragh Camp (Residential course).• 10 week Peace Support Officer Course (Post Cadet training) conducted in Curragh Camp (Residential course).

Equine Training:• 6 week Groom’s Course conducted in the Army Equitation School, Mc Kee Barracks, Dublin.• Continuous riding instruction and coaching.

Career Progression:• Potential for promotion within the Organisation on successful completion of specified military courses.

ARMY GROOM

Induction:• Recruit competitions held as required.• Candidates undergo fitness testing, psychometric testing, interview and medical exam.

Military Training:• 17 week recruit training conducted in a Barracks (Residential course).• 12 week Three Star Course (Post Recruit training) conducted in Barracks (Residential course).

Equine Training:• 6 week Groom’s Course conducted in the Army Equitation School Mc Kee Barracks, Dublin.

Career Progression:• Opportunity to undergo military and civilian courses to enhance military and equine skills.• Opportunity for promotion on fulfilment of stated criteria and successful completion of specified Military Courses.

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A MILITARY INSTITUTION OF EXCELLENCE AND TRADITION IN EQUITATION

“ He (King Hussein) once told me that the School was one of the very best examples of how the military and horses could celebrate history and work together for a peaceful future by inspiring people around the globe – and this is exactly what it continues to do today ”*

HRH Princess Haya,Former FEI President.

Slavin and Parkes, Ambassadors on Horseback; The Irish Army Equitation School, (The O’Brien Press, 2010).

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NOTES:

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NOTES:

Printed by Defence Forces Printing PressDFPP/JN13759/MAR2016/2000

E-mail: [email protected]: 00 353 (0)1 804 6142

Capt Geoff Curran on Shannondale Rahona at Jumping in the City, Shelbourne Park.

Documents

School Promotional Brochure