In recognition of the expert and vital work that grooms provide to the horse industry and equestrian sport, Cian O’Connor’s Karlswood will sponsor a €10,000 competition for international grooms at the 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show / CSIO5* Dublin; the Karlswood International Grooms’ Competition.

The Important Role of Grooms

The RDS 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 the following classes to determine the three recipients of the international grooms’ prizes:

• Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes – Thursday, August 15
• Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy – Friday, August 16 
• Dublin Stakes – Saturday, August 17

Generous Prizes

The prize fund of €10,000 will be broken down into three individual prizes of €5,000 for first, €3000 for second and €2,000 for third.  

Good Horsemanship

Commenting on the sponsorship, Cian O’Connor stated, “This competition is about ensuring good horsemanship remains at the core of everything we do and rewarding those who do it best. Finding good quality staff is one of the major challenges facing our industry presently. Grooms who excel at their work must be acknowledged and rewarded, and there is no place better to do it than at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. 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. Our two judges are a case in point, they both dedicated many years and excelled in the profession.”

A Reward for a Job Well Done

Show Director Pat Hanly stated, “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 detailed care and ensure the day-to-day well-being of the horses. For many, it is a labor 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.”  

The presentation to the winning grooms will take place at 2 p.m. in the Main Arena on the Sunday of the show during the RDS Show Awards.

Note on the Judges

Jimmy Doyle

Jimmy Doyle started his equestrian career with the Irish Army Equitation School, and it was there, over the course of 21 years, that he perfected the art of grooming and looking after horses to the highest standard. On leaving the Equitation School, he went to America and took on the role of trainer to Georgina Bloomberg, coaching her all the way from youth championships to five-star level. Doyle is recognized as an expert horseman and world-class trainer. 

Marie Yorke

Marie Yorke has been the practice manager for EquiVet Ireland for the past seven years.  She grew up in Newtown Forbes, Co. Longford, and rode from an early age. Like Jimmy Doyle, Yorke started her career in the Army Equitation School before pursuing professional grooming roles at top show jumping stables in both Ireland and the U.S.  She groomed at the European Championships, the World Equestrian Games, and multiple five-star international shows. She understands the hard work, dedication, and attention to detail it takes to be a top-class competition groom.

*Lead photo courtesy of Boss Mare Media.

Edited press release

Thank you to Cian O’Connor for being HorseGrooms first Stable Supporter!

Cian O’Connor is known for putting his money where his mouth is. He not only sponsors this prestigious Grooms’ Class in Dublin, O’Connor also supports HorseGrooms in our efforts to advance the craft of grooming and keep horsemanship alive. O’Connor’s Karlswood Stables became HorseGrooms’ first Stable Supporter, and by doing so, he helps us spread educational articles and spotlight grooms and their important role in the equestrian industry.

Do you know someone who would like to support HorseGrooms?

Do you think your trainer, rider, or stable would like to support HorseGrooms as well? Learn more about the several options we have to offer and about our Stable Support program in general. Because when you’re a Stable Supporter, you’re not just helping HorseGrooms; you’re also fueling the success of your team and furthering the excellence of the overall grooming industry.