KARLSWOOD INTERNATIONAL GROOMS’ COMPETITION AT THE 2024 RDS DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

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 RDS Dublin Horse Show / CSIO5* Dublin 2024.

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 15 August

• Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy – Friday 16 August

• Dublin Stakes – Saturday 17 August

The prize fund of €10,000 will be broken down into three individual prizes of €5,000 for 1st, €3000 for 2nd and €2,000 for 3rd.

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'.

Pat Hanly, Show Director 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 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’.

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

NOTE ON THE JUDGES
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 5* level. Jimmy is recognised as an expert horseman and world-class trainer.

Marie Yorke is 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, Marie started her career in the Army Equitation School before pursuing professional grooming roles at top show jumping stables, in both Ireland and the USA. She 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.