Greg Broderick of Ballypatrick Stables near Thurles is among the few top international show jumpers based in Ireland. He currently has 25 young horses competing on the national circuit with his stable riders Kelly Allen and Kevin Gallagher. This means, he has a huge interest in the quality of Irish shows, and he considers all factors including money, organisation and footing.

In addition to overseeing the development of his team of younger horses he also takes every opportunity to campaign his mature mounts abroad. “I have a nice bunch at the moment ready to rock,” he notes with enthusiasm. Included are the scopey 10-year-old Duco who did well in the 155m small Grand Prix at Dublin; the Dr. Noel Cawley bred Hibernia by Flexible who jumped double clears in four Spanish Grand Prix events and Charlie Chaplin who convincingly won the Grand Prix at Balmoral.

Changing with the times

While Greg has competed at a number of international shows this year, the national circuit is very much on his mind. “In recent years the international circuit has moved forward dramatically and we have to follow suit here. We need more two star three to four day shows at which there would be two points ranking classes of €25,000.

“At the moment we have only one while there would be one every week in Europe. Now I still believe in our county shows, they are part of our culture they are still nice places to educate our young horses.

“But for our bigger premier shows, with the value horses have when they reach seven-years-old and older, you really can’t take any chances. Purpose-built arenas need to be maintained all year round. It is frustrating to see a sand arena that cost a lot of money not being properly maintained.

“This is not only for the welfare of our horses but for the people who invest in the sport, for riders to be able to ride them in Ireland, for the grooms, who take care of them, the least we can do is to is provide facilities that are good enough to give the horses every chance possible.”

Greg is convinced that the number of National Grand Prix events we now have is too great and should be pruned back. He would like to see the remainder mostly run during the spring and autumn of the year.

“That is when there are more riders at home and when buyers from abroad have the time to come in and see horses to buy.”

Clarecastle entries

Entries for the Clarecastle Show are now open and will close on Monday 26 August. The show will take place on Saturday 31 August and offers a wide range of classes, including the Banner Mare Championship with upwards of €7,000 in prizes.