Hello and welcome to the 30th Straight From The Horse’s Mouth podcast on Horse and Field.
As this was being recorded, Balmoral Show was imminent, so it seemed appropriate to shine a light on one of our talented (and hard-working!) local equestrians in the showing world…
Julie Donaghy Simpson certainly fits that description!
*And, stop press, prior to posting this, Julie won her heavyweight hunter class at Balmoral with ‘Rowgis Kieran’! Well done, Julie!*
Julie was brought up in the equine world - her father John Donaghy has been a highly successful breeder and producer of horses for many years, showing them in-hand and winning numerous accolades - and, while she started her competition career in show jumping, Julie soon discovered and moved across to the showing and Working Hunter sphere.
More recently, Julie has not only taken up side saddle riding, but has also become an instructor.
Julie has been a judge (astride) for many years and has travelled the length and breadth of Ireland in that capacity. She is now also in the process of becoming a side saddle judge too!
Julie has had great success in the show ring, but surprisingly, she does not work full-time with horses - she actually works full-time as a secondary school teacher and produces horses, both her own and other people’s, in her spare time.
She now has an additional equestrian focus, as her young son now rides and is competing in the show ring too!
I hope you enjoy our chat.
Stay tuned for the next Straight From the Horse’s Mouth podcast on Horse and Field.
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