Straight From The Horse's Mouth: Kathy McMullan

Hello and welcome to the 24th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!

Now that the busy Christmas and New Year period is over, along with my own very demanding and intense schedule of study, I have been able to resume service and continue with these podcast interviews to highlight the many incredible folks in our local equestrian world.

My latest conversation was with Kathy McMullan, who many of you will know, whether you realise it or not! Kathy spent the past 12 years carrying out the role of starter at The Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan - which was some task, considering how busy their shows can be!

Kathy McMullan as many would know her - as starter in arena one at The Meadows, Lurgan!

Kathy’s strict blackboard order and call-up was renowned, but she got to know lots of people and, despite her stern facade, Kathy has a big heart…

Kathy came from a horsey background, as her daddy was a big fan of horses and ponies, and she started to ride when she was just three. Kathy loved show jumping and, by the sounds of things, the family travelled all over to attend shows - particularly on the Ards Peninsula.

Kathy McMullan, daughter of Mr and Mrs Hugh McMullan from Downpatrick, with her horse ‘Katie’ at Saintfield Show (1977).

Kathy worked as a nurse for much of her career, but has more recently gone back to the world of study and she is currently completing an Open University degree in History and Politics - so we may see her ruling the world in the very near future!

Kathy looking very stylish on a day out at the races at Down Royal.

Kathy’s daughter Kayleigh now works as a groom and, having seen the long hours and hard work that Kayleigh puts in, Kathy got to thinking about what she might be able to do to get some recognition and reward for grooms all over the country… She came up with The Grooms’ Group!

Kathy has set up The Grooms’ Group to recognise and reward grooms all over the country, both hobby grooms and professionals.

As the name suggests, this is a group for grooms, both hobby and professional, who can become members and avail of some great rewards… Kathy has managed to secure discounts with a number of businesses, as well as sponsorship for various prizes, which are only available to members. She has been staggered by the willingness of sponsors to support her endeavours, in order to recognise the efforts of grooms.

Kathy and her daughter Kayleigh, pictured at the Breeders’ Classic Show in Barnadown in September 2024.

Kathy has already presented a Groom of the Year Award and now looks forward to presenting prizes to grooms in a number of show jumping classes at this year’s Balmoral Show - a great incentive for grooms to become members of the group!

Kathy presenting Niamh Mitchell with her prize for being voted the first-ever Groom of the Year in the Grooms’ Group. Niamh grooms for Shane Goggins.

I hope you enjoy our chat!

Stay tuned for the next Straight From the Horse’s Mouth podcast on Horse & Field.

Kathy pictured with her idol, Nick Skelton, at Dublin Horse Show.

Kathy, pictured with Harrison Blair and Kerry Saunders at Cavan’s November Horse Festival. Kerry, along with Wallis Birch, were joint winners of €500 awarded to the highest placed member of The Grooms’ Group in the Grand Prix. Both girls were grooming for Harrison.

Kathy showing her lighter side, bringing sunshine and unicorns to The Meadows’ arena!