Name: Amy Smyth
Whereabouts do you live? Cavan, Ireland
What’s your favourite equestrian discipline? Showjumping
Tell us about the horses in your life:
Currently I have two horses with another hiding in the background for the time being!
- Mallard Spark (aka Sully) – he is a 6yo Irish Sport Horse Gelding that I bought directly from that breeder when he was 3. He had only been walking & trotting under saddle and was coming back in from a long summer break when I purchased him. So as a 4yo, I did every type of competition with Sully to give him a taste for it all and to develop his education. As a 5yo, concentrated more on showjumping & eventing, and we got some many amazing opportunities & placings in 2019. Our standout moment as a partnership was competing under the Irish flag out in France. To represent our country was such a proud moment – trotting through the tunnel and into the arena, hearing your name been announced is a dream come true. We helped our team to place 6th overall in the World Championships. Sully loved every single moment out there – and came out stronger and more confident in each round. This year, we are knuckling down and just concentrating on showjumping. We have done some age classes as a 4yo, but I am hoping he will step up to the plate now and do some 6YO classes. With the goal to jump 1.30m by the end of the year.
Also to note, Sully has two half-siblings who are jumping at top level – “The Lion” a 5* eventer with Matthew Heath, who jumped clear in Badminton last year, just to have some time penalties. “Cooldiamond Countess” who is jumping 1.40m in Germany.
- Killycloghan Miracle (aka Mira) – she is a 4yo Irish Sport Horse mare that I bought from the breeder last October unbroken. She has Arab & Connemara bloodlines on her dam’s side which makes her quick but steady and a super jumper! At the moment she is progressing well under saddle having been out schooling a handful of times. I hope to take her to her first show in the coming weeks.
In December she came 2nd in the H.S.I. 3yo Mares Loosejumping competition, this was an amazing result for her first competition and she scored very well with the judges.
Mira has two half siblings who are very successful in Mounted Games – it was the path Mira was going to follow only she grew too big. Killycloghan Sonata is a 2018 European Champion in Mounted Games, while her brother Killycloghan Karlton has competed internationally representing Ireland on numerous occasions. You possibly have seen them competing in the Dublin Horse Show in 2019 in the main ring.
What’s your greatest equestrian achievement so far?
Getting the phone to hear that I was on the team to go to France to compete & represent Ireland. I actually couldn’t believe Gemma (our club secretary) on the phone for an age! I thought she was joking with me!
To go out with an amazing team of people – riders, coach, drivers & supporters – really made the whole experience incredible. But the cherry on top, was been able to bring Sully and compete on him. He is my partner in crime and to say I have produced him and went international together – it’s just surreal.
What’s your ultimate equestrian dream?
It’s split between jumping the Puissance wall at the Dublin Horse Show or to go out abroad competing with a team of horses.
Care to share a funny equestrian story?
I don’t think I could just pick one! Be better off sitting down with a cup of tea and just going through them all.
Best bit of riding advice you’ve been given?
Leg on, Sit on, Leg on!
Favourite equestrian brands:
I would never be without my two helmets – my skull hat is Champion and my riding hat is Caldene. I have always replaced like with like when the time came for an update.
I do love the Caldene brand – I also have clothing from their range which is all top quality and long lasting, what more do you need!
Two products I would not do without are Ring Craft Equestrian’s Sno-White Whitening Shampoo along with Pomade Oil. The shampoo works miracles on greys & white tails, but the shine it puts on other coats too, such as bays, is blinding. I use the pomade oil for plaiting and it helps to smooth the hairs, create a shine while not leaving my hands all greasy. I am delighted to be a brand ambassador for Ring Craft Equestrian – their products are a great addition to anyone’s grooming/show kit.
Recently I have added some Protechmasta gear from Masta and have seen great results. Sully comes off the lorry at shows with his Protectmasta rug on, warmed up and raring to go. He warms up a lot better now and is more relaxed too since wearing the rug at shows. This, in turn, helps keep his head in the game!
Do you have anything you deem as ‘lucky’ when you ride/compete?
Not that I am aware of. I use to think I had a pair of lucky socks but after breaking my ankle – the good run must have worn off!
Do you have any superstitions or rituals when you compete?
I wouldn’t say it’s a ritual per se, but when I’m in the ring before I go to the first fence, I keep mentioning things such as “Keep the leg through the corner”, “Sit Up” and what strides between what distances. More like little reminders!
If you could have dinner with any rider/equestrian, who would that be?
Oh that’s a tough one, between Ben Hobday or Geoff Billington. I would probably say Geoff Billington. He has a world of knowledge and brilliant stories. I was lucky enough to get a chance to have coaching with him once, and it was superb. Plenty of laughs were had while also learning many tips to help my horse jumping a course.
Could I have starters & main with Geoff, dessert with Ben then tea & coffee with both – as the craic would be mighty!
If you could ride any horse in the world – past or present – who would it be?
Dominator Z – the black Zangersheide stallion that Christian Alhmann competes. That horse is in a league of its own (a bit like Sully 😀 )
Why did you join Social Supercharge: Riders?
To increase my knowledge on producing content to the best standard that I can.
What’s the best thing about the course?
The powerpoints are very useful and break down the information quite well. It was great to listen to the videos and be able to note down ideas and tips throughout the course. Also been able to find new accounts that are like-minded people has been brilliant – I’ve developed new friendships through the course. Look forward to seeing how my social media can progress now! Hope to do you proud, Rhea.
Tell us all the places where we can find you:
Instagram: @a__smyth or @smyth_breaking_and_schooling
