HORSES and ponies have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Although my mom and dad always encouraged me to take part in a variety of sports and hobbies, including Gaelic football, camogie, learning guitar and swimming; my true passion was always horses.

As a small child I began lessons in a local riding school and joined the Ward Union Pony Club, where I enjoyed some fantastic times and made lifelong friendships. Attending weekly rallies and competitions in our area kept me busy, with camp at Tattersalls being the highlight of every summer.

I was also a member of Showjumping Ireland, competing with ponies and horses well into my late teens. My mom would bring me all over Ireland to compete. We got great enjoyment travelling around and meeting up with familiar faces along the way. Mom has a great love for horses also, they feature in most of her family’s lives too. I specifically remember my aunt Catherine talking about her time working on the Curragh as a work rider for the late Patrick Prendergast. She shared many a great story over the years, always with fondness and a smile.

My love for horses never faltered during my teenage years and my devotion only grew. Every morning before going to secondary school, I would go out to our yard and ride out, in the arena or out into the fields. I’d do the mucking out and quickly change into my uniform and off to school I’d go.

Enthusiasm for school was minimal, but I got on with it by looking forward to getting back to the horses, competing or hunting whenever possible. Everything revolved around horsey pursuits in our house, this involved a lot of commitment and physical work which kept me out of trouble. The subjects I excelled in were business and economics, and although I had no real idea what I wanted to do when I finished secondary school (bar ride horses, of course), I put down any courses that involved these subjects on my CAO.

The idea of going to university really did not appeal to me at all, but my parents encouraged me to look into it and find a course that encompassed my strengths and interests, and I’m glad they did.

It was only when I started my course in equine business at Maynooth University that the world of racing opened up for me. A lot of the equine content focused around the racing industry and many of my college peers were hugely involved. At the time I worked in a hotel, but this course ignited a curiosity in me and motivated me to find a part-time job in a racing yard nearby.

I started working for John McConnell Racing and never looked back. I learned to ride racehorses there and have been hooked ever since. I tried to balance work and university as best I could, if I had a lecture-free morning, I would go into work and ride out a few lots. Then I’d go back to campus in the evening, or vice versa.

I spent all my university years in McConnell’s and then I moved to Ado McGuinness Racing. Initially, I rode out in the mornings there and got to go to race meetings when I was needed. The opportunity arose for me to go and work in Chantilly, France. I always had the desire to work abroad, so when I saw Tim Donworth’s advertisement for staff, I knew I had to give it a shot. It was an amazing experience working at Tim’s. I learned so much during my stint there. I got to see different training methods and perspectives and met some great people. I am truly appreciative of my time in France.

Last August I moved back to Ireland, having accepted Ado’s offer of the position of travelling head person. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, as I knew Ado often sent horses abroad and, therefore, there would be plenty of opportunities for me to travel. My job involves most aspects of the day to day workings of the yard. I ride out in the mornings and help out wherever I can in the yard.

Whether it be pulling horses manes, clipping, feeding or putting on bandages. Racing is the main part of my job, so it’s my task to organise that aspect; what staff is needed for racing events, packing all the racing gear (tack, colours, cheekpieces, visors), organising transport, prepping horses and so on. I thoroughly love when I travel abroad with any horse and build up such a great bond with each horse I go away with.

Personalities

They all have such different personalities and characteristics and it’s a great chance to really get to know them when you get to spend long periods of time looking after them. Often when I travel with a horse, I am on my own so I am solely responsible for their wellbeing during that time. I try to keep their routine as similar to home as possible, feed at the same time, ride out at the same time, always making sure they are drinking and eating plenty – keeping it simple.

I have had some really memorable trips so far. Going to Qatar with a horse called Real Appeal was definitely a stand out, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. I was travelling alone and was unsure what to expect, it was a little daunting. However, I met some really great people. For example, Ballydoyle also had runners in Doha, so they took me in as one of their own and helped me along the way. It was a true example of how great the racing community is. The Qatari people were so kind and generous too and treated us with the greatest respect; I would go back there in a heartbeat. Real Appeal was an absolute pleasure to bring abroad and ran well, placing fourth.

Just last month, Tiger Belle ran in the Group 3 Prix d’Arenberg at ParisLongchamp where she won. It was a super day, I was so overjoyed when she passed the finish line with her head in front – it was some buzz watching it. To see how thrilled her group of owners were, made it even better.

This week I’m in Santa Anita with Tiger Belle which has been an amazing experience so far. Any time a horse I ride out at home runs, I get so nervous/excited. You build up such a strong connection with them and just want them to come home safe and sound. When they win it’s a feeling like no other. I am very grateful to Ado for entrusting me with these very special horses. It’s a huge responsibility and I don’t take it for granted.

My ambition for the future would be to have a business of my own. Maybe start off with pinhooking – buying a few foals and selling them on as yearlings and if they didn’t sell aim them at the breeze-up sales. I feel it would mix my business degree and passion for racing well.

In the meantime, I have a lot to learn but that is definitely my long-term aspiration.

I am always mindful of the fact that I am really fortunate to be working in a job that I am so passionate about, so as long as my future involves working with these precious animals, I will consider myself truly blessed.

Ciara Robinson was in conversation with John O’Riordan.