Achieving elite performance in equestrian sport requires a strategic, holistic approach, planning years in advance to ensure the right blend of training, physical fitness, and mental resilience is in place for both horse and rider.
The Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Programmes are engineered to meet this immense challenge, developing a deep, sustainable pipeline of talent from youth ranks through to the senior international stage. This episode provides an essential insight into the critical non-riding training required for high performance athletes, the importance of classical training methods, and the collaborative excitement for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.
Host Melanie Young is joined by two key leaders in Irish equestrian sport: Anne Marie Dunphy, the High Performance Manager for Senior and Youth Dressage, and Simone Hession, the High Performance Manager for Para Dressage. Anne Marie is a Level 3 Dressage Coach and former international Grand Prix rider, while Simone is an HSI Level 2 Coach and a competitor of Irish-bred horses up to Grand Prix level.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Co-hosted athlete seminar for LA roadmap
Non-riding training: media and mindset
Anne Marie's journey: athlete to coach
Building team strength for European, Olympic selection
Youth and Para Dressage squad development
GUESTS DETAILS
Anne Marie Dunphy and Simone Hession are High Performance Managers at Horse Sport Ireland. Anne Marie is responsible for the Senior and Youth Dressage programmes, drawing on her experience as an international Grand Prix rider and Level 3 Coach to foster a strong youth-to-senior transition. Simone leads the Para Dressage programme, using her background as an HSI Level 2 Coach and competitive rider to focus on team support, development, and athlete communication.
Connect with Anne Maire & Simone:
Anne Marie Dunphy Website: https://www.annemariedunphy.com/contact
Simone Hession Email: Email:simonehession@gmail.com
MORE INFORMATION
Horse Sport Ireland is the national governing body for equestrian sport and the sport horse industry in Ireland, overseeing disciplines and high-performance teams, regulating athletes and horses, issuing equine passports and maintaining studbooks, and supporting breeders through national breeding services and coaching programmes.
https://www.horsesportireland.ie/
This podcast was produced by dustpod.io
QUOTES
Quote 1: The whole process of an Olympic Games, it's quite daunting when you step into it first. - Anne Marie Dunphy
Quote 2 : Mindset and mental fitness is a huge aspect to sport, whichever sport you're participating in. - Simone Hession
Quote 3 : The better those younger athletes get, the harder you guys at the top have to work because they'll be snapping at your heels the whole time. - Anne Marie Dunphy
Quote 4 : If everyone works together and heads down the same path, you're bound to be more successful when you get to that end goal. - Simone Hession
KEYWORDS:
#IrishDressage #ParaDressage #HighPerformance #EquestrianCoaching #LA2028Roadmap
What is Horse Sport Ireland Podcast?
For professionals in Ireland's equestrian world, immerse yourself in compelling stories from breeders who've transformed bloodlines, trainers who've discovered championship talent, and riders who've overcome incredible odds to stand on podiums.
You also get event previews, post-competition analysis and exclusive interviews with competitors across dressage, showjumping, and other disciplines. Plus, hear firsthand accounts from industry peers who've successfully navigated HSI's grant programs and support systems to elevate their businesses and careers in ways you might not have considered.
The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast delivers essential industry intelligence straight from the source.