
Katie Speller
- Role:
- Rider ,
Born in Limerick, Shane got his first pony at the age of five and hunted throughout his childhood. He represented Ireland at Pony International level becoming European Silver Medallist and winning the opportunity to spend some time in Nelson Pessoa’s yard in Europe, and then progressed through Junior and Young Riders teams to the Senior Irish National Team. He represent Ireland on many occasions up to European and World Championships. Over the years he won many Grand Prix including 2010 Lummen, 2018 Monaco and 2019 Dublin. Clear rounds from Shane have contributed to many Irish Nations Cup victories, including those at Dublin in 2006 & 2011 and Hickstead in 2012, and also to Ireland's Bronze medal at the Furisiyya Nations Cup final in Barcelona 2012. Shane cites his double clear on World Cruise in the Aga Khan Trophy at Dublin in 2006 as one of his most memorable experiences. Shane has over twenty years’ experience of buying and selling horses. He has a brilliant eye for the right horse – be it a show jumper with Olympic potential, an amateur show jumper or eventer, or a hunter. With extensive contacts in many disciplines, and all over Europe and Ireland you can be sure that even if Shane doesn’t have the horse you need in his yard, he knows where it is. Shane’s rides for 2018 include Golden Hawk, Ipswich van de Wolfsakker, Laith, CFS Vendi Cruz and Can Ya Makan. In 2007 Shane married Chloe, daughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, and they are based at Hickstead in Sussex with their four children, Lorna, Darcy, Douggie and Wolftone.
What a pleasure it is to be back in the Queen’s back garden at the 5* Royal Windsor Horse Show, and the horses did not disappoint!
In the national classes, the Breen Team was in full force, with John and 8-year-old Cato Boy flying around the 1.40 for 10th and our favourite stallion Golden Hawk looking as young and feisty as ever to take home 5th in the same class. Not bad for a 17-year-old!
In the Foxhunter, John piloted Team Z7’s Z7 Porsche for an effortless clear with Patrick and BE Aquila copying the same result. These two up and coming stallions keep going from strength to strength and we couldn’t be more excited for their futures!
In the 5* section, it was the Old Lodge Stud’s Haya who was in the spotlight. She jumped incredibly all week at Royal Windsor Horse Show to take home 6th in the 5* 1.50 Falcon Stakes and 2nd in the 5* 1.50 Manama Rose Show Stakes. This lovely mare just keeps proving repeatedly what a high calibre horse she is, and we feel incredibly lucky to have such a talent in our stable.
What a wonderful show, a huge thank you to the organizers for putting on a fantastic event. A huge thanks, as always, to our owners, sponsors and team who make it all happen!