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.