For Jodie Moran, the journey to the Dublin Horse Show with Tiger Eye was a testament to careful planning, great teamwork, and the sheer joy of working with an exceptional horse. 

Starting their season in April, the pair quickly made a mark, winning the hunter championship and supreme at Hollypark on their first outing together. From there, the successes kept coming, with wins at Balmoral and a qualification for the Red Mills Champion of Champions. The goal was clear—Dublin was the aim, and Jodie was determined to make it count.

Tiger Eye, a 13-year-old gelding, joined Jodie’s small team of horses last November. Owned by Oorla and Sophie Cusack, Tiger Eye was initially bought for Sophie, a 14-year-old with dreams of competing as an intermediate this season. “He’s a really special horse,” Jodie says, describing his intelligence and the pleasure it is to have him in the yard. The connection between horse and rider has grown steadily, making their journey to Dublin even more meaningful.

Winning at the Dublin Horse Show is more than just an achievement for Jodie—it’s the realisation of a childhood dream. “It’s what we work towards all year,” she reflects. For Jodie and her support team, finding horses with a day like Dublin in mind is what drives them. To see everything come together, especially for Tiger Eye’s owners with their first Dublin winner, was a moment of real pride. “It’s the most special feeling for riders, owners, and everyone involved with horses,” Jodie shares.

The Dublin Horse Show is the pinnacle of the season for many Irish equestrians, and Jodie is no exception. While the run-up to the event is often more stressful than the competition itself, Jodie makes a conscious effort to enjoy the experience once she’s in the ring. “I try to enjoy it while I’m in the ring and take it all in,” she says, knowing how important these moments are in a rider’s career.

Behind every successful rider is a strong support team, and Jodie is quick to acknowledge hers. Her husband, James Braddish, plays a crucial role, he is amazing, he drives the lorry and we have two young children & he is very hands on in the yard if I’m busy with them. Owners Oorla and Sophie Cusack are more than just supporters; they are actively involved in every aspect of the process. Leonard Supple, Jodie’s groom, is indispensable, especially when it comes to prepping horses and finding new prospects. And then there’s her family—her uncle Tony Purcell, mom Anne Moran, and niece Ella—who are there every morning, ensuring the yard runs smoothly. “None of this would be possible without them,” Jodie emphasises.

Preparation for Dublin is a year-round effort, but Jodie believes in keeping things varied and fresh for the horses. “Over the summer months, I try to keep the horses out of the school,” she explains. Instead, they do most of their preparation in the field, with plenty of hacking and varied work to keep the horses mentally and physically engaged. It’s a strategy that has clearly paid off.

Dublin holds a unique place in the hearts of Irish riders, and Jodie captures what makes it so special. “Nothing compares to winning in Dublin,” she says. The atmosphere, the people you meet, and the buzz in the arenas create an experience unlike any other. “I even think the horses feel it!” she adds, noting how the excitement of the event extends beyond just the riders.

For those aspiring to compete at this level, Jodie offers practical advice. “Get out to as many shows as possible with your horse,” she recommends. Showing clinics can provide valuable insights into turnout, way of going, and ring craft, while a good trainer can guide you in the right direction. And when you finally make it to Dublin, she advises, “remember to enjoy every moment of it.”

Keeping horses in peak condition is a priority for Jodie, especially during the high-stakes summer months. Her horses live in during the day to avoid the bleaching effects of the sun and are turned out at night, where they can relax and socialise. They receive top-notch nutrition, with three feeds a day and plenty of haylage—something Jodie is fortunate to have, thanks to her husband’s haylage production. “Everyone has a field friend they turn out with,” she says, a strategy that keeps them in great form and condition.

Looking back on her long career in showing, Jodie has many people to thank. She started riding at the age of two with a Shetland pony, guided by her mom and uncle. But it was Trish Moran who played a pivotal role in her development, teaching her the skills needed to school a pony rather than ride a made one. “I will always be so grateful to her for that,” Jodie says, crediting this early training with her ability to produce young horses successfully.

Riding at Dublin is an honour for any equestrian, and Jodie feels the weight of that responsibility. “It’s special to be part of it,” she says, noting how everyone in her local village is invested in what she has planned for Dublin each year. Even those who know little about horses recognize the significance of the Dublin Horse Show, making it all the more special to be there.

As for what’s next, Tiger Eye continued to impress, securing a 3rd place finish in the intermediate show hunter with his owner Sophie on Sunday at Dublin. With a few months of well-deserved rest ahead, plans will soon be made for next season. Whatever the future holds, Jodie and Tiger Eye have already etched their names into the story of the Dublin Horse Show, and there’s no doubt they’ll continue to build on this success in the years to come.

Until Next Time,

Shane

Photos by First Class Images