WHILE speaking to the owner of Imperial Sky, Cathy Byrne, for the purpose of this article, I was struck by one thing; how refreshing it was to speak to someone for whom the main purpose of horse ownership is the sheer enjoyment of it.

So how did this London-born lady become the owner of an Irish four-star eventer who won Ballindenisk recently, and is on the long-list for the 2020 Olympics?

“I was brought up in Colliers Wood South London where the only regular equine in the area was the cob owned by the ‘rag and bone man’, possibly the 1960’s equivalent to a recycling centre, the keen gardeners on our road would dash to pick up any droppings to fortify their roses.

“On family holidays to the south coast, we would all be delighted to get a chance to ride in a local trekking centre. Holidays to Bunclody gave me a chance to watch my uncle is his forge, and I would sometimes be allowed to sit on any quiet horse that came in to be shod.

“In 1982 I married Tom, from Bunclody, and this move gave me the chance to ride in Boro Hill in Enniscorthy, the owners then decided to relocate, but this in fact changed so many things for me, and indeed the whole family.

“I received a phone call telling me that one of my favourite horses, Rusty was to be auctioned in Goresbridge that very day.

“We bought him, all 17.2hh of him, a seven-year-old by Kings Servant. Boro Hill was taken over for a short time but sadly closed so Rusty was moved to working livery with Susan Patterson at Carrigbeg Riding School in Bagenalstown Co.Carlow.

“St Laserian’s Riding for the Disabled group rode in Carrigbeg every Tuesday, I became a volunteer and a few years later, Julia Watson moved to the area and became the group''s coach. My daughter Aisling started to ride competitively with the Carlow Pony Club and John Watson became her coach.

“Aisling was possibly one of Sam Watson’s first students, and she went on to become a working pupil in Ballybolger. So, our association with the Watson family began," said Cathy Byrne.

Step to ownership

“Tom and I always enjoyed attending events and really looked forward to watching top eventers at Punchestown, for several years we followed the career of Sam and his noble steed Bushman and wondered what it would be like to own a top horse.

“I mentioned to Julia, possibly at our post RDAI coffee, that Tom and I would be interested in supporting Sam by purchasing a horse. Sam attended the 2012 Go for Gold sale with our purchase price in mind, but nothing fitted the bill and those that did were at a top price.

“Sam then came up with plan B. He had a horse he purchased from Stephen and Carolyn Lanigan O’Keefe with a view to selling it on but believed it had potential.

"This is how the partnership of EEW Ltd, and Team Watson came about and how Hannah ‘Sparkles’ Watson and I became owners of Imperial Sky, a seven-eights brother to Bushman.

“Aisling spent a summer with Team Watson in Salisbury and continued in Ballybolger when Sam returned to Ireland before securing a position as head girl with New Zealand rider Lucy Jackson.

"Aisling now works with Cooley Farm and is an Equine Body Work Practitioner, treating mainly thoroughbreds.

Team Watson: Owner of Imperial Sky Cathy Byrne (right)

Memorable competitions

“Tom and myself try to attend as may competitions as possible, we were more than happy to spin down to Cork each day to see Imperial Sky, aka Toby, win the CCI4* at Ballindenisk.We couldn’t attend Tattersalls 2017 as we were at a wedding in Portugal, but thanks to live stream coverage, we were able to watch Toby catapult Sam out of the saddle before we dashed to the ceremony!

“Possibly the most enjoyable competition as an owner was Boekelo CCIO3*in October 2017, an event on the doorstep of a brewery, what’s not to like?

"The hospitality was exceptional at Luhmuhlen too; a steadying drink was required after walking the huge cross-country!

"It was hard to comprehend after Toby’s completion that I was now a share owner of a four-star horse!

“You can imagine how chuffed I was to receive a letter, and lots of Team Ireland goodies from HSI informing me that Sally Corscadden had selected Imperial Sky as part of the ‘Tokyo 2020’ squad.

“What happens between now and then is in the lap of the gods, but I am confident that Sam and Sparks with their joint preparation will give Toby the very best chance to make the team,” she said.

RDAI golden jubilee

So does Byrne have suggestions about how the lot of owners could be improved in Ireland?

“We live in a changing time, non-equine related businesses are no longer willing to support the horse industry, and can eventing in Ireland become a crowd-pulling spectator sport? Would syndication of horses work?

“I think that the social side of ownership in Ireland needs to improve, owners need to have a ‘fun’ time at events to encourage more to become involved.

“The horse that started this whole serendipitous journey, Rusty, is still enjoying life at 29 years of age. It is strange how one rash decision can change so many things.

“I am currently the National Coordinator for Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland, an organisation with the most amazing group of volunteers and riders.

"RDAI is this year celebrating 50 years in Ireland and whilst I am in awe of the talent of the top event horses, I believe that the horses used in RDAI deserve the highest honour," she said.