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FIND a job you like, and you will never work a day in your life” is certainly a true sentiment for Dublin-born Lee McKeever. For the past 38 years, McKeever has served as sport horse manager and trusted advisor to six-time Olympian McLain Ward. A formidable partnership was formed that saw medals brought home from Olympic Games, the World Equestrian Games and the Pan American Games, along with claiming an FEI World Cup title and the world number one ranking on more than one occasion. For this Dublin native, the highlight of his career was going to the Olympics. Last month, McKeever was recognised by being elected to the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame.

What is the secret, I asked McKeever? “This has never been a job for me.” he admits. “It’s a way of life.” Irish riders are known across the world for their talents, and it seems that this is also the case for Irish grooms. Their talents are increasingly being recognised and rewarded, and many remain alongside their riders, sharing in their success. At the highest level, top grooms are now comparable to caddies in professional sport, offering expert insight on the horse and strategic advice.

It is no longer unusual to see features highlighting the vital role that grooms and barn managers play in a rider’s achievements. McKeever’s success and importance in the industry is recognised around the world and was formally acknowledged in 2018, when he was honoured by the FEI with its Best Groom award.

It was certainly a way of life, and this Irish man embraced all aspects. It was while at Castle Hill that he met his wife, Erica, who started working there around the same time and continues to work alongside him, helping manage the day-to-day operations of the farm. The couple have two children, a son, Bradlee who is 24, and a daughter, Baylee who is 21. Both rode, and Baylee competed up to Five-Star level while a Young Rider.

Originally from Raheny in Dublin and later Portmarnock, McKeever was not from a horsey family, but he was drawn to them from a very young age. He began riding at the age of 10 and, from there, he knew the direction his life was going to take. “I just loved horses and I went on an equitation training course with a man called Tom Fox from the army.” It was through Tommy that he met Jimmy Doyle, who he was told could get him a job in America. At that time, normally grooms would go to Switzerland. I told my parents that I would only be going for a year, but the rest is history!”

McKeever came to the US in 1988 and took a job working for Barney Ward at Castle Hill Farm in Brewster, New York.

“When I arrived in America, I loved it from the start, because it was just so different to the life in Ireland and working with horses. There were less horses to look after and it meant you had more time to concentrate on the horses in your care. This is still the case today and I am happy to say that this is now becoming the norm in the bigger yards in Europe too. You can’t give the same quality of care to 15 horses as you would four. It’s the old argument of quality versus quantity.”

https://foto.ifj.ie/fotoweb/archives/5006-Irish-Horse-World/Irish%20Horse%20World/%C2%A9ShannonBrinkmanPhotography2.jpg.info#c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5006-Irish-Horse-World%2F%3Fq%3Dlee%2520mckeever

Lee McKeever and McLain Ward at Aachen \ Shannon Brinkman

McKeever manages every detail involved in the care of more than 30 horses at any given time and has been instrumental in the success of many top equine stars, such as Sapphire, Rothchild, Antares F, HH Azur, Contagious, HH Carlos Z, Clinta, High Star Hero, First Lady, and many more. “For me, it’s important that the groom establishes a bond with each horse. They are the best ones to know if the horse is not performing.” Each groom has four horses in their care, and the day begins with the first of two daily feeds at 7am.

In traditional grooming style, the grooms muck out their horses’ stalls. “A lot of people have a muck service that comes in, or one person that mucks the whole barn - that’s a lot different from Europe, and it depends on what business you are in,” Lee said. “But we always feel that mucking out is a big part of finding out what’s going on first thing in the morning with a horse - see how their legs look, how they’re acting, did they eat all their grain? I think that’s a big part of the daily routine - knowing what’s going on with your horse.”

“If I feel a horse is lacking energy, I can alter its rations. It’s a team effort based on trust with the rider and they trust that we are caring for the horse to ensure that the animal is on top of his game.”

Irish crew

Lee himself continues to ride and take care of Ward’s horses. “We are based in New York, but at the moment we are at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. This is a time of year that I enjoy, as I get to meet up with the Irish crew that comes over. I find that there are less coming, which is maybe be down to visa restrictions,” he says.

Without a doubt, he is a trusted and invaluable source of knowledge - not only for Ward and the Castle Hill team, but also for fellow grooms and horsemen, with whom he generously shares his experience and expertise. “I still live close to Jimmy Doyle, so I see him quite regularly. I tried to come home for as many family occasions and for the Dublin Horse Show to catch up.”

For Lee, America remains a land of opportunity for Irish people eager to build a career working in barns. If you want to further your career and you are willing to work hard, doors will open in America. Riders recognise the importance of a good team around them, the role of groom has now become extremely important and contributes to the success of the rider.

Nearly four decades after he first boarded a plane for America, Lee McKeever’s journey stands as a testament to what passion, dedication and quiet expertise can achieve.

From a young boy in Raheny with a love of horses to a Hall of Fame–recognised sport horse manager working alongside McLain Ward, his story reflects not only personal success, but the growing recognition of the vital role grooms play in elite sport.

For McKeever, it was never simply about medals, rankings or accolades, although there have been plenty. It has always been about the horses, the team, and the pursuit of excellence in the small, unseen details of daily care. His career proves that behind every great rider is a trusted support system, built on knowledge, instinct and commitment.

And, for Irish grooms willing to work hard and embrace opportunity, his message is clear: America still offers a pathway to success. As the role of the groom continues to gain the respect it deserves, McKeever’s life’s work serves as both inspiration and blueprint - showing that, when your work is your passion, it truly never feels like a day’s work at all.