I LIVE in Wicklow with my husband Johnny. We both competed internationally and have run a sport horse studfarm for the past 40-odd years. I am chair of the Eventing Ireland stewards committee, FEI steward general for eventing in Ireland, FEI steward for dressage and eventing and a Level 3 FEI Technical Delegate (TD).

I’ve been fortunate enough to steward at an Olympic Games, two World Equestrian Games and to have been a TD at both European young rider and senior championships.

I have two sons, who are both involved in the sport. Mark rode both show jumping and eventing, he represented Ireland in eventing from junior to senior championships, World Equestrian Games (WEG) and Olympics level.

My other son John is a professional equestrian commentator and has commentated at both show jumping and eventing competitions all over the world, including the Olympics. I have a very talented granddaughter Tabitha who is keeping the family tradition going.

1 A lifelong interest in horses?

I have been involved in horses all my life. My first memory of riding was on a donkey called Ted. I spent a lot of time falling off because when he put his head down to eat I would slide down his neck and land on the ground.

I was fortunate to be given the ride on a very special Connemara mare called Waltzing Matilda, owned by Jim and June Anne Norton. She started jumping as a pony but was measured out so we jumped in the horse classes where she went Grade A. We won a lot on the national circuit and she won many classes over “the banks” in both the RDS Spring and Horse Show.

2 Tell us about your own eventing career?

I started eventing on a horse called Master Daniel. He was a showjumper who needed a change of career. We won a lot together and competed in several internationals. I had many other horses but the two that stood out were Master Mind who won many national classes and was second in Punchestown CCI3* and was shortlisted for the Moscow Olympics, but sadly a training accident put an end to that dream.

Super Structure also won many national classes and was placed at Punchestown and Boekelo. Again we were shortlisted for the Los Angeles Olympics but it was not to be. I also won the prestigious The Irish Field Senior Event Rider award.

3 How did you first get involved with Eventing Ireland?

When I retired from eventing, due to a car accident, I wanted to put something back into the sport and so when I was asked to join the committee. I agreed and have now served on the board several times.

4 The fact that the Eventing Ireland calendar could resume was a major reprieve for owners, producers and riders?

It is very important for our riders that we were able to get events running again as they need to get their young horses experienced and gain qualifications for their older horses.

5 Tattersalls will be a major loss to the eventing circuit?

It will be a major loss to the eventing three-day-event circuit. It was one of our showcase events and attracted many foreign riders. Not many events on the international circuit can provide such top-class facilities.

6 You’re also involved with Dressage Ireland?

I am chairman of the Eastern Region and was chair of Dressage Ireland until the end of last year.

7 Do we appreciate volunteers enough?

It would not be possible to run our sport without volunteers. They give of their time freely to do long hours filling all the various roles required to make an event run smoothly. It is vitally important that we make sure that they are looked after and appreciated.

8 In another year, describe your typical summer?

In a normal year I am involved in running approximately 15 dressage shows in my region, I help run horse trials at Rosanna and also steward at some others. I act as TD at approximately 10 internationals throughout the year abroad, as well as Ireland. I am involved in the running of Dublin Horse Show and I also have to have time to watch my granddaughter show jumping. Thank goodness for live streaming!

9 Three Kyles at the London Olympics – tell us about that?

It was a very proud moment to have three members of the Kyle family involved in London 2012. I was a member of the FEI stewarding team, Mark was on the Irish eventing team with Coolio and John was one of the commentators.

10 What is your role at Dublin Horse Show and any favourite Horse Show memory?

I am a member of the Equestrian Committee and I am part of the steward team for the main jumping arena, as well as stewarding some of the showing classes. On the many occasions Ireland has won the Aga Khan Trophy, the atmosphere in the main arena is electric and it is an honour to be part of it.

11 Any current star(s) that first stood out at Le Lion d’Angers?

I have been fortunate to officiate at the WBFSH young event horse championships at Le Lion d’Angers for many years and I’ve seen many really nice horses that have gone on to be top eventers but the one that stood out for me was Upsilon. He had such ability and presence.

12 The mentor?

Tommy Brennan was always a great support when I needed advice. He had such a depth of knowledge and an understanding of all things equestrian.

13 Best advice you’ve been given?

Never make a hasty decision.

14 The show jumping gene runs in the family too?

Show jumping is in the genes; my husband was an international showjumper as well as an international eventer. He has the distinction of jumping 6’10’’bareback at the Dublin Indoor and I also show jumped up to the time I was bitten by the eventing bug.

15 Favourite horse/rider combination?

My favourite show jumping combination is Eddie Macken and Boomerang. They were just a masterclass to watch.

Eventing, it would have to be Mark Todd on any horse but especially Charisma, he is always in a rhythm and balance.

16 How did you fill your lockdown summer?

My lockdown summer was a time to catch up on the list of “I will do it when I have time” jobs so it was a very long list which is not finished yet! We painted the yard, did a lot of maintenance around the farm, a lot of gardening and baking. I have a new skill for building stone walls, which I love, it is like doing a giant jigsaw.

17 Social media – yes or no?

Social media is good in some ways. Facebook is great for keeping in touch with the family and my many FEI friends around the world and as a platform for keeping members of the various organisations informed.

18 Best horse you’ve bred?

We bred many nice traditional Irish horses over the years but the one that stands out is Step In Time, by Step Together. Mark rode him twice in Badminton, Burghley and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

19 Proudest family moment(s)?

I have several proud moments. Obviously Mark and John at London 2012 but also having bred both the horse and rider at WEG Kentucky and watching Tabitha win the 128cms and the 138cms championships at HOYS last year.

20Anything left on the wishlist for international competitions?

I would love to be a TD at Badminton or Burghley before I hang up my clipboard.