Name: Amber Marnane
Age: 16
From: Bansha, Co. Tipperary
Parents: David and Mel Marnane
What’s your background with ponies/horses? Both my parents have always been involved in horses, predominantly racehorses, and have worked in the UK and Dubai (where I was born). They currently train in Bansha, Co Tipperary. My Dad has had many wins both in Ireland and England notably two Royal Ascot winners and numerous wins in Meydan, Dubai, during the Carnival since returning to Ireland in 2005.
How long have you been showing and who introduced you to it? I started alongside my sister Rianna at our local show when I was five years old. As the seaons went on, we both became more competitive and soon reached a level to compete outside of Ireland. I love going to England to compete as there is a lot of competition and the best of ponies. My Mum has always been my biggest help along the way for me, competing against my sister made me more competitive and pushed us both to do well.
Current top animals? Danny’s Pride (HOYS 143 Working Hunter of the Year winner 2019), Dartans Atom Man (Dublin Horse Show Winner 2019), Creevelea Midnight Rambler (Dublin Horse Show Winner and Reserve Champion Show Hunter 2019). We also always like to have some youngsters to bring on every year.
Who is your trainer? Louise Lyons who has taught me so much from an early stage. Louise has so much experience having ridden at the Horse of the Year Show countless times and, of course, having evented. Louise is very intuitive, always knowing very quickly what we need to work on the most.
Who has influenced your career so far? My parents have been my greatest inspiration and biggest supporters. I have been so lucky to have always had ponies and Mum has been so good to source some amazing ones through the years, including Dublin winner Llananant Barcud, HOYS-placed Sharlen Gone With the Wind and now Danny’s Pride, just to mention a few of the ponies I have been lucky enough to be associated with.
What are your major achievements and or wins? Qualifying in two classes on the same day at Lincolnshire County Show and then Winning 143cm Working Hunter Pony of The Year at the Horse of The Year Show with the highest score across the section was incredible, as an Irish combination. Also in 2016 having qualified my 138 Show Pony Sharlen Gone With The Wind at Royal Three Counties Show and placing third in the final at HOYS. The £1,000 Supreme Festival WHP and Overall Supreme pony at the Northern Ireland Festival in the same year with Danny’s Pride in 2018. The Connemara £1,000 performance championship at Midland Connemara Show 2019 and reserve in 2018. I finished fourth in the individual at the European Championships in Wales and competing on the teams this year was a privilege. Receiving the International Rider of the Year at the Irish Pony Society National Awards and competing in two Supremes at the BSPS Summer Championships (heritage and show pony). Winning at Dublin Horse show and other top placings.
What is your career highlight? Winning the 143cm WHP at HOYS this season with Danny. To qualify was a dream come true but to win was very special.
What are your goals for 2020? Hopefully to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show again, and possibly do some qualifiers for the connemara performance class in Dublin. I would also like to bring our team to Dublin of course and the Northern Ireland Festival again and as many English County Shows as possible in 2020! I would love to get the opportunity to move up to horses next season or in 2021. The plan is to keep learning and improving and to continue to fit it all in around college, etc., in the future.
Amber Marnane was in conversation with Emer Bermingham