GALWAY international show jumper Andrew Bourns had interesting visitors to his new farm in Florida last weekend as some of the world’s top racing legends dropped in to inspect the farm’s new Aqua Equine Threadmill, manufactured in Co Carlow by Rory Deane.

Bourns’ new barn, “Lisbeg South” is adjacent to the Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida, USA. It is the premier location in Wellington, being just a short hack to the famous international arena.

Andrew’s barn comprises of 30 stables, washing and grooming stalls, feed rooms, tack rooms, laundry rooms, offices, riders’ lounge and bathrooms.

The state of the art facility includes a Grand Prix field which spans over four acres, while 15 turnout paddocks on the property ensures that every horse gets ample paddock time.

Andrew and his staff all live on the property so the horses are watched over 24/7.

Lisa O’Sullivan from Cork is his farm manager, David Bolster from Naas is his FEI groom and Ronan Joyce from Athenry spreads his time between Lisbeg South, Florida and Lisbeg Farms, Ireland. The project has taken almost three years to bring to fruition.

During that time Andrew had to be on site as much as possible and this has taken from his time competing in the ring. Now that it has been completed, Andrew is looking forward to getting back into the winners’ enclosure with some of the exciting young horses which have recently arrived from Lisbeg Farms, Ireland.