Hi I’m Tom, a Dressage Rider, Trainer and Young Horse Producer from Ireland. I launched TOB Equestrian in September 2020 and am lucky to now be based at Morpeth with Abi Lyle Dressage.
Before setting up on my own I worked for a private family in Surrey for 6 years, where I competed nationally and Internationally (for Ireland) at Small Tour. As well as competing at the higher levels I was responsible for sourcing and producing the young dressage horses; horses which went on to sell to Olympic riders, and others to enjoy successful careers at international level. I have also started horses and ridden/produced for numerous private studs and small-scale breeders.
As well as my relationships with horses, unusually I enjoy being around people too! Having interested and interesting clients is a pleasure in itself, and I find it immensely rewarding to work with them to achieve their goals.
I am from an agricultural and farming family, and grew up in County Wexford. I spent my early teens with a professional eventing and showing producer, and many winters hunting before moving to the Talland School of Equitation in Gloucestershire where I qualified as a BHSAI. A spell at Fox Pitt eventing followed and later a stint at Brian Cassidy Show jumping which confirmed I should certainly stick with dressage! I have never looked back!
I am excited to relocate TOB Equestrian from Pepperwood Park in Hampshire, to Northumberland in 2021. In my continuing role as Dressage Rider and Trainer I develop quality horses from the solid foundations of my training ethos, supported by the fabulous facilities here at East Thornton Farm in what I can only describe as one of the most relaxed and happy environments I have ever worked in. Our horses go on to enjoy successful and rewarding careers with my myself, my clients, or my fellow professionals – from Novice dressage all the way up the levels.
