Starting Irish Horse Service was something that just sort of happened,” admits Niamh O’Gorman, owner of said equine transport business.

“I had helped out a few European companies with paperwork and transport, and it developed from there.

“I was at a crossroads career-wise and I decided to go for it and see if I could make it work.

“With encouragement from my nearest and dearest and some hard work and determination, I haven’t looked back.”

Niamh doesn’t just run her own company but also works with one of the most-respected international transporters in the UK, Bramhams of Buckingham.

“In 2021, when it became obvious with Brexit that there would be huge advantages to having a base within the European Union, I helped establish Bramhams of Buckingham Ireland Ltd, and I am the company secretary.

“I liaise directly with local and Government vets here in Ireland and take care of all aspects of the export papers to meet our time-sensitive deadlines.”

Women helping women

Being one of the few women in the transport industry, Niamh admits, was daunting at first.

“I must say I love it! I’ve got some great women that I work with and stand beside – Andrea O’Brien from Equine International Shipping; Deirdre Seale in Seale Transport; and Gill Hadley at Hadley Horse Transport and Horsebox Hire.

I know these women are only a phone call away if I need them

“And then there’s Jo in Bramhams, who I literally cannot function without. We always pick up the phone to each other if we need advice or have to source or share transport. We all help each other out with the new systems that have come into play in the past year, and we always love an excuse to chat. I know these women are only a phone call away if I need them.”

Running a business like Irish Horse Service means Niamh gets close to many clients who trust her with their most precious cargo and also gets to share some of their most memorable life moments.

“I was so proud to be part of the little team that brought the three-time Dublin Show Champion Irish Draught Stallion GortFree Lakeside Lad to the Horse of the Year Show. The horse is owned by Sean Barker and produced by Brian Murphy and Samantha Cushe in Gowran, Co Kilkenny, and was ridden by Linda Murphy. It was a thrill to be under the lights at HOYS. To be on the ground with the guys for weeks before at qualifiers, trying to catch that golden ticket and then being there drinking in that atmosphere: it was a once in a lifetime experience.

The beautiful look that fleets across their little faces when you drop the ramp and ask if they want to see their new pony

“Then you have the heart-warming times delivering birthday presents to little boys and girls. The beautiful look that fleets across their little faces when you drop the ramp and ask if they want to see their new pony: lots of kids burst into tears!

“On the flip side, of course, you have heart-breaking experiences; having to take a call in the early hours to transport a horse to one of the big equine hospitals. It’s always the worst feeling coming home with an empty van. Your heart is just breaking for the owners because you know what that dreaded feeling is like.”

The work-life balance

Working relentless hours both on the road and in the office can be tough on Niamh, but she knows how to balance things out.

“The hours on the road are tough at times, especially now with stud season starting and even more so since Brexit, plus two teenagers!

The truth is that having clients and colleagues who are super to work with and work for, makes it never feel like work

“But once I organise myself and plan my week, it helps makes things run smoothly. My kids, Kieran (16) and Cliona (14) are great human beings and are great at helping things run smoothly at home.

“The truth is that having clients and colleagues who are super to work with and work for, makes it never feel like work. I am fortunate to have what I believe is one of the best two-stall horseboxes on the market: the Overlander R160 is one of the most impressive builds I’ve ever driven. Upgrading was terrifying at the time as we’d just gone into the first COVID-19 lockdown, and oh my God, did I panic! But it was a total game-changer.”

Talking therapy

Talking is a way to de-stress on the road, says Niamh. “The most important thing is picking up that phone and talking to friends and family when you can. Investing in a good hands-free device is key for safety and keeping in touch, and not feeling isolated when you are on the road.

Popping the phone away for an hour is also very important

“Take time when you get home to connect with the kids, family and friends and chat over dinner. Popping the phone away for an hour is also very important.”

According to Niamh, her ambitions are constantly changing, and the horizon is a positive one.

“Rolling with the punches of Brexit has changed so much for everyone within the equine industry and working along with the team in Bramhams has changed the route for my company slightly too. Irish Horse Service isn’t going anywhere, and we hope to evolve more and more in the coming years, and you know, Rome wasn’t built in a day! There is a lot in the pipeline, so you’re going to have to watch this space. The biggest ambition, though, is to stay happy. Loving what I do makes everything so much better.”