Many young equestrian enthusiasts dream of owning a pony when they grow up, but Robert Fagan always dreamed of building an equestrian centre.

Having finished school, he was anxious to learn as much as he could about the equine industry and what it takes to become a top rider.

“I spent my college years with Noel C Duggan and his family in Millstreet,” Robert begins. “Over four years I got a great grounding - learning something new every day, which I am forever indebted to them for.” It was here that the realistic idea of building a centre in conjunction with his parents (Robert’s mother Margaret is still the boss to this day and watches over all that goes on at Mullingar) entered Robert’s head.

The Fagan family welcomed Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to Mullingar Equestrian Centre. The minister is seen here with Robert Fagan (Photo: Ruth Rogers)

Minister MIchael Creed pictured with Robert Fagan.

Sand arenas were hardly heard of when the family-run Mullingar Equestrian Centre, that sits on 60 acres, was founded in 1993. Today there are 10 acres of top quality all-weather arenas at Mullingar Equestrian Centre.

Potential

Robert realised the potential that an all-weather surface in the Midlands could have for the local community. Following significant research, Robert sourced the surface for one of his biggest projects, an Olympic-size international outdoor arena, from Hillstreet Quarries in Carrick on Shannon. Their sillica sand was tested and found to be one of the best sands in Europe. In 2014 the main international sand arena was constructed.

“Grass is traditional and grass is good,” says Robert. “But unfortunately our climate interferes with those conditions. There are riders out there who have never seen a grass arena or a hunting field.”

“Many people think that sand rings are simply made of sand over grass, but that is far from the case,” Robert states. “The basic foundations and drainage play a big part in the construction of any arena. The welfare of the horse is very important, particularly when fences are bigger and more technical, it puts a lot of pressure on the horse’s body.

“Maintenance of all surfaces is crucial and takes an enormous amount of attention, they must be continuously harrowed, watered, sides thrown in, droppings collected, and maintained by whatever method is necessary to retain a surface that is safe for horse and rider.”

In preparation for the coming season, two arenas have been re-surfaced with 2,500 tons of silica sand and a detailed mixture of precision fibre supplied by John Ormonde from Co Wexford.The Mullingar team were delighted with a visit from Minister Michael Creed, at the end of last year, in honour of their work.

The future

In 2017 the new Mullingar horse sales was launched as a company. The Fagan family are no strangers to sales, Robert’s grandfather Charlie Fagan T.D. was a founding member of Mullingar Livestock Agency and his father, the late Edward Fagan, started auctions at the Mullingar Livestock sales 60 years ago as an Auctioneer and Director. So far they are getting a lot of support from local breeders and producers, buyers travel from many parts of the world and the UK to fill their order books .

When asked what the future holds for Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Roberts replies: “From an international perspective, we aim to keep growing and improving what we offer in line with international standards for the enjoyment and benefit of the riders and overall safety and welfare of the horses.”

“Aside from that, horse riding is very therapeutic, it has a calming effect on people especially in these very busy and stressful times with electronic gadgets, obesity, and what not - who wouldn’t love their son or daughter to grow up riding horses and having FUN. It should be remembered that horse riding is a great escape valve for people, and with so many riding schools governed by AIRE all around the country it is a sport that is accessible for as little as €20 a week.”

Already, Robert’s nieces and nephews have a great interest in the business and Robert’s daughter Alanna is looking forward to jumping her ponies, especially Little Bob (winner of the Balmoral under 10 National Championships last year), in the 128s during the coming season.

Thanks to the continued support of sponsors, family, and the team Mullingar is in a very good place, long may it last.

Industry governance

Robert believes: “Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) are heading in the right direction.

“There is very positive energy within HSI at the moment and having recently met with Ronan Murphy, the new CEO, and his team I feel that continuous communication with the key players on the ground, puts them in a position to create massive change and bring our sport forward into the future.

“Looking to the future, we must become more professional in how we govern the sport of show jumping. Governing communication between riding centres would make the world a happier place; too many riders are leaving Ireland. Centres should aim to provide an environment that will aid progress and will benefit the rural community.

“Every small village in Ireland has a football or hurling field to service the needs of the people involved in their sport, supported by government and lotto funding.

Likewise Equestrian centres must be supported by HSI and the sport horse industry.

“Help, communication and support is needed to create an environment that will allow us to evolve.”

Robert acknowledges that: “Show Jumping Ireland (SJI) has done Trojan work over the years in getting our sport to where it is today.” However, he also says that: “It [SJI] must take a serious look at itself now and be open to massive change. I would suggest an immediate independent review in consultation with all its members.