Edward Doyle comes from a family steeped in the Irish Horse tradition and has carved out a hugely successful career as an international showjumping rider, breeder, trainer and sales agent. The Doyle family is a household name and Edward has consistently represented Ireland throughout his career. He has also enjoyed worldwide success as a producer / breeder of some elite showjumping horses which have gone on and competed at the very top on the International and Olympic stage.
Early beginnings
Born on May 9th in Dublin, Edward’s passion for riding ignited at the tender age of four. By the time he was seven, he was already making waves in the competitive scene. Edward’s pony career is etched in history, particularly his partnership with Ashfield Bobby Sparrow, which catapulted him onto the international show jumping stage with a resounding victory at the European Pony Championships in Belgium in 1981.
With his first horse, James Bond, they won 5 National Grand Prix classes and headed up a class at the European Young Rider Championships at Donaueschingen, Germany in 1984.
A Decade of Dominance
Since those early years Edward has established himself as a regular member of the Irish team, and during the 90`s he was twice National Champion. In 1995 he rode the thoroughbred mare Flex to a memorable victory when beating the world famous partnership of Trevor Coyle and the Irish bred stallion Cruising in a scintillating final jump off class, and he repeated the feat in 1997 when snatching victory aboard his European championship mount, Windgates King Koal. Edward represented Ireland at the World championships on the homebred Love Me Do and was a team member of a Aga Khan Cup winning team on the same horse. In 1999 he was on the Irish team for the European Championships and that year saw him win international classes at Calgary, Dublin, Hickstead, Millstreet and finish runner up in the Hickstead Derby on the relatively inexperienced Ears To You. Since the start of the 21st century Edward has been a regular squad member for Ireland. In 2000 he captained the winning team at Athens CSIO and these Nation`s Cup appearances continued on horses such as Windgates King Koal, Cor D`alme Z, Last Orders Club Effective and Sequoyah Farms Utopia. In 2008 Edward made 5 Samsung Super League appearances for Ireland, along with a great Spring campaign in Wellington, Florida. 2008 also saw Edward`s breeding program come to fruition with another homebred Flexible finishing 2nd in the World Final Championships at Gothenburg.
In 2008 team Edward Doyle took on the gifted young rider Benny Kuehnle. Benny enjoyed a terrific year with wins at Belfast International, Blessington Premier league Grand Prix and finishing 11th in the European Young Rider Championships. It was with great loss and much sadness that Benny passed away in November. In 2009 Heather O` Brien and Edward junior will ride some of the younger horses and will jump in some of the Grand Prix tracks this year.
Edward`s Achievements So Far
Twice National Champion in 1995 and 1997
Top International Show Jumping Horse 2008 winner. This was awarded to Edward at the Irish Sport Horse Breeders awards in recognition of Flexible who was bred at Edward`s base in Punchestown House.
Winner of International classes at Dublin, Millstreet, Hickstead, Calgary, St Gallen, Berlin, Modna, Villamora etc.
Competed at the European & World Championships.
As we celebrate Edward Doyle’s remarkable achievements, we’re reminded not only of his exceptional talent as a rider, but also of his unwavering commitment to breeding top showjumpers. Edward’s dedication, passion, and tireless pursuit of excellence, like breeding the world-renowned Flexible, have left an indelible mark on the world of showjumping, inspiring generations to come. Here’s to Edward Doyle, a true legend in Irish equestrian history!