ABOUT JOSEPH
London Olympian, Joseph Murphy is one of Ireland’s leading event riders. He is renowned for his laid back personality and his stylish cross country riding!
He has been a stalwart of the Irish team for many years, representing Ireland at Olympic, World and European Championships as well as numerous Nations Cups including the winning Nations Cup Team at Boekelo CCI3O.
Joseph has been Eventing Ireland’s leading rider since 2012-2017, accumulating the most National and International points.
Joseph earned his place on the strong quintet team for the London Olympics 2012 with the Irish Sport Horse, Electric Cruise. Where he was one of only 5 competitors to post a clear cross country jumping round, followed by two classy clear show jumping rounds. He was also shortlisted for Rio Olympics in 2016.
Born in the middle of Ireland in the town of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Joseph and his identical twin brother Ciaran were given boots as one of their first presents, football boots!!!
The Murphy clan hail from GAA football, however when they had enough money saved up in the local Credit Union they took out a loan to buy their first horse, an Irish Sport Horse called Hayes. The boys were infamous in their local hunt as they would always be on the lookout for a catch ride. One of the boys would hunt in the morning while the other followed on foot when they would meet up to swap.
Fortunate to meet Dot Love, a Danish event rider who lived locally, the boys had their first taste of eventing. Based at her home at Charlestown Stud for the next 12 years the boys gained experienced in hunting, eventing and racing. Joseph’s first love is hunting but has held his jockey license, winning at point to points. Joseph is also a qualified quantity surveyor!
Now based in Co Down in Northern Ireland with his wife Jill, daughter Daisy and their four terriers, they run a professional event yard on the shorelines of the picturesque Strangford Lough. Joseph has a nice string of horses, from pre novice to advanced level.
Joseph spreads his time based in the UK and Ireland to avail of both countries’ events. Joseph is also a Horse Sport Ireland Level 2 Coach and in between riding he spends a lot of time teaching horses and riders of all levels in Ireland, the UK and USA.
