About TO THE NEXT QUARTER OF A CENTURY!

Hawthorn Farm is a family run Equestrian Business established in Coill Dubh by the O’Haire Family since 1998. Shay, Hazel and James previously ran a busy yard in Newcastle Co. Dublin and are highly experienced in all aspects of the horse industry, including Eventing, Show jumping, Hunting, Racing, Riding club, Pony club, Breaking and Schooling young horses.

James is a member of the Irish Eventing High Performance Squad, he has proudly competed for Ireland on Nations cup teams, and won Camphire International 4 * on China Doll. James and China Doll have competed at 5* Internationals in Luhmuhlen, Pau and Badminton, and very much look forward to return visits there in the near future. James is passionate about horses, his career began with pony club and hunting, he was Master of the South Co. Dublin Junior Hunt at the same time Shay his dad was Master of the Senior Hunt.

Shay was Chairman of the SCDH for many years and is the current President. In his day, Shay trained and bred many winners.

Hazel who sadly passed away in 2016 was a highly accomplished horsewoman, notably Hazel was the first qualified International Instructor in Northern Ireland. Her quiet, caring, understanding way with horses was always evident, traits she passed on to James.

James progressed to riding in point to points, enjoying wins and training winners, just as both Shay and Hazel had done before him, most successfully. James’s natural talent at breaking and producing young horses moved him to the world of Eventing, where he began to compete the young horses he had broken in, for clients. China Doll was one of these feisty youngsters, so it has been a great privilege for James to produce her to this level, for her owner Patricia Heffernan. Some of the other notable horses that started their careers or were schooled by James are Fernhill Pimms, Rioghan Rua, Miss Fernhill (Kilpatrick Treasure) Sinatra Frank Baby & Killossery Athletic Touch.

Ciara grew up with Pony’s and horses enjoying hunts with the Clare Hounds and competing at shows and later enjoyed competing with the riding club. A business Management background lends itself to the running of the book keeping and financial aspects of the Business.

James and Ciara have lots of help around the yard from their three sons Jack, Daragh and Tadgh, all members of the Kildare hunt Pony Club. All three love nothing better than a day out on the hunting field with their Dad.