The Island View Crew
Raymond O' Connor:
Little big boss and island farmer- Raymond makes sure the farm runs smoothly. He tries to keep jeeps and tractors running. Looks after the hay saving and feeding.
His real passion is the preservation of the Irish Draught Horse.
Raymond holds the BET ( British Equestrian Tourism) Ride leader, Red Cross First Aid at Work, British Driving Society Preliminary and Road Safety certificates.
Ursula Schweiger O'Connor (nickname "Uschi"):
Born in Bavaria ( Germany) Ursula fell in love with the place, married Raymond and settled here. Ursula is in charge of running the yard and office. She looks after the training of horses and riders. Ursula competes in dressage and recently also in carriage driving.
She is the first and so far only Centered Riding® instructor recognised by Sally Swift in Ireland.
Ursula holds BET ( British Equestrian Tourism) Ride leader, Centered Riding® level 2, EFI (Equestrian Federation of Ireland) Level 1 Coach, British Horse Society and Irish Sports Council Child Protection, British Driving Society Preliminary , Road Safety and Intermediate Certificate and Occupational First Aid Certificates. Ursula is currently training towards her British Driving Society teaching qualification ( preliminary teaching test).
Sabrina Rooney
Sabrina has been riding with us since she was little. She has now successfully embarked on an equestrian career. Congrats on her recent graduation with a higher national diploma in equestrian management. Sabrina loves kids, has bags of patience and is the back bone of the yard. Sabrina holds: BHS stage 2, Higher National Diploma in Equestrian science, Occupational First Aid.
Julica Ruhrmann (nickname "Julie")
Julie gets flown in from Germany at regular intervals. Family friend, business adviser and Ursula's private dressage coach. Julie deals with the more exciting stuff such as jumping, higher level dressage and cross country training. Julie ads a bit of professionalism and glamour to the place and enhances it with her lovely smile.
Julie holds: German FN trainer C (International Level 1 ) for jumping and cross country, Trainer B ( International Level 2) for dressage, occupational first Aid, Batchelor of Science and International Business)
Anke Hirschelmann
The cool Blonde from North Germany. Barbie-looks on the outside, but a really tough lady on the inside. Anke came for a short work experience, but found out that she loves the Irish way of life and stayed. Anke works on all fronts of the business.
Seamus
Quietly working backstage: he keeps lawns trimmed and fences up. Always game for a chat about the weather.
John-Alfred and Elisa
Budding horse farmers. Take after their parents Raymond and Uschi. John- Alfred is an expert at riding push-on vehicles and taming chickens. Elisa started riding in nappies and impresses with a steady seat and bags of confidence.
Liz and Ellieby
Behind the scenes are Granny Liz and Ellieby. Friendly receptionists and the ladies at the heart of the family enterprise.
