Cian with his wife Ruth and their children Ben (7) and Cara (4). Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
He’s never a man to do things by halves, so when Cian O’Connor decided to create his own equestrian base in the Royal County of Meath it was always going to be a major project. “To attract people I wanted to build something really special. I was often asked why I didn’t buy somewhere sooner, but I knew 20 years ago that what I could afford wouldn’t be what I really wanted. So I’ve built this amazing place now because I probably only see myself riding for another 4 or 5 years, and I’m really excited about what we can do here. It’s all about the future!”, says the 41-year-old Olympic bronze medallist.
The facilities at Karlswood are spectacular, with a fabulous indoor arena, a massive grass ring to rival the best, an Olympic-size sand ring, hacking trails, gallops, fabulous stables, spa facilities, non-slip walkways and lunging, veterinary and schooling paddocks along with office and entertainment suites. The property extends over 68 acres of Irish countryside and Cian, who is well known for his attention to detail, has left no stone unturned. Even the laundry rooms are works of art.
Take a look at Cian's stunning Karlswood Stables in this photo special, and read the full interview 'Karlswood - Cian O’Connor finds his place….', written by Louise Parkes for Horse Sport Ireland, via this link.
Cian O'Connor, with Jan Distel, left, and Ross Mulholland, at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Karlswood by evening. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Cian O'Connor's stunning facilities Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
A general view of the facilities at Karlswood Stables in Batterstown, Meath. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
The magnificent indoor at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Quite a view! Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
John-Joe Gallagher mucks out the stable of Korlenski. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
The equine spa facilities at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
PSG Final uses the equine spa, watched by Mie Ostersen at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Johanna Berg, one of Cian's two show grooms, washes off Mangoon - a talented 7-year-old stallion. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Cian is well known for his attention to detail. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
A tackroom at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Neat and tidy at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Details from Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
A room with a view... Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
The grass ring at Karlswood. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
Cian with his wife Ruth, daughter Cara and son Ben at Karlswood Stables. Photo © Karlswood/Sportsfile.
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