Pallas Equestrian is an equine property situated in idyllic Woodstown, Co. Waterford, South East Ireland. The Beautiful Georgian House and land was purchased by Mick Connors and his wife Gillie many years ago. Together, they built up the equestrian yard on the land which included an indoor arena, sheds, stables, etc. They called the entire property ‘Pallas Stud’ at the time. Mick used the property as his base for pursuing his career as a horse dealer. Throughout the years he built up a credible name for selling high quality horses; he even sold horses annually to the English Queen’s cavalry and to the Swiss Army. The famous horse Sefton who was part of the British Army’s Cavalry that survived the Hyde Park bombing was sourced by Mick.
Mick and Gillie brought up a family of seven children at Pallas Stud. All of the children were involved in the equestrian business. Each could ride and carry out all of the duties required with running a yard. The family had a particular interest in showjumping and so traveled and competed regularly at shows all over Ireland. Francis Connors, the eldest of the seven children is an international showjumper that has had many huge successes over the years, his career began at home in Pallas Stud. Some of the other children still pursue their careers in different forms of equestrianism in Ireland and the USA: farrier, horse dealing and showjumping. Therefore, it is clear to see that the family’s connections with the horse is deeply embedded and will be passed on from generation to generation.
After many years of showjumping, hunting, horse dealing, pony camps and riding schools by the Connors family the entire property was sold. The new owners lived in the house and rented out the land and yard to different tenants to run equestrian businesses there. Eventually, after about 10 years, the yard now ‘Pallas Equestrian’ and part of the land has been acquired by a member of the Connors family once again, Gill Connors and her two children Hannah and James.
The yard had suffered a lot of neglect and needed much TLC. Gill and her two children in the last year have been working towards building up the equestrian business to its former ‘Glory Days.’ It is a working progress however, great passion and love for the sport of showjumping and horses amongst Gill and her children are persevering in order to bring the yard back to life.
Pallas Equestrian Blog 