Quick Fire Questions with Olympian Joseph Murphy
Here at Overlander Horseboxes, we’re lucky to work with some incredible riders — and one thing we love most is hearing the stories behind the sport.
This week, we caught up with our Overlander Ambassador, Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy, for a fun round of quick-fire questions. From cross-country chaos to yard characters and cups of tea at horse shows, Joseph gave us a brilliant insight into life behind the scenes of international eventing.
1. If you weren’t an event rider, what would you be doing?
“Construction. Restoration is a passion of mine.”
A man who likes building things - whether it’s horses or houses.
2. What’s the best horse name you’ve ever heard?
“Desert Orchid.”
A true legend of the sport and a name every horse person knows.
3. Biggest “uh-oh” moment you’ve had while travelling horses?
“A horse got its leg caught in a haynet and severed a tendon.”
A tough experience and a reminder that safety when travelling horses is absolutely everything.
4. Which horse in your yard has the biggest personality?
“Belline Fighting Spirit - he thinks he’s a dragon.”
Every yard has one… and apparently Joseph’s breathes fire.
5. One piece of advice for young riders dreaming of competing internationally?
“Pay attention to detail and to the people around you.”
Simple advice - but probably one of the biggest keys to success in this sport.
6. What’s your horse’s most annoying habit?
“Pretending to be lame!”
Horse owners everywhere will understand this one immediately.
7. If your horse could talk, what would they complain about most?
“Do I have to work every day?”
To be fair… they probably have a point.
8. What’s your go-to snack at a show?
“A cuppa tea.”
Proof that sometimes the best fuel is the simplest.
9. Early mornings or late-night classes?
“Early mornings.”
The eventing world starts early - and Joseph clearly embraces it.
10. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you at an event?
“At Badminton, the string got caught in my stirrup and Sportsfield Othello galloped off with me still attached to him.”
Not exactly the ideal Badminton memory… but definitely one he’ll never forget.
———
BONUS ROUND 🐎
What’s one thing non-horse people never understand?
“Saturday morning at Badminton.”
If you know, you know.
Favourite fence to jump?
“The Cotsmore Leap at Burghley.”
An iconic fence at one of the most iconic events in the world.
A huge thank you to Joseph Murphy for taking the time to answer our quick-fire questions and giving us a glimpse into life at the top level of eventing.
