How one woman changed the Irish equestrian world forever

She was a lifelong horsewoman and champion showjumper who had a huge influence on the Irish equestrian world. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Terry Clavin tells the story of Iris Kellett

Iris Kellett was born 8 January 1926 in Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, the only child of Thomas Kellett, of Mespil Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, and his wife Julia (née Maron). A veterinary surgeon, her father was also managing director of his family's drapery business in South Great George’s Street, Dublin. He had bought the old British army cavalry academy at Mespil Road, opening a riding school there in 1923.

Born into a Church of Ireland family, Iris attended school at St Margaret’s Hall, Mespil Road, and delighted in jumping ponies and horses over the natural obstacles built by her father on the family property. From childhood, she rode at agricultural shows and on hunts.

The Kellett riding school, which had lapsed, reopened (c.1939) once Iris could help by instructing children and teenagers. She passed the instructor’s examination for the certificate of the Institute of the Horse in London in 1945. With her as chief instructor, the Kellett school began training riders and horses for showjumping.

She was Ireland's leading woman showjumper by 1945 and carried the flag for civilian riders in a period when military specialists dominated Irish showjumping. From 1946 she formed a memorable partnership with her half-bred chestnut gelding, Rusty.

A hunter and former plough horse, Rusty was a showjumping novice at eleven years of age in 1946 but responded magnificently to her training and riding.

In 1947 Kellett was chosen for the Irish civilian team, and in her first competition abroad she and