About Us

It all started when…

Seahorse polo and beach rides was established in 2017 by Mary Minarikova and Jamie McCarthy with the aim of providing an affordable, exciting and safe horse riding experience with a difference. The difference being the spectacular beach with breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and being able to try polo as well.

Jamie has grown up in a horse loving family. At the age of 15 he discovered his love for polo and never looked back. In 2008, Jamie travelled to New Zealand to learn more about the sport. He spent 5 seasons learning how to break in and school ponies, yard management, farm management and on the field polo skills. During this time Jamie started an Open University course studying Law, which he successfully completed in 2012. In 2013 Jamie set up polo ponies Ireland at Tyrella with the aim of sourcing, schooling and selling Irish thoroughbreds to the thriving polo market around the world. In 2014 he became the highest rated HPA polo coach in Ireland. His coaching, polo and young horse skill have lead him to compete and hold clinics in numerous countries including England, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, Zambia and Australia.

Mary has also been involved with horses from a young age. Her passion lead her to study racing, show jumping, dressage and equestrian marketing and business in Slovakia. Having gained her qualification she spent a number of years competing in showjumping in countries such as Hungary, Austria, Germany and Norway. In 2008 Mary made the move to Ireland to work in the racing industry. During her time there she was awarded a certificate of excellence from Racing Academy and Center of Education. In 2013 Mary moved to Northern Ireland where she met Jamie. Together they sourced, broke in, schooled and sold polo ponies at Tyrella. During this time it became increasingly clear that people loved the combination of polo and riding on the beach and this in 2017 SeaHorse was established to try and cater for this demand.