Biography

It will be a first Badminton for Irish rider James O’Haire (40) who is based at Hawthorn Farm, near Robertstown in co Kildare. Hawthorn Farm is a family run equestrian business specialising in eventing, showjumping, breaking and schooling. Last year James completed his first four-star with China Doll at Pau and at the end of the year the mare was ranked 7^th in the top ten Irish event horses.

James was taught to ride by his late mother. He now specialises in producing young horses. In 2016 with China Doll he recorded his first three-star win at Camphire. He trains with Jane Kinsella (dressage) and her brother Ronan Kinsella (showjumping).

James is married to Ciara and the couple has three sons; Jack (12), Daragh (11) and Tadgh (7) who compete ponies.

China Doll (aka Angelina) is an 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare. Bred by Ronan Tynan she is by Warrenstown You 2 (an Irish-bred son of the Selle Francais Narcos) also the sire of event horses Balham Houdini (Austin O’Connor), Kintara (Sammi Birch) and Fernhill Revelation competing in the USA with Philip Dutton.  China Doll is out of Warrenstown Betty (Furisto-Cavalier). She was bought as a foal by her owner and sent to James as a yearling who backed her and brought her through the levels; the pair completed their first four-star in Pau 2017 (31^st).