Irish showjumper Niamh McEvoy competes at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS this week. This year marks the 149th year of the Dublin Horse Show and features more than 168 national and international equestrian competitions.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I always like to have some savings set aside for a rainy day and a bit of security, but I also have a weakness for clothes and bags and would be known to treat myself from time to time. I also think that I need to invest in horses to produce and sell on at a profit, which I regard as part of my work as well as competing. However, when I do sell a horse, I am also quite good at putting money into savings.
Do you shop around for better value?
I definitely do and I love to search online for bargains. When I was younger, I loved trying to find nice tack that was maybe second-hand and then buying it for better value.
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What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Until recently, I had a Northern Ireland-registered car that didn’t work with me living and working in Tipperary, so I had a wonderful excuse to change it. I bought a lovely 3-series BMW that was maybe a bit on the extravagant side. I went for a good spec with leather interior and a few other nice features.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
When I was still at school, I bought this mare as a six-year-old and competed and produced her for a couple of years before selling her to a client in the US. There are ups and downs with horses – some work out and some don’t, but I believe if you do your best to find good horses at a reasonable price, and work and produce them properly, you can make a good living. Luckily, this one worked out well, and since then I’ve reinvested in some new horses.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I much prefer to shop local, and I think it is much better to be able to see or try on what you are buying than shopping online. During Covid, it was important to support smaller businesses and support local as much as possible.
Do you haggle over prices?
I try to, but I am sometimes too shy. It depends on the circumstances.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
With many shops closed, it meant it wasn’t possible to shop physically in stores. With my work and travel, it is also difficult to get the time to shop, so sometimes the click of a button was easier – although the returns did take a little time and effort.
[ ‘Horses have made me the person I am today. They are exceptionally smart animals’Opens in new window ]
Do you invest in shares?
I have some shares that my parents bought for me but I would be hopeless at this sort of thing myself. Even though it’s something I find interesting, I wouldn’t know what companies to invest in or how to go about it. My brother Niall is studying finance and says he will act as my financial adviser for a small fee. Horses for courses!
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I want to start a pension soon as I have always been told the sooner the better. I have some small property investments and if I can make money from the sale of horses, I would like to grow these over the years.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I recently bought a young horse that was maybe a little bit on the expensive side for me, but I’m hoping in a few years she will be good value for money. At the minute, it looks promising but it’s hard to know.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
When I was younger, I rode in my mother’s 20-year-old Pessoa saddles and although they were great, all I wanted was a CWD saddle. I saved for over a year, and when I was about 14 I bought one. Ironically, when I turned 18 CWD became one of my main sponsors. Until then, I still had that same saddle until they traded it for a newer spec.
Have you ever lost money?
My parents and I bought a nice foal a couple of years ago, but unfortunately it had colic and died.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I have gone to the races a couple of times but I am a hopeless gambler. I always get it wrong even with the “dead cert” tips given to me. I would only bet small amounts, which makes it interesting but limits the damage.
Is money important to you?
With the cost of everything, money has to be important. I am definitely driven by money, but I don’t think it can buy happiness.
How much money do you have on you now?
I would never carry a lot of cash, just enough that if I’m stranded I could sort something. I currently have £50 and €75 in notes on me.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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