óR Quine Equestrian Interview

Grace O'Rourke founder of óR Quine Equestrian 

Grace O Rourke Photo Or Equest Logo

They are always on the phone if you ever need some advice or some help’ 

                                                                                                          - Grace O'Rourke 

One recent beneficiary of the many business supports available through the Local Enterprise Office is Grace O’Rourke, the founder of óR Quine Equestrian. 

Her company is preparing to bring high-tech equestrian equipment made from the latest, cutting edge sports textiles to the market for the first time in Ireland — but for horses rather than riders.

Grace (28), a keen showjumper and eventer, explains:

“My first product is a numnah, which goes on a horse’s back underneath the saddle and protects the horse from friction from the saddle and from the impact of the rider in the saddle. The ones the riders are using just now are creating warmth and unnecessary heat which saps the horse’s energy levels — it’s the equivalent of me high jumping with a pillow on my back. My product will be the most technically up-to-date sporting numnah on the market, and will make it easier for horses to regulate their body temperature".

Grace was runner up in the Best Business Idea Category of this year’s Irish Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) awards, which is run by the LEO.

Now she wants to explore further the supports the LEO offers new and existing businesses — such as grants, funding, mentoring, training and networking events. 

I am now going to make an appointment with a mentor in LEO DLR to get some mentoring and guidance on how to make the best use of the ibye prize money. There are grants and funding available at the leo, for things such as website development grants, so  I will be looking at them as well and they are always on the phone if you ever need some advice.