A Prime Location for Riders and Horses

Blenheim Stud enjoys an ideal location on the outskirts of Waterford City, just off the Dunmore Road. We’re perfectly positioned for both leisure riders and those involved in the local hunting scene.

Only a 15-minute drive away, the horse-friendly Woodstown Beach offers a unique opportunity for seaside riding, while scenic country roads provide a peaceful one-hour hack for those who prefer to explore on horseback.

Blenheim also lies within the territory of the Woodstown Harriers Hunt, making it a convenient home base for hunt members—always within hacking distance of the group’s regular meet points. Whether you’re heading to the coast, hacking the countryside, or participating in local hunts, our location makes it all easily accessible.

For nearly 40 years, horses have been at the heart of Blenheim Stud, a family-run livery yard in County Waterford. Since taking the reins in 2012, Anna Lehane has shaped Blenheim into a hub for horsemanship, rehabilitation, and Western riding education. With lifelong experience in equine care, training, and problem-solving, Anna blends traditional knowledge with progressive methods to support both horse and rider.

Raised in a racing family, Anna grew up learning from her late father, Frank Lehane—a respected National Hunt trainer and breeder. Her early years were spent working with “quirky” or broken-down horses, often off-track broodmares, where she developed a deep interest in equine rehabilitation and communication without reliance on tack. This foundation led her toward a training philosophy centered on softness, mutual respect, and welfare.

In 2008, Anna moved to Israel and began formal study in Western horsemanship under internationally recognized reiner Ilan Rosenberg. She graduated from the College of Horse Studies in Pardes Hanna with qualifications in Western Horsemanship, Horse Management, and Western Riding Instruction. Her goal: to bring the values of Western training—clarity, cooperation, and dignity—back to Ireland.

Upon returning, Anna played a key role in growing the Western riding community in Ireland. She served on the board of directors for the Irish Quarter Horse Association, Western Equestrian Society, and Western Riding Ireland. During her four-year tenure, she acted as Director of Media, Secretary, and eventually Chairman. She also qualified as an AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Show Manager, organizing national shows and leading the first-ever Western horse show in County Waterford. In addition, she represented Western disciplines on a Horse Sport Ireland subcommittee for two years.

Anna’s riding background spans both English and Western disciplines. In 2014, she was invited by AQHA China to represent Ireland at an international barrel racing event in China and Mongolia. Today, her focus lies in horsemanship education rooted in the teachings of masters like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Paul Dietz, who has held several clinics at Blenheim and with whom Anna continues to train.

Anna offers lessons, clinics, and private sessions to riders of any discipline seeking a softer, more cooperative relationship with their horse. English riders facing behavioral issues are especially welcome—Anna uses Western horsemanship principles to help troubleshoot challenges in a way that translates across disciplines. Clients may bring their own horses for tailored sessions or learn on Anna’s well-trained Western Irish Cob.

“True horsemanship is built through mutual respect, clear communication, and ongoing education—regardless of saddle style.”