Managerial Team

  • ROSS MULHOLLAND

    MANAGER AND TRAINER
    E-mail: ross@karlswood.com

    Born in County Armagh, Ross began his long association with Cian back in 2004 when they met through Eamon Rice. Prior to joining Karlswood in August 2011, he worked for a year with Linda Courtney which he credits with giving him an expert introduction to the demands of working in a high performance system. He represented the Ireland team in 2013 in Lisbon aboard ‘Carpe Diem’ and as well as working with our great clients, Ross also has responsibility for nurturing and preparing the next generation of horses.

    Cian says: “On the biggest days, Ross is my go-to person and my eyes and ears on the ground. He knows how I think, how to align the broader objectives of the team and brings his experience to the fore day in day out, which ensures consistency and gives us the best chance for success. Ross has been an instrumental member of the team for many years and is a driven character and great friend over the years.”

  • CIAN O'CONNOR


    E-mail: karlswood@me.com

    Cian O'Connor is one of Ireland's most internationally decorated sportspeople. To date the Kildare man has competed at three Olympic Games, two World Championships and six European Championships, and has attained 128 senior caps for his country. 

    He won an individual bronze medal at the London Olympic Games 2012 on Blue Loyd and was a member of the Irish team that took a gold medal at the European Championships in Gothenburg in 2017. Cian also won a bronze individual medal at the latter event. A member of the Irish Teams that won Aga Khan Trophy at the Dublin Horse show in 2004, 2012 and 2015, Cian has also carved out a significant reputation as a coach to an outstanding crop of younger riders across Ireland, North America and beyond.

    Cian also specialises in producing younger horses to achieve top international standards and has a reputation for being able to identify horses with such potential, often early in their careers.

  • ELISA BASSANI

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
    Phone: (+353) 871 025 634
    E-mail: elisa@karlswood.com

    Raised in Feltre, at the foot of the Dolomites in Italy, Elisa is passionate about all things equestrian. Prior to joining the Karlswood team in January 2019, she worked in PR and Event Management in Italy and then moved to Germany in 2015 where she worked in the equestrian business (SIEC equestrian centre - near Frankfurt) as an executive and personal assistant. Elisa holds a Public Relations and Advertising degree from IULM University.

    Cian says: “Elisa is an important and dedicated member of the team and brings passion, organisational skills and a deep knowledge of the broader equestrian industry to this role. Elisa has played an integral role with the Karlswood development and is valued both by myself and her colleagues.”