Our Story

Cluain Farms

Named for the Irish word associated with a green field or meadow, Cluain Farms was founded with a simple goal: to build a thoughtful sport-horse program around capable horses, strong bloodlines, and patient development.

Cluain Farms began as a small, carefully planned operation with five Irish Sport Horses and the intention of allowing the stable to grow at its own pace. Rather than building a large roster immediately, the farm has focused on establishing a sound foundation and giving each horse an individual place within the program.

The farm’s performance interests are centered on Eventing, Dressage, and Show Jumping. These disciplines call for athleticism, trainability, courage, and versatility—the same qualities that guide the selection of horses for Cluain’s future competition and breeding plans.

Irish Sport Horses form the beginning of the program, with Irish Draught and Thoroughbred blood expected to play important roles as the farm develops. Each addition will be chosen with the long-term direction of the stable in mind, whether as a competitor, breeding prospect, or foundation horse for future generations.

Cluain Farms is still at the beginning of its history. Its facilities, staff, and herd will continue to develop over time, but the aim will remain the same: to produce and campaign useful, well-rounded sport horses while preserving the character of the breeds behind them.

The People Behind Cluain

Staff

Founding–Present

Owner & Founder

Ally Malone

Ally founded Cluain Farms with the goal of developing a small, thoughtful sport horse program built around sound training, careful selection, and long-term planning. Her interest in horses began early, but rather than following one narrow path, she spent years learning wherever opportunities were available — helping with daily care, riding a variety of horses, and observing how different trainers approached both young prospects and experienced competitors.

Over time, she became especially drawn to eventing, dressage, and show jumping because of the balance they require between athletic ability, bravery, precision, and partnership. That interest eventually led her toward Irish Sport Horses, whose versatility and practical nature suited the kind of program she wanted to build.

Before establishing Cluain Farms, she gained experience working with horses of different ages, temperaments, and levels of training. Those years helped shape a patient, individual approach: allowing each horse time to develop, avoiding unnecessary pressure, and making decisions based on the horse in front of her rather than a fixed timetable.

At Cluain Farms, she oversees the stable’s competition and breeding direction, manages the development of young horses, and remains closely involved in daily care. As the farm grows, her focus will remain on producing capable, well-rounded sport horses with the temperament and durability to succeed in demanding disciplines.

Founding–Present

Farm Manager

Emily Kepner

Emily joined Cluain Farms during its early development and quickly became an important part of the farm’s day-to-day operation. With a background in practical stable management, she is responsible for maintaining routines, coordinating care, and making sure the horses’ individual needs are met.

Her experience includes working with young horses, competition horses, and breeding stock, giving her a strong understanding of how management must change throughout a horse’s career. She has a particular interest in nutrition, conditioning, and rehabilitation, and is often the first to notice small changes in a horse’s behavior or comfort.

While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her role is central to the farm’s success. She keeps the stable organized, supports training and competition schedules, and helps ensure that Cluain Farms continues to grow without losing the careful, horse-first approach on which it was founded.