BELMONT HOUSE STUD - Key Persons

Andrea was born and raised in Switzerland and has built Belmont House Stud into one of Ireland's most well-respected stud farms. Andrea competed for Switzerland on the European Junior and Young Riders teams and trained with top professionals such as Daan Nanning in Holland, Katie and Henry Monahan-Prudent in the United States, and at home at Etter Sportpferde AG. Alongside that of her father, Gerhard Etter, who she describes as her ‘life-long mentor', her riding and coaching skills have been shaped by the likes of George Morris, Thomas Fuchs, Michel Robert and Philippe Guerdat. Andrea is a respected Level 2 Coach for showjumping, eventing and dressage. She studied Equine Science at the University of Limerick and is a qualified saddler. She is fluent in Swiss-German, German, French and English. "Belmont House Stud is my life's work. All my heart and soul goes into it and the passion and love for horses move me to do my best every day. Watching our horses perform successfully in various disciplines and seeing the smile on their riders/owners faces makes it all worthwhile" - Andrea Etter

Gerhard Etter competed at the highest international level and has gained a strong reputation due to his vast experience and excellent eye for spotting top-quality performers and promising young horses. Using the depth of his expertise together with honesty and loyalty, Gerhard is a trustworthy advisor and the first point of contact when choosing a new horse be it for the professional sport or as an amateur. At their core business located in Switzerland, Gerhard is actively supported by his wife Hedi Etter who works alongside him and who herself had a successful career in showjumping. Gerhard and Hedi jointly established the thriving Etter Sportpferde AG and continue to be at its heart. Gerhard and Hedi's sons Daniel and Marc and daughter Andrea, are involved closely in Etter Sportpferde AG. All three children either were or are, successfully competing on the national and international showjumping circuits and they form an active part in sustaining and expanding the family tradition. The entire Etter family share a passion for horses and that passion remains at the centre of all of their activities. The success of Etter Sportpferde AG comes from working closely together as a unit, whilst each family member having their own niche with defined expertise from where they can support and advise each other.

Job Titles:

• Horse Sales - Events and Event Equipment - Livery - Vehicles

Coming from a successful GAA family, Seamus enjoys various field sports. Having been raised on a mixed farm, Seamus opted to go down the beef production route. As well as managing a suckler cow herd, Seamus has discovered a passion for horses. He has a keen interest in breeding and showjumping and also looks after the horses. Seamus's involvement in the farm's day-to-day operation and his responsibility for the welfare of fellow workers, visitors and the animals makes him an integral part of Belmont House Stud. Seamus's commitment to working with nature and his vision of mixed grazing cattle and horses have positively impacted the rearing of our future champions.