Beyond the Silks is proudly sponsored by Interchem Ireland,  the trusted veterinary distributor of leading equine brands, including Precision Microbes, Audevard, Kentucky Performance Products, NoBACZ Healthcare, and more. Available exclusively through your local vet. Welcome to Beyond the Silks, the podcast that celebrates the people, the horses, the heart of the equine industry. Host Michelle, together with Asheen, Brenda and Nicola, welcome special guest Shirley Anderson Jolag for to discuss her journey from pony-obsessed child to a record-making auctioneer at Tattersalls. In this episode Shirley shares her background in polo and performing arts, the challenges she overcame to step into the rostrum, and the milestone of becoming the first woman to hold this role at a high level. Hear about her love for Cheltenham sales, the importance of kindness and hard work, practical advice for women entering the industry, and why horses remain her greatest comfort and motivation.

This week on Beyond the Silks, we’re joined by farrier Grace Binding — a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated trade. From unexpected beginnings as a shot girl in hot pants to mastering the forge and hammer, Grace shares how grit, humour, and hard work shaped her journey. We talk resilience, identity, and what it really takes to break stereotypes while shoeing horses and chasing dreams.

In our very first episode, Michelle Motherway, Brenda Shortt, and Aisling Noone sit down for a lively chat about who we are, why we’ve started this podcast, and the stories that have shaped us along the way. From sneaking out of windows in our younger days to keeping up with the times today, no topic is off-limits. With decades of experience (and plenty of laughs) between us, you’re in for a mix of insights, opinions, and behind-the-scenes tales. One of us is even gearing up to celebrate their 37th Goffs November Foal Sale—can you guess who?