A Day With Michael Duffy

“Any day you get to work with horses is a good day.” For Irish show jumper Michael Duffy, that sentiment isn’t just a throwaway phrase — it’s the mindset that fuels his daily routine, his competitive drive, and his long-term vision for producing top-level horses.

From early mornings in Wellington, Florida, to high-pressure moments on the Major League Show Jumping circuit with Team Helios, Duffy’s days are filled with structure, grit, and a deep appreciation for the horses that shape his career.

A typical morning starts in the barn, where Duffy checks in on his string, reviews each horse’s plan for the day, and watches his team put the first pieces of work into motion. Whether it’s flatwork, conditioning sets, or schooling a young horse through new concepts, his approach is meticulous and horse-first.

As training sessions roll into the afternoon, Duffy splits his time between developing the next generation of talent and sharpening the focus of his top mounts. His success with Team Helios this season reflects that balance — competitive excellence paired with thoughtful horsemanship behind the scenes.

Competition days bring a different kind of intensity. Between walking courses, strategizing lines, and warming up ringside, Duffy remains steady and methodical. His recent results on the MLSJ tour highlight not only athletic skill, but the consistency that comes from putting in the work long before stepping under the lights.

For Duffy, the long hours, early mornings, and constant travel all come back to one core truth: working with horses is a privilege. And it’s that perspective — grounded, grateful, and driven — that defines every day in his life, both in the ring and far beyond it.

Tune in to watch HERE!