PrintMost people would be happy to retire with a résumé resembling Bobby Murphy’s, but this 26-year-old hasn’t even begun to accomplish his vision for the sport. Already a highly-regarded course designer, R-rated jumper judge and general behind-the-scenes go-to-guy, the Lexington, Ky., native’s true passion lies in applying his marketing background toward ensuring the longevity of the sport.
While earning his B.A. in business management and marketing at the University of Kentucky, Murphy took a break from his studies to spend a season on the major European circuit, rounding out his formal education with a course-designing apprenticeship under Leopoldo Palacios in Spruce Meadows (Alta.). Since then, he’s focused on developing an ambitious multi-faceted plan to bring the sport into the limelight, ranging from incorporating marketing elements into course charts to developing curriculum for grade school students to improve equine awareness in Kentucky schools.
This year, the fifth-generation horseman will spend his third winter designing courses at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Fla.), but he’s been tagging along to competitions with his father, veteran horseman and show manager Robert Murphy, since before he could walk. While his sister Melissa found her niche in the saddle, Bobby grew comfortable behind the scenes following around the likes of Hugh Kincannon, Robert’s business partner at Kentucky Horse Shows LLC, and Richard Jeffrey, eight-time USEF Course Designer of the Year.
“People like Hugh and my dad have really given me such a great understanding of how the system works, and how to do a good job running a show,” he said. “And Richard is a perfectionist, and that can really grow into you. Being surrounded by that at such a young age got me going in the right direction.”
Last season alone the precocious course designer helped build tracks at the $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals (Ky.), the $25,000 The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby (Ill.), the Midwestern Young Jumper Finals (Ky.), the $50,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby (Fla.) and the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament (N.Y.).
This year he looks forward to designing the course at The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Derby Finals again, and to assisting Richard Jeffery and Conrad Homfeld at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (Ky.). He’ll also be busy during the WEG helping his father, who will serve as the Field of Play Manager, manage traffic and logistical issues.
Name: Robert Murphy
Home Base: Lexington, Ky.
Age: 26
Where are you most often found at a horse show?
Ringside. Depending on what class is running, if I designed the course I try to watch as much as I can, definitely the professional hunter divisions and the level 5 and above jumpers.
What’s the best part of your job?
Getting to work with great people. In this industry you really develop unique, tight-knit relationships with people. You’re spending holidays together.
