Molly with her horses Misty (left) and Mocha (Right). Photo by www.angelfirephotography.com

Today, we bring you a special feature: an exclusive interview with Molly Piper from the social media account @mollyandthegreys on instagram and tiktok! Molly kindly gives us a behind-the-scenes look into her equestrian life, with a spotlight on the latest addition to her herd: Mocha.

We asked Molly a few questions to get to know her and her horses better, and to hear how things are going with Mocha.

Hi Molly! For those who don’t know you yet, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your horses?

Hi! My name is Molly Piper, but on social media I go by Molly & The Greys! I post daily life content of myself and my 3 horses, Moonlight, Misty, and Mocha. I’m a 25 year old Irish equestrian, and mostly a leisure rider, but I’m hoping to do a bit of eventing on Mocha when she’s older. That’s the dream! Moonlight has a history of kissing spine so he doesn’t do too much, just what he wants to do! Misty is my all rounder and we go on a lot of adventures. It’s really their world..I just live in it!

You’ve recently welcomed Mocha to your M team. What led you to buy her, and could you tell us a bit more about her?

I spotted Mocha at a Connemara pony sale in Dublin! I was actually supposed to be there for promotional purposes but she caught my eye and I couldn’t resist having a sit on her... The rest is history! She’s a 2020 Connemara X KWPN and has the most wonderful attitude and scopey jump. I was dithering on whether to get her or not, as 3 horses is a lot, but I was heavily encouraged by my followers so I took the leap!

What do you love most about Mocha so far?

I couldn’t even narrow it down to one thing! She has the most amazing personality in every way. She’s so willing to learn and loves to please. Incredibly responsive to ride, just the perfect inbetween of not too forward and sharp, but takes you into the jumps! She also has the most amazing paces and jump, definitely one to watch for the future. I’m taking things nice and slow with her but I think she’s going to be extremely special.



Molly with Mocha during a photoshoot. Photo by www.angelfirephotography.com

How do your horses differ in personality, and where do they complement each other?

I’m very lucky that all 3 of my horses get along so well, they are truly the 3 amigos. Moonlight is the crazy one, Mocha is the sassy one, and Misty is the chill one that holds them all together! The perfect recipe for a happy herd.

Are there any areas you feel you and Mocha still need to work on together as a team?

We definitely have a lot to work on! I still feel like I’m getting to know her and learning how to ride her properly. I don’t 100% trust her over jumps so I can be a bit defensive in my riding, but I know it will come with time as we develop into the perfect team. I’m keen to get more lessons on her so I can turn her into the best possible version of herself.

What’s something Mocha has taught you already, despite being new to the M team?

My riding has improved massively since owning her. She’s a much different calibre of horse than I’ve been used to, so it took some adjustment, but I feel like a much more capable rider since we became a team! I’ve learnt a lot about the rider I want to become as well, in order to produce her correctly.

Mocha is a cross between a Connemara and a Dutch Warmblood. How are you finding that combination in terms of temperament and rideability?

To me it’s actually the perfect mix! Mocha has the perfect between of “sharp and forward warmblood” and “steady and listening Connemara”, as well as being built like a miniature warmblood! I may be biased but I do think she is practically perfect..and I would get this combination again!

Did you face any challenges during the purchase process, or do you have any advice for others looking to buy a horse?

Mocha’s purchase was actually one of the easiest and smoothest I’ve ever had! Since it was through an organised sale, I dealt with the third party representation, not the owner of the horse. Mocha also came with a full set of X-rays which gave me such peace of mind. The only downside with this is paying the commission to the sale on top of the price of the horse, but it was worth it to me. My best advice to anyone looking for a horse is to bring someone experienced with you when viewing, better to have 2 pairs of eyes to spot any red flags!

Going from two horses to three: was it a big adjustment? How did you manage the transition?

It’s definitely a lot more work with 3. I do everything myself, so it took a little bit of adjusting to do everything I need to in one day. My daily chores are and riding. Luckily it is my full time job now along with social media, so I have the time as long as I get the balance correct. I don’t think I could manage any more though! Both time wise and financially..

Have Mocha, Misty, and Moonlight met yet? How did their first meeting go?

Yes! They all get along beautifully, and share a field 24/7. Moonlight loves her a little too much sometimes, and forgets he’s a gelding..but at least there’s no fighting! Their first meeting was a very exciting affair for all parties, lots of flying hooves in the form of rearing and bucking because yay new friends! It was very sweet, and I count myself lucky they’re all such friendly horses.


Molly with her horse Moonlight. Photo by Molly Piper.

What are you currently focusing on with Mocha?

We’ve recently been getting a few jumping lessons and it’s become clear she struggles with confidence through doubles, especially when the distance is a little longer for her! I’m really focusing on gridwork and I know with practice she’ll be flying. My goal this year is for both of us to be confident around a course so I can take her to a few shows! She’s still young so she won’t be doing too much, mostly training!

And looking ahead: what are your hopes and plans for the future with Mocha? Do you have any goals for competing or fun outings with Mocha in the future?

My ultimate goal for Mocha is eventing. This has been a personal goal of mine for many years but hurdles just kept coming up and it never happened. Mocha has the flashy moves, scope, and bravery to be extremely successful so I just hope I can do her justice!

Were there any other names you considered for Mocha, to keep with your ‘M’ theme?

I actually let my followers choose her name! They voted in polls to narrow it down from 6/7 names to the final name. I can’t remember them all, but Mildred always stuck out to me as my second favourite behind Mocha! Very happy that we picked one that suits her so well.



Molly with Mocha. Photo by: @debbiereidphotos on Instagram


Molly will be back with another blog for My Horsez later this month. If you have any questions you’d like us to ask her, drop them in the comments below! Molly also has an account on My Horsez, you can find her here: @mollyandthegreys.