BORN on a farm outside Carryduff, my life has been steeped in agriculture, animals, and horses. After studying at Strabane Agriculture College, I returned home to pursue dairy farming, with the full support of my parents.
My love of horses led me to the RDS and country shows, and eventually to breeding - a passion that would culminate in the birth of Chance Encounter, a horse of a lifetime.
1. Chance Encounter, Robbie Kearns’s horse of a lifetime too - tell us more about him?
Chance Encounter was born from a pairing I was very proud of. His thoroughbred dam Camedia - a bright bay mare with a beautiful small, dished head and who had the kindest nature of any horse I have ever owned - was bought from Graham and Elaine McIntyre, in Banbridge, Co Down.
She was by the great stallion Lord Americo (Lord Gayle) and out of an Orchestra dam: Treble Bass.
The foal she had bred before I bought her was one of the main reasons I bought her. The foal was magnificent, so I could see how well she bred her foals. By Limmerick, he was later called Noteworthy and went on to event up to 4* with Giovanni Ugolotti from Italy.
For Camedia (Faith), I chose the stallion Creevagh Grey Rebel (Huntingfield Grey Rebel - Lismeen Countess, by Grey Macha. Breeder: Patrick Walsh) - a smaller Irish Draught horse with a beautiful head and kind eye. I’ve always liked traditional Irish lines and he had that stamp.
On a spring day in 2009, Harry - later known as Chance Encounter - was born.
2. Proudest breeder moment?
Without a doubt, Chance Encounter’s team silver medal at the 2025 European Eventing Championships! As a family, we all gathered to watch Robbie Kearns ride him at the championships held at Blenheim Palace. What a fantastic rider! I still don’t know how Robbie stayed on when Chance Encounter left his knee at one of the cross-country jumps.
It was an incredibly proud moment for our whole family when the medal was put round Robbie’s neck and seeing the horse giving him a nudge during the presentation ceremony, as if to say “We did it together”. And, of course, also seeing the big photo of them in that week’s Horse & Hound!
Another highlight was receiving an award in 2022 in Ring 1 at the RDS from the TIHA - Traditional Irish Horse Association - in recognition of breeding Chance Encounter. I had my young grandsons Johnston and Matthew, my wife Carole, and daughter Jill with me that day - it was a truly special experience.
Robbie Kearns (IRL) riding Chance Encounter at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace \ Peter Nixon
3. Do you still have broodmares?
I don’t have any mares now, although if I ever found another Camedia, I’d love to buy her. She was one in a million.
4. Your winter regime for broodmares/youngstock?
We always tried to keep them out in the fields as long as the land allowed. Then they moved into a big silo, deep-littered and fed as much HorseHage as they wanted.
They were wormed regularly, had their feet trimmed, and got hard feed and supplements as needed. It was all about keeping them healthy and happy.
5. “Fools breed foals for wise men to buy.” Agree/disagree?
I think the saying “To become a millionaire with horses, you need to start off as a billionaire!” is very apt! Breeding is a labour of love, not profit - but the joy it brings is priceless.
6. Prefixes - your thoughts?
I think they’re a great idea. They help with marketing and tracking bloodlines. I don’t mind if an owner changes the name, but a good prefix can carry a reputation and legacy.
7. Best advice you ever got?
“Trust your instincts.” Whether it was choosing a mare, a stallion, or making decisions on the farm - that advice has served me well. Also, “Always put the horse first, before demanding results from them.” Simple, but true.
The future European team championship medallist horse Chance Encounter (“Harry”) as a three-year-old at home in Carryduff \ Jill Moffitt
8. Breeding horses - would you do it all over again?
Absolutely. I loved every part of it - from choosing pairings to watching foals grow. With the internet, it’s easier than ever to follow their progress and see videos of them competing. It’s incredibly rewarding.
9. It takes a team. Who’s on yours?
My family and friends have been my backbone: Carole, Jill, Jenny, Stephen, Ross, Desi, Billy, Tom, Jill and Amanda. Their support and help has meant everything.
10. And a special word of thanks?
I’d like to thank Richard and Tanya Ames for their incredible support and love for Chance Encounter. After receiving the RDS award, I spoke to Richard and jokingly said if the horse ever needed a retirement home, I’d be honoured to give him a forever home.
Richard told me that Maxine [Rae] - Chance Encounter’s devoted groom of many years - would have to move with him, she loved that horse more than anything, so to keep Maxine, he would have to keep the horse forever!
The love she had for the horse is clear from all the Facebook comments mentioning her by name.
It’s heartwarming to know the horse was surrounded by people who truly loved and prioritised his care and well-being: Maxine, Robbie, Richard, Tanya, thank you for giving him the kind of home he deserved, and the ride of his life at the Europeans and I am so, so sorry for your loss.