I OFTEN say that horses have shaped every chapter of my life, but it’s true. Growing up in Ireland, horses were simply part of the landscape - part of who we were. Years later, after building a career as an FEI Para Dressage rider and dedicating myself to developing elite sport horses, I now run Allostock Hall Equestrian, a purpose-built para dressage yard and home to our growing, carefully designed dressage breeding programme.

Breeding dressage horses wasn’t originally my intention. Competing always came first.

But as I rode more international horses and learned what truly makes a world-class para dressage partner: rideability, brain, balance and temperament, I became fascinated by the idea of shaping those qualities from the very beginning.

Today, our breeding programme is one of the parts of Allostock Hall I am most proud of.

1. Congratulations, you had a memorable 2025. Tell us more about last year and plans for 2026.

2025 was a year that exceeded every hope I had for Allostock Hall. On the sport side, Lottie [Keystone Dawn Chorus] produced some of our strongest

international tests yet, and we welcomed several exciting young horses into the programme. But the standout success was undoubtedly on the breeding front.

We saw the arrival of three exceptional foals - each embodying exactly the type of horse we strive to produce: expressive but sensible, athletic but soft, and with that willingness that makes para riders fall in love with their horse. The interest from riders and trainers across Europe confirmed that we’re moving in the right direction.

For 2026, we’re expanding the broodmare band slightly and incorporating embryo transfer to ensure our top mares can contribute genetically without stepping away from their ridden careers too early.

We also plan to present our first purpose-bred youngsters at regional young horse classes and breed shows, which will be a milestone for Allostock Hall.

2. Breeding dressage horses – how and why did you start?

It started with a question I found myself asking over and over: “Why do some horses feel naturally intuitive for para athletes, while others - equally talented - never fully suit the job?”

The answer, I realised, was partly in the genetics. Bloodlines known for generosity, consistency in the contact, elasticity in the back, and a trainable mind tend to produce horses that thrive under riders with physical limitations.

Once I understood that, I couldn’t resist trying to breed the horses I knew para dressage needed: expressive movers with exceptional rideability. And so, Allostock Hall’s breeding programme was born.

3. Proudest breeder moment?

Seeing our homebred filly, Allostock Hall Harmony, watching her balance, correctness, and an incredible temperament shine and we are very exited to showcase this amazing mare in 2026

There’s something magical about watching a young foal you planned on

paper months earlier, trot across the arena.

4. How many mares do you have?

We currently have four foundation mares, each selected for temperament, conformation, and proven performance or producer lines, they are:

MSJ Dream

  • Sire: Dream Boy
  • Dam: MSJ Fascinate (Furstenball
  • In foal to: Fidertanz

    • MSJ Queen

  • Sire: Quinterder
  • Dam: Hauptstutbuch (by Embassy)
  • A modern, powerful mare with three excellent paces.

    • Honey Bee

  • Sire: Charmeur
  • Dam: Juliane (by Flemmingh)
  • In foal to Dream Boy
  • A modern, powerful mare with three excellent paces.
  • She is the heart of our programme—elasticity, elegance, and pure rideability.

    • Hadena

  • Sire: Cashmir
  • Dam: Zodena (by Prestige VDL )
  • In foal to Secret

    • Each mare contributes a slightly different ingredient, but all share the type of mind we believe defines a truly great para horse.

    5. Your favourite bloodlines?

    My heart will always belong to Fidertanz. His sons and daughters consistently show the temperament, back elasticity, and natural cadence that make them ideal for para dressage.

    Beyond him, I love the Vitalis line for modern movement, De Niro for reliability, Jazz when matched with the right mare for brilliance and Dimaggio for producing some of the most genuine, honest dressage partners I’ve ever ridden.

    6. That standout stallion on the international circuit?

    For me, it has to be Jovian. His combination of power, scope, and balance - paired with what appears to be a rideable character - makes him exceptional. He produces modern types without losing correctness, and he stamps uphill frames consistently. From a para perspective, I also admire stallions like Fürstenball and Franklin, who pass on genuine kindness and willingness.

    7. Prefixes – your thoughts?

    I love prefixes; they tell a story before the horse even enters the arena.

    Every foal bred here carries the prefix “Allostock Hall”. It’s our promise that the horse was produced with intention, ethics, and care.

    A prefix becomes a legacy - something I hope will follow our horses long after their time with me.

    8. A famous horse you’d like to have bred?

    Without hesitation - Valegro. Not simply because he is the greatest dressage horse of our era, but because of his mind. His work ethic, generosity, and partnership with Charlotte prove that temperament is every bit as important as talent.

    9. It takes a team. Who’s on yours?

    Running Allostock Hall is truly a team effort.

  • Our grooms and riders who care for the horses like family.
  • Our veterinary reproduction specialists who guide the breeding programme.
  • Our farriers, physios, saddle fitters, and nutritionists who keep the mares and youngsters thriving.
  • And of course, the supporters and my own family, who make the long days fun and the big dreams possible.

    • I may be the one answering these questions, but Allostock Hall is far bigger than just me.

    10. What trait in a broodmare do you value above all others, and why?“

    For me, it will always be temperament. You can refine movement and correct conformation, but you cannot manufacture a generous heart. That’s why every mare at Allostock Hall is chosen first for her mind.