SUBSCRIBER ONLY: A new arrival, a centenary podcast and a Hall of Fame hero 25 March 2026 Premium

IT'S BREEDING season and the adorable foal pictures have begun rolling in. In most cases these long-legged cuties are sweet reward for the years of work it took to get them on the ground - and a reminder of all the work still to come to get them to their destination, whatever that may be. In our upcoming Sport Horse Stallions supplement (free in-paper on April 4th), we discuss the many challenges breeders face in an industry facing constant change.

One highlight for me in putting together the supplement this year was hearing from four young breeders who shares their hopes as well as their fears for the future. Thinning margins and rising costs were a common theme among their concerns, as well as rising demand from buyers for more mileage than is realistic for the age of the horse.

Another recurring topic that came up in our interviews with top studs around the country was the availability and quality of foreign semen.

Some, like Kieran Kennedy of Coolballyshan Stud, say importing semen and spending a lot of money to get a foal on the ground simply "not a commercially successful enterprise" and that "70-80% of that money goes straight out to Europe".

Others, like Gladys McArdle of Drumhowan, see it as an unavoidable element of an open market.

"The availability throughout Ireland of foreign imported semen offers added choice for breeders," Gladys tells us. "That’s grand! For sure its competition for Irish Stud Farms, but that’s the open market. There’s plenty for all and we will be here when those breeders and vets want quality fresh semen for a successful breeding".

Wherever you lie on that topic, and many others, you are sure to find an argument you agree with in this year's supplement. From Liam Lynskey speaking about why he feels "the Irish horse will always win out in end" to Ger O'Neill arguing that we need to breed for good x-ray because "whether we like it or not, this standard of vetting is here to stay". There really is something for everyone. You are also sure to find a stallion you like with 40 pages of exclusive interviews and advertising content from Ireland's top breeders and studs. So don't forget your paper on Saturday, April 4th, where will also be featuring the results of this weekend's all-important Horse Sport Ireland stallion inspections.

1-Mar-24-2026-08-21-01-3463-PM

Emma Dean sent in this image of her daughter Emily's show jumping mare Poynstown Izzy (OBOS Quality) and her one-day-old colt foal by Button Sitte who is standing at Ballyquirke Stud

Centenary celebrations

Another recently launched equestrian product I believe all readers would take interest in is the Army Equitation School's podcast series in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the School’s inception.

The podcast series offers viewers and listeners a unique opportunity to learn all about that rich history, hearing directly from those who lived it.

The 13 or so episodes will explore the remarkable story behind the uniform - from the School’s founding in 1926 to its enduring role today. Through conversations with riders past and present, historians and those who have supported the journey, the people, horses, challenges and triumphs that shaped a century of Irish equestrian achievement are uncovered.

Over the first few episodes, equestrian journalist and regular Irish Horse World contributor Louise Parkes narrates the story of the first 40 years. After that will be a further set of episodes, in which breeder Michael Doherty conducts individual interviews with the former riding officers and key personnel featuring household heroes, such as Col Ned Campion, Capt Con Power and Commdt John Ledingham to name but a few.

The episodes will be released weekly and can be watched on YouTube with audio versions expected shortly on your favourite podcast sources. A link to the episodes will be posted on the Equitation School’s social channels as they go live.

The podcast series is the first of many celebratory activities planned for the centenary year, with further details expected to be released in the coming weeks. We here are very much looking forward to what the celebration year brings!

The late Capt Con Power will feature in the Army Equitation School's podcast series

Doing us proud

Speaking of celebrations, huge congratulations to former FEI Groom of the Year and Dublin native Lee McKeever who last month was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.

As Emer Bermingham’s interview with him reveals, McKeever was not from a horsey family, but he was drawn to them from a very young age.

He began riding at the age of 10 and, from there, he knew the direction his life was going to take. “I just loved horses and I went on an equitation training course with a man called Tom Fox from the army.” It was through Tommy that he met Jimmy Doyle, who he was told could get him a job in America.

Lee McKeever queuing for the trot-up \ Avery Wallace

“I told my parents that I would only be going for a year, but the rest is history!”

And history is what he made. For the past 38 years, McKeever has served as sport horse manager and trusted advisor to six-time Olympian McLain Ward. This partnership saw medals brought home from Olympic Games, the World Equestrian Games and the Pan American Games, along with claiming an FEI World Cup title and the world number one ranking on more than one occasion.

I highly recommend reading all about McKeever and his amazing adventures and until next time, enjoy your own!