BASED in Libgate, Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford, we have bred Irish Sport Horses on a small scale for many years, always having fewer than 10 horses in the yard at once. We’ve always had an avid interest in the hunting field, which is where the majority of our horses end up excelling.

Breeding horses began for us when we had a mare called Castlebanny Barbie (Grange Bouncer x Forties Field), which we had bought into the yard. The famous late Jack Lambert of Grange Stud covered the mare, unknown to us, and when we started to realise she was suddenly getting bigger and not smaller, he let the secret slip what he had done!

She had her first foal, named Libgate’s Princess, who is currently still in our yard and has had a successful hunting career with the Killinick Harriers, along with many other foals we have bred. Our aim is to breed good quality horses with exceptional temperaments - horses that are honest, willing and enjoyable to produce.

I caught the horse bug at an early age and, even between school (plenty of days skipped to go hunting midweek!), football and other sports making an appearance, the bug never seemed to fully fade. I always managed to get in a hack somewhere or a hunt, without fail.

Between full-time work and the horses, we definitely live a busy lifestyle. I have two boys, Caolan (5) and Ruairi (3), who are also part of the crew and are always getting involved.

Bannow & Rathangan Show, in Killag, is only five minutes from us and it’s a family tradition that we all go for a day at the show, one of the biggest in the country. There’s extra excitement this year, as it’s the show’s 75th anniversary [Thursday, July 9th].

The horses are part of everyday life here - work, family and the yard all blend together. We live in a close-knit community and, whether it’s advice or lending a hand when things get busy, that network means a lot to us.

Breeding horses has been a journey for us, and we have been incredibly lucky along the way. It is a privilege to watch foals grow and see the qualities we aim for come through. Safe to say, we are very excited to see what is in store for our twin foals born with us this year.

1. A double bonus - tell us more about the new twin foals?

Libgates Pippa’s two new arrivals, now named Phil and Lil, are by the Irish Draught stallion Cooloo Crest (Sir Rivie x Island King), belonging to Eddie Kelly in Courtnacuddy, here in Wexford.

They were born on June 4th at 2.30am. It’s safe to say we got a big shock when we realised there was a second foal en-route, not long after the first one was born!

My partner - Darren Walsh - was actually away with work on the night that she foaled and I had to call my friend Alayna Moss, who lives around the corner, over to stay in the house with my two boys, to let me get over to the yard. Alayna was only home from London for a flying visit, but I made sure she didn’t have time to get bored!

We were very lucky as everything progressed quickly with no complications and that we have all three healthy and doing well. We’ve been watching them very closely around the clock to make sure they’re feeding well and also that the mare is producing enough milk for both foals.

2. How many broodmares do you have?

At the minute, we have the one broodmare: Libgates Pippa, who is a seven-year-old mare by Killinick Rebel (Huntingfield Rebel x Kilmore Heather), out of our first mare Castlebanny Barbie, so more of Ann Lambert’s Grange Stud bloodlines.

When you see Pippa with her latest arrivals, she has proved what a special mare she really is.

3. Proudest breeder moment?

I think the twin foals have been our proudest breeder moment to date, when you consider the high chance that we could have lost the foals or, potentially, even the mare.

To think that we have come out the other side with all three healthy and thriving is, in my eyes, an absolute success. A highlight we will definitely look back on in the future!

4. Biggest challenge for horse breeders?

I suppose rising costs is definitely one of the biggest challenges. With the cost of feed, bedding etc rising, it makes it hard to make the breeding industry profitable.

5. Prefixes - thoughts?

I personally am a big fan of prefixes. It makes it easier to keep track of horses overseas and a valuable marketing tool. I wouldn’t dream of changing a breeder’s prefix when buying a foal or horse into the yard.

6. Internet - good or bad servant?

Definitely beneficial for accessing information and networking; however, it can also lead to misinformation, as it is so open to everyone.

7. That famous horse you’d like to have bred?

Supreme Rock (Edmund Burke - Rineen Classic, by Bassompierre. Breeder: Lindy Nixon-Good), Pippa Funnell’s two-time Badminton winner and European gold medallist.

8. It takes a team - who’s on yours?

A team is definitely what it takes! We have plenty of hands on deck, Seamus and Catherine Cowman, who are the yard owners, myself and plenty of friends, who get roped into plenty more than they bargain for!

My family and friends are my biggest supporters, whether it is with the horses or minding the boys; it allows me to keep doing what I love, and I am very grateful for it.

Our farrier James Rath and our vet are all very important and very much appreciated too.

9. Breeding horses - would you do it all over again?

Breeding horses is a journey of late nights, early mornings and plenty of hard work... Would I do it all over again? Absolutely!

10. How many times have you said “I’m only going to the yard for 10 minutes” and then disappeared for hours?

My partner loves this one! A common occurrence in our house, as there is always something that needs to be done. Of course, the twin foals have definitely contributed to my recent disappearances, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.