TOGETHER with my family, we’ve bred Connemaras, Irish Draughts and Irish Sport Horses on a small scale - never more than 10 horses in the yard at once.

Ours is a typical West of Ireland blend: sheep and horses, supported by off-farm jobs. We’ve been hill-sheep farmers for generations, where good, being-bred-for-the-hills breeding really does make the difference in survival.

Growing up, we had a trekking centre just up the road, where my cousins and older sister rode, and naturally, I soon followed suit. My mother often says that if she turned her back for a moment, I’d find my way onto the back of a pony and absolutely refused to come down. Safe to say, a passion for horses really does seem to be a family trait!

My first pony - a Connemara-Arab cross (now 35!) was trained for flat strand racing. After a summer spent training in Belmullet, I rode him in the Geesala races, finishing a proud second. Only about 10 at the time, it remains one of my most thrilling memories.

School and music were priorities in our house, but the pony bug never faded. My favourite childhood events were local shows and forging lifelong friendships along the way. I look back fondly on the boom years at Clifden sales and Ballinasloe Show, where a big win was followed by an overnight stay to celebrate - the craic truly was mighty.

My second pony was a traditional - but fiery - 13.2hh Connemara mare, as nimble as they come. Her first foal was Realt na Mhara (Glenaryre Silver Fox) with a Milford Hard Times damline. That foal was a gamechanger: she produced our standout pony, Derryhill High Silver Tempo.

From the moment he arrived, ‘Elvis’ stood out. We kept him as long as possible, but it was hard to find riders for 14.2s. Highlights included winning the 2015 Clifden loose jumping championship and, eventually, we sold him (as the money ran out!) to Sweden. He had great success with Inez Junard. Currently at the CCIP2* level, they finished in the Swedish pony eventing championships top 10 and represented Sweden at the Nordic-Baltic championships.

He competed in the 2023 European Championships in France with Lily Herrmann (SWE). He has now started his new partnership with Julia Prejer. No doubt the pair will achieve some great wins together.

A mare I am particularly proud of is Derryhill Black Lilly (TIH. Centennial - Derryhill Realta Dubh). We showed her firstly in-hand locally for training, but ended up as All-Ireland Limerick Lady finalists. It’s nice when others see what you see. She was sold to Faith Loveridge in England. This young rider is one to watch out for in the future - hopefully one day we’ll see this pair in the flesh at Badminton.

Rock Phantom (TIH. Spirit House - Ballycroy Rose) has undoubtedly been our standout success story to date. Produced in the USA by Brazilian eventer Nilson Moreira Da Silva, he worked his way up to CCI4*. In 2021, at just 10 years old, he was selected for the USA panel for the Tokyo Olympics - an incredible achievement for a horse that’s a true 50/50 TB/ID mix.

Now competing with Sara Kozumplik, Rock competed in his first CCI5* last year. Realising that only about 200 horses globally reach 5* level annually, and being chosen for the Olympic panel at such a young age, was a real eye-opener to the standards required at the top. Surreal to think he was born just out there in our garden, nobodies in the horse world! It reminds me always to dream big.

Despite our small size, basic no-frills facilities, we’ve managed to do better than we ever could dream. It’s easy to lose sight of what we’ve achieved until you chat with other breeders.

A well-respected breeder once pointed out that even those he’s known in the industry for 60 or 70 years may never see any of their horses reach such levels of success. That perspective was extremely humbling to hear. It’s stuck with me and serves as a reminder of just how extremely fortunate we’ve been.

1. Proudest breeder moment?

Top of the list is Rock Phantom being selected for the Tokyo Olympic panel. A real high point for our family.

2. How many broodmares?

Currently, we keep two Irish Draught broodmares: our home-bred Ballycroy Rose (Clonakilty Hero - Rose Claggan Mountain, by Red Hackle), and Derryhill Realta Dhubh (Mourne Mountain Star - Arderry Flash, by Castana).‘Rose’ is in foal to King Elvis I.

We haven’t fully decided on what we will cover the two mares with for 2027, but it will be an ID or TB.

3. Your winter horse-keeping regime?

We try to keep our horses out as long as the fields will hold, but eventually - especially on poor West soil - they come in at night, with turnout during the day. We feed plenty of good haylage, with basic hard feed and oils important for colostrum, plus mineral lick buckets.

We keep a careful eye that mares are content and kept as natural as possible. Some old ways are the best ways.

4. Biggest challenge for West of Ireland horse breeders?

Simply put: the cost of breeding, versus the prices fetched for young horses and the limited outlets to sell youngstock.

The East has more venues and high-end sales, like Go for Gold, that attract foreign buyers, while the West has fewer such events. I see the Mayo-Roscommon Breeders’ Group actively trying to change that.

I’d love to keep breeding Traditional Irish Horses - their brains and willingness are what we value - but to sell, you usually need to travel or hope for an online buyer. And to get an actual fair price! There’s room for more support here, possibly from the Department of Agriculture etc, as costs are ever-rising while prices haven’t.

5. Prefixes, thoughts?

Great idea to trace back origins. For us, I’m on the fence, as we possibly don’t breed enough stock to warrant a prefix. Breeding is a sideline passion, not our ‘bread and butter’ unfortunately, but certainly is our chief expense!

6. Internet: good or bad servant?

A good servant. The internet offers research, sales and education at your fingertips, plus you can connect worldwide and it’s invaluable to stay in touch with the new owners.

However, you need a filter and to make up your own mind. It should never replace hands-on horse experience.

7. If you could have bred any famous horse or pony?

Stroller and Marian Coakes’ story has always captivated me.

Honestly though, what brings me the greatest satisfaction is being part of the entire journey: from conception to their safe arrival, spotting that special spark and watching them blossom under saddle. That process is truly as rewarding as it gets. We feel fortunate that our horses have gone on to find wonderful homes and have been able to prove themselves.

8. It takes a team. Who’s on yours?

My parents, Tommy and Noreen, have always been the backbone. They’ve supported and enabled everything we do. Nowadays, my husband Joe really helps in keeping the horses in top condition. Our son Cormac already shows a natural ease around the horses; I’ve no doubt he’ll carry on the family tradition.

9. Would you do it all over again?

Absolutely. It’s part of me. Each time, from choosing stallions to match mares and waiting to see all the surprises genetics can bring, reminds me why I love it. Our sheep-breeding experience adds an understanding that you don’t always get exactly what you expect. You have to go with your gut and not the trends.

10. Which horse in your yard has the biggest personality?

Derryhill Brian Balou or ‘Brian’ has brought the most laughter to our yard. He’s a rising three-year-old half-brother to Rock Phantom.

Exceptionally clever - with a habit of tossing his feedbucket over the stable door when he’s finished - he’s always thinking and watching you, like he’s working something out. He’s got a heart of absolute gold and is quickly growing into a giant. We have big hopes for him.