THE Annaghmore prefix is one that has become synonymous with quality Irish-bred sport horses and ponies over the past two decades.

Sinead Healion was born and raised in Annaghmore, Co Offaly, the second eldest of eight children, and she was pony mad from the very beginning. “I’m told my second word, after Daddy, was pony,” Healion told The Irish Field. “When I was three years old my Dad bought me the unbroken mare Jessie.

“She taught me a lot; we brushed her and played around her for years and eventually we got some tack and got on her. Over the years we bred four foals from her and they have gone on to have successful careers. Annaghmore Galantas, who competed in Dublin, and Annaghmore Countess, who was Swedish National Pony Champion, were both out of her.

“When I was 11 I got my second pony, Annaghmore Princess. We enjoyed learning together and later she bred another pony that competed in Dublin, Annaghmore Mondica,” told Healion, explaining her early introduction to horses and ponies.

She knew that a career in horses was all she ever wanted, and that eventually led her to setting up Tullamore Equestrian Centre. “After school I studied accountancy in Limerick, but it wasn’t long before I knew that my future was with horses and I left my job and went to study for my BHS exams in Portlaoise.

“Once I was qualified I set up the Tullamore Equestrian Centre very near to where I grew up in Offaly. I have room for 14 horses and am full most of the time. I like to at least break my horses in before I sell them and I tend to take my time with them. I think too many horses are rushed, they are all different and some take longer than others.”

Notable horses

“Some of the notable horses and ponies that have come from my yard include Annaghmore Boomerang, an Appaloosa pony stallion I bought as a foal out of a field in Roscommon who went on to finish second in the 138cms championship in Dublin.

James Houston and Annaghmore Boomerang winning the 138cm 1.20m Grand Prix at the Cavan Home Pony International in 2012 \ Prime Photography

“He sired Annaghmore Calico Boom who won the Discovery Championship and is currently at Grand Prix level in Sweden. His granddaughter, Annaghmore Beach Boom (Beach Ball x Annaghmore Boomerang), was sold to American event rider Nicole Austin.

“Annaghmore Valoner is another one that has gone on to do very well. By the thoroughbred stallion Coroner and out of Annaghmore Valier, this eight-year-old mare is ridden by Sam Griffiths and finished in 17th place in the World Championships in Le Lions d’Angers last year.

“I’ve been lucky to have been involved in a number of successful event horses. Annaghmore Bonita, who is by Clonterm Lux Capital out of Annaghmore Beauty, is competing at two-star level in the UK under Harriet Beaumont and won at Hartpury last August.

“Annaghmore Versace is a six-year-old gelding by Annaghmore Donetello out of Annaghmore Gabanna (by Black Water). He is being campaigned in the UK by Taggy Forester Bennett and is owned by the Hodder family.

“Another talented eventer the Hodder’s bought from me is Annaghmore Al Reef, an eight-year-old gelding by Omar.

Great memories

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a little horse that I’m very proud of Annaghmore Small Hero. He is 14 years old and competes at National Grand Prix level. He is currently enjoying the sunshine in Spain with young rider Harriett Cooper who is there with her coach Neal Fearon. They gave me one of my best days at a show when they finished in second place in the young rider final in Dublin last year.

“Another great day was when Annaghmore Huntsman was named reserve champion at the Horse of the Year Show in 2017. I had always watched the show on the TV when I was younger so to have a horse do so well there was fabulous. That same year he also took the reserve champion title at the Royal Highland Show.”

Sinead Healion with her youngsters

Prefixes

Sinead is passionate about prefixes being left on horses in order for the producer to get recognition. “When I began to recall the many horses that have passed through our yard through the years, and I see their names appearing in results, I’m always proud to see the Annaghmore prefix on their name.

“I think it’s very important that the prefix remain with the horse throughout its career. Knowing where an animal came from and being able to trace its roots is vital. Organisations like HSI need to make sure that the prefix is protected.

“At the moment, if you buy a horse and want to change its name you can pay for it to be done officially by the FEI and the yard that produced it ceases to get any recognition.

“Riders are always at the prize giving and often the owners are there too, but the breeders and producers of these winning horses sometimes only get the recognition when the horse’s name is announced so protecting that is important.

“At the moment I’m excited about the three-year-old Annaghmore Hunting Pink. She is a full-sister to Annaghmore Huntsman and I’m hoping to have her competing at the Dublin show this year.

“Annaghmore Squire is the stallion who I currently have standing at stud. He is by Annaghmore Boomerang out of Annaghmore Irish Girl. I also have a two-year-old stallion by Kannan out of Annaghmore Sonieke, who is by Cruising. I’m going to try him out for breeding and see how he goes this year.

“I will have eight foals on the ground this year so I’ll be very busy but I’m glad to hopefully have plenty of new talent to bear the Annaghmore prefix.

“But for right now, my mind is focused on my sking holiday, I leave today [Wednesday] for a week and that should see me ready and refreshed for a busy winter ahead!”