Madam,

I am writing in response to the recently released Traditional Irish Horse Association material from December 2015, which was passed along to me here in the States.

As an active rider, trainer and breeder and having grown up in England, I have extremely fond memories of our buying trips in the 1980s and 1990s.

Back then it did not really matter if the mare’s side of the passport said unknown. Model and type always won the day. Some fantastic horses were found that way and the excitement of turning up great horses around the next corner was palpable.

What a difference a generation has made. For me, the disconnect is both apparent and almost embarrassing.

Jumbo, for instance, sits on top of the list in England, yet where do you find his offspring in Ireland?

The horses that have kept Ireland on top of the rankings for all these years are not the ones that many are now breeding or involved with.

A shopping trip to Ireland these days is an exercise in reading passports and pedigrees before you even start.

To have little support for this legendary culture that many of us love dearly can only be described in print as “confusing” at best.

In reaction, you start doing things yourself.

Carrick Diamond Lad suits American thoroughbred mares very well and we will see where it goes. Philanderer, Jumbo’s latest three-star son will be available here this year for the first time. He will go into one of our own thoroughbred mares.

It is my belief that the market for the traditional horse in all its forms is alive and well at both ends of the spectrum. Finding them has become increasingly more difficult.

There is no doubt the Irish riders are as talented as any in the world and Ireland does not need to lose sight of her heritage, culture, position and role as a horse producing nation.

You have a unique and well-respected knowledge and experience. It lives under tweed caps that stand quietly next to show rings or in fields watching stock or sits in coffee shops talking about mares and future decisions. All the elements are still there, they just need coordinating, supporting and organizing.

Yours etc,

Robin Walker

USA