BREEDERS and equine enthusiasts were given a rare opportunity last Saturday to see firsthand the pool of stallions and youngstock available at Belmont House Stud, Co Offaly.

Run by Andrea Etter from the early 1990s, the stud is synonymous with quality stallions and youngstock. The open day was well attended by seasoned breeders and those with a general interest in the industry.

Close to 200 people attended and the open day began with a show in-hand of resident stallions Machnus D’Hyrencourt, Stetter, Mr Lincoln B, Ganesh Hero Z and Celtic Hero B Z.

Later, the stallions were shown under the saddle by leading show jumper Damien Griffin. Pony stallion Machnus D’Hyrencourt was put through his paces under the command of Rory Kavanagh.

A loose jumping session of progeny of the stallions showed the ability of the youngstock. Starting with yearlings, then two-, three- and four-year-olds, the audience got a real taste of some future stars and how they are produced.

Attendees were also treated to talks and a question and answer session from experts Damien Griffin, Andrew Hughes, Luc Henry, Gerhard and Andrea Etter.

Among the topics discussed was the quality and bloodlines of the stallions at Belmont, the importance of great rideability and temperment and how this is an important trait to pass on to their offspring.

In particular, the qualities Celtic Hero B Z has are clearly visible in his yearlings.