WE are losing a certain amount of exhibitors and breeders every year, the older generation are fizzling out and some people have gone out of horses.” Seamus Lehane’s regretful observation on the show ring’s changing patterns does not apply at home though.

Both Fiona and Duncan, the eldest and youngest of his and wife Ann’s family, have inherited the ‘horse gene’ and Fiona’s husband, John Crowley, is a willing accomplice.