BORN in Limerick, Shane Breen got his first pony at the age of five and hunted throughout his childhood. He believes this hunting background has stood him in good stead, especially helping him win many derby style competitions including the Hickstead Speed Derby, the Hickstead Eventing Grand Prix and the Hickstead Derby itself riding Can Ya Makan.

In 2007, Shane married Chloe Bunn, daughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn and has since run the successful operation that is Breen Equestrian from Hickstead. Chloe is a former top-level rider, having been on junior and young rider teams as well as a winner of the Hickstead Speed Derby and placing the main Derby with the home-bred Buddy Bunn.

With other members of the Bunn family, Chloe continues to be involved in the running of Hickstead and therefore has her finger on the pulse of all that is happening in show jumping both in Britain and around the world.

Stallion show case

Each year, Breen Equestrian opens their doors for a stud open day on Easter Monday – this year taking place on April 21st. The stallions will be presented in a short display in the indoor arena. “Most of the stallions will jump, our older retired stallions will usually come in for some flat work and their progeny will jump instead,” said stud manager Greg Le Gear. “The stallions and stock can be seen in their stables and we do a stable yard tour.”

After lunch, visitors will get a chance to visit Pook Bourne Stud where they can see the youngstock and any foals that have been born.

“We invite guest speakers from home and abroad and they give a critique of the horses. A masterclass by Shane is incorporated using the stallions and progeny that is very popular with the viewing public,” Greg added.

The Breen Equestrian open day is completely free to attend and for Irish visitors, Gatwick Airport is just 20 minutes from the West Sussex yard.

Irish offering

This year’s stallion offering for Irish breeders includes high quality frozen semen from Golden Hawk, Cuick Star Kervec and Can Ya Makan, among others, stored in Ireland ready for next day delivery.

This season, Breen’s Z7 Mevano will stand at Coolin House Stud with John Varley. He is by Grandorado out of an Indoctro mare; he is described as a very blood modern stallion with a strong damline that’s producing excellent horses. He is approved by the AES and stud fee is €500 available fresh daily. For more information on Z7 Mevano, contact John Varley/ Coolin House Stud directly 087 978 7417.