GREG Le Gear, stud manager for Breen Equestrian at their Pook Bourne operation near Hickstead, is busy preparing for their open day on April 6th when he takes the time to talk to The Irish Field. The day, entry to which is free, begins with a masterclass from Shane Breen in which he will ride some of the stallions they are standing for 2026, as well as some of their progeny. “I find that this is a really useful format for breeders” says Greg, “because they can watch sires and progeny side by side and make comparisons, and because Shane is always very candid in his assessment of the horses.”

The day will continue with a question-and-answer session, a raffle and input from this year’s guest speaker, Robert Whitaker, before guests are invited on a tour of Pook Bourne Stud in the afternoon. “Robert is having a fantastic run at the highest level, and I look forward to hearing his perspective on the sport and our stock,” says Greg. The stud tour gives visitors a chance to assess the progeny of Breen Equestrian’s stallions as foals to three-year-olds. There will also be a talk from their stud vet.