I’M a retired dairy farmer and have been breeding horses for the last 20 years at Achar Fada Stables in Kilmuckridge, just outside of Gorey. I attribute my interest in horses to my late uncle John, breeder of Double Brandy who jumped on the English show jumping team with Graham Fletcher.

He had a great eye for a quality horse and passed on this attribute to me over the years. I have a huge interest in bloodlines and like to be able to recite at least five generations of my mares’ backbreeding. Distance is no problem and I’ve travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to view potential stallions.