I was born and raised in Moycullen and still living here. I work full-time as a Galway-based project coordinator and have always loved ponies.

My grandfather was probably the last man who worked a Connemara pony in the area, where I spent my summers helping him. Actually, my grandfather on my mother’s side (Feeneys), purchased his last pony from the other side of the Walsh family, my dad’s father.

It’s a passion for the pony. Others like golf courses – I love ponies as my hobby.

1. Congratulations, a great result at the Horse of the Year Show, tell us more about the HOYS winner Moyabbey George (Castlestrange Fionn - Glencarrig Heather) and his family.

Heather was the first Connemara mare that I purchased. She was a five-year-old at the time when I spotted her for sale in The Irish Field; her breeding could not be faulted, with Rebel Justice and Coosheen Breeze.

Breeze herself was an outstanding mare, producing numerous Grade 1 stallions and probably the most influential of them all: Glencarrig Knight.

Heather has produced numerous foals for me, of which I still have two mares, as she has now retired from breeding.

George’s full-brother was an RDS winner about 16 years ago and George is from the second covering to Castlestrange Fionn. George always had a presence about him and an absolutely beautiful temperament.

I sold him to Padraic Curran, a neighbour of mine, who produced him in-hand for the showring, where he was very successful, winning many a championship before he found his forever home with Ailsa Vines.

Ailsa was never going to rush George. She set her plans and at last it paid off. Ailsa always stayed in touch and, on one of her visits, called to view my mares and foals. She actually purchased Heather’s last filly foal by Banks Timber, himself a HOYS winner.

George adding RDS and HOYS wins in the same year to his accolades is unbelievable and now has qualified for the London Horse Show before Christmas.

2. Proudest breeder moment?

I have been spoiled as a small breeder, in fairness. Showing for myself is special, winning All-Irelands and being Clifden champion on an occasion, but hearing Moyabbey George called out as the winner in the HOYS arena, followed by your name as the breeder, is the ultimate achievement.

3. What type of pony do you aim to breed?

I always try to produce a pony that I am proud of, whether it’s for a friend, a customer that may develop them further or myself.

A pony that is eye-catching and that you are looking forward to seeing, whether it’s at the local shows - our grassroots – or to the RDS and HOYS of this world.

We all love our babies and we hope they get the best homes that can maximise their potential.

4. How many broodmares do you own?

I have four at the moment. If I had a bigger holding, I would enjoy having more, trying new lines, trying to improve, dreaming of what, where and when. Life is all about dreams and we need them.

This year, I have two mares in foal: Moyabbey Twilight and Moyabbey Mist. I’ve put Moyabbey Twilight back in foal to Glencarrig Knight and she has already produced a now-rising three-year-old colt by him, which I think is maturing nicely.

Twilight herself was champion of champions in her own right, including an All-Ireland and Clifden championship and numerous others. She is now producing sought-after foals.

Moyabbey Mist (Glencarrig Prince) is in foal to the young stallion Manor Marble, from the Cloonisle Cashel Stud. Moyabbey Mist is very closely related to Moyabbey George, being out of a half-sister to George. Mist herself was a prize-winning mare, hence the dreams continue.

5. Favourite bloodlines?

For me, I am spoiled with the depth of knowledge and quality of stallions around at the moment.

You need your foundations before you start thinking about stallions. For me, it’s a nice head, kind eye, nice front and deep body. Temperament is a must with anything, but in a Connemara pony, it’s hugely important.

6. Prefixes, your view on the subject?

I always had a prefix, whether it’s breeding dogs or ponies. I think it is a breeder’s signature, for one and it’s my statement of integrity as a breeder. It’s nice to be able to follow as many as possible over the years, as they all go on different journeys in life.

7. If you could have bred any famous horse/pony, past or present?

The horse I’d like to have bred would undoubtedly be Istabraq, as I love my horse racing as well.

8. Best advice you ever got?

The best advice I was given is short but relates to everyday work, life, and sport: “As long as you don’t give up, nothing is over.”

9. It takes a team, who’s on yours?

I have a great team around me in my everyday life. When it comes to showing and organising, my daughter Rachel loves it and is great for getting the ponies ready for all occasions.

When it comes to breeding and looking after the mares and foals, my dad Paddy is the man. At 85 years young, he needs a mention and, as he says, ‘Don’t slow down or you will get old.’

10. Favourite holiday destination?

One of my favourite holiday destinations would have to be our family trip to New York last year for a week taking in all this amazing city has to offer. What made this even more special is the fact all our kids joined us. Most of them are now young adults and moving out slowly and making their own lives, but I guess the temptation of an all-expenses trip to New York, even if with mum and dad, was too good to turn down! Forever memories.

Also, a holiday that definitely needs a mention would be a week I have taken for the last 10 years with nine friends walking the Camino at Easter. Now, we are not the typical 10 Apostles doing a pilgrimage, but it’s the most enjoyable experience ever.

We all take this time for different reasons, but we all enjoy it, no matter how sore or tired our feet may get.

We build even stronger friendships along these Camino trails and not even a mention or sight of a Connemara pony for a week, hence my team back home is always needed.