STANDING in front of the inspection panel and onlookers, holding a stallion, waiting for the results to be read out must be the most nerve-racking place in Cavan. The stallion could be a pride and joy home-bred or an investment owned by the bank or credit union, but the purpose is the same: affirmation of the owner’s decision to stand him at stud and the extra kudos of owning an approved stallion.

It takes commitment to bring a stallion out for inspection. Otherwise,‘hang out a shingle’ on social media advertising the horse or, the longest way: wait for the progeny to prove themselves in competition to promote their sire.