STALLION parades have formed part of Irish horse culture since the days of owners taking their stallions to local fairs to show them off to potential customers. Cross-channel, the Hunter Improvement Society annual stallion grading and parade was a highlight for decades for British breeders and likewise, Continental breeders gather in droves for annual stallion shows.

It wasn’t until 1990 that the first major stallion parade took place here when Ned and Liz O’Flynn, who spearheaded the Western Horse Breeders group, held a hugely successful stallion show in Ballinasloe 30 years ago.