“Opening a bag of feed in January, June or September, I expect the quality, consistency and formulation of the feed I see, to be the same, every time.”

Strong words from the tough team of William and Jane Collins at Lougherne Stud, Hillsborough. Allison Matthews travelled to their beautiful holmestead in Co.Down to find out why William and Jane can afford to be so demanding!

With a personal portfolio including Grandprix Showjumping and 4* Eventing, these are people that know and expect the best from their horses. It is by no chance or good luck that they have the stallions that are prepared to exceed expectations.

“If someone has a list of 10 boxes they expect to tick when viewing a horse, I have 30,” states Jane. With her eventing career on the back burner to allow time for family, Jane is no stranger to the rigorous demands of the competition world and understands the kind of horse that copes better mentally and physically with it.

Trips to Europe confirm this, as many of Limmerick’s offspring are trailblazing the circuit there, alongside the progeny of his new stablemate, Lougherne Corea. This half-brother to Cavalier Royale is undoubtedly a strong asset to the portfolio of Lougherne providing the Irish Market with a “stunning looking, big fronted horse with a lovely calm attitude,” states William.

“Although the stallions may only have a small book of mares, most of the progeny are winning rosettes,” adds Jane. With the young horses that can be viewed at Le Stud, it is easy to see why the trophy cabinet remains full. The youngsters at this stud provoke interest from far and wide, but on a local level, future plans include creating stronger links with Southern Ireland.

As if to almost clarify the talent on this yard, one of the young stallions, Lougherne Cool Running – that has been earmarked by a well known showjumper – canters down to a 1.50metres for fun whilst showing off in the outdoor school. While the better known Limmerick takes great enjoyment in striding down the yard with William in tow. These are stallions that make you take notice of them.

With a yard of very special youngstock, stallions and competition horses, there are many mouths to feed with a wide range of requirements. “Pegus Cool Mix is the ‘meat and spuds’ of our diets. It provides the staple for all our horses whether they are out competing or standing at stud. It takes care of their health and well being without any worry. Every time we open a bag we know that there will be no alteration to how well our horses are going to look and feel. That is peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about,” adds William.

With a stud book that boasts of stallions such as Limmerick, Builders Delight and the new addition of Lougherne Corea, there can only be one thing left to worry about – which stallion do I pick?!

For further information on Pegus Horse Feed contact; Thompsons on 028 9035 1321