With humble beginnings, Silversmith Stud was established 17 years ago in Dunhill, Co Waterford and is now home to more than 25 American Miniature horses.

It was only ever my intention to keep two as pets, but I soon developed a passion for these magnificent little equines. I knew this was the breed for me; their beauty and refinement set them apart from any other horse, in my eyes. So I studied their history, bloodlines and breed standard.

All the foundation stock in Ireland had been imported from the US and chosen carefully for their bloodlines, conformation, movement and type.

Silversmith Stud is home to notable stallions, including Shalom Perfect Ons Silversmith, who has won every relevant title in Ireland.

We are also home to the junior stallion, Lucky Four Thunders Fire N Smoke, who was imported from the famous Lucky Four Farm in North Carolina and who has shown great producing ability.

Over the years, the national success I have had still overwhelms me.

Marina Fay Memorial Show - Silversmith Suprema Donna Overall Supreme Best In Show 2020 and 2021\Silversmith Stud

This year has been extra special, as I have also had great success on an international level.

My home-bred stallion, Silversmith Chicano Chico, who was exported to the UK, achieved AMHA Supreme Horse of 2021 at the Miniature Horse Club of Great Britain (MHCGB) Championship Show.

He is the first Irish-bred horse ever to win this title; it is such an honour to be the breeder of this horse.

He is 100% Silversmith-bred, sired by Silversmith Che Guevara and out of Silversmith Painted Picture. A real indicator that our years of selective breeding has been successful.

In Ireland, I have been fortunate enough to win every breeder class and award, but this year a little piece of history was made as I was awarded MHCGB breeder of 2021; a title based on points added up through the show season of horses representing each breeder, and Silversmith came out on top.

As a breeder, I always look towards the future, striving for continued excellence and making corrections and improvements where possible.

Silversmith Stud is in constant evolution, working towards perfection’s ultimate standard: a perfect scaled-down horse in miniature.

Perhaps the best illustration of the quality produced at the stud is the domination of the Silversmith horses in the show ring, and that is our sole aim, to breed the best quality champion show horses.

I would highly recommend these beautiful horses, and I could not have chosen a better way to spend my time.

However, I would suggest that anyone interested in miniatures researches them as much as possible before purchasing. Be patient, attend shows, discover the type, and then decide the direction you want to go.

These horses are very versatile and can be used for many different purposes, including showing, driving and therapy work.

Visitors are welcome by appointment to Silversmith Stud, or please send an email if you have any questions about any of the horses.

Visit silversmithstud.com for more info. information.