Situated just outside Castleblayney in Co Monaghan, Drumhowan Stud is renowned for not only offering quality stallions, but a variety of stallions.
In total the stud stands eight performance stallions, two thoroughbred stallions and three Registered Irish Draught (RID) stallions. Owned and managed by Eamon and Gladys McArdle the couple have hand-picked the choice of stallions available at Drumhowan.
This year the McArdles have extended their stable and have introduced four new stallions, Lucarelli (TB), Cloncastle Silver Squire (RID), J Reach For The Stars (KWPN) and Parco (BWP).
Drumhowan Stud is one of few studs that offer such variety in terms of stallions. “Quantity and quality go hand in hand,” according to the McArdles. The choice of high performance European-bred stallions, thoroughbreds, Irish Sport Horses (ISH) and RID stallions makes the stud’s catalogue an enviable mix of horses.
Gladys and Eamon are indebted to Ken Rehill of The Stallion Company, for entrusting the legend that is Parco to stand at Drumhowan. A renowned global performer in sport and breeding, some of his top results include; becoming the first ever Global Champions Tour Champion in 2006, finishing fourth at the Olympic Games in Athens and winning Nations Cup competitions at Aachen and Dublin.
Cloncastle Silver Squire joins Drumhowan Stud's two other RID stallions for the 2018 breeding seasonCloncastle Silver Squire joins Drumhowan Stud's two other RID stallions for the 2018 breeding season
CHANGE MEANS OPPORTUNITIES
Both Eamon and Gladys are lifelong horse people and both are from breeding and horse trading backgrounds. Their passion, market intuition and a well thought out masterplan has meant that they have developed the stud in a professional way. This in turn means that they are respected and well supported.
Their approach to developing the stud has commanded the attention of several European top stud owners and, as a result, the McArdles have gained the trust of various stallion owners over the years. These owners entrust their stallions to “stand in the flesh” at Drumhowan Stud. All coverings at Drumhowan are either by fresh or chilled semen, and possibly by natural cover – for them there is little interest in frozen semen.
The business model has meant that the stallion roster is always vibrant and revolving at Drumhowan. “We readily accept change as it brings new opportunities, both in terms of revenue, hopefully, and new mare owners year on year.
“Reputation is everything and our returning clients are one of our great business assets. We are now dealing with the fourth generation of some families, who have remained loyal to the stud. Their support has been invaluable and has allowed us to grow.”
Gladys McArdle with Cobra 18, who proved a very popular sales sire in 2017Gladys McArdle with Cobra 18, who proved a very popular sales sire in 2017
SOMETHING NEW
As they offer a variety of stallions, the stud has a mix of different types of breeders coming to use their stallions. “We have some breeders for sure who will use younger stallions, while others will bank on the sires coming with proven reputations. Personally we admire Jan Greve’s philosophy – ‘I will use a stallion when no one has heard of them, I am always looking for something new’.”
The McArdles, who have approximately 12 breeding mares of their own, are not huge fans of using “over-crowded” stallions. “We feel that if you use ‘overcrowded’ stallions the supply outweighs demand at the sales.
“In our opinion, it’s attractive to be different and stand-out with a foal by a new or younger stallion at the sales. We think very strongly about the cross in breeding.
“The cross of the mare and stallion must be compatible, therefore it is imperative to see the stallions in the flesh or if not, be advised by someone with proven integrity and a firm knowledge of breeding.”
We have seen a growing trend towards sensible quiet pleasure horses.
BREEDING GOALS
Variety is the spice of life at Drumhowan and amidst the breeding season at the stud, there are all shapes, sizes, colours and breeds of mares visiting, including pony mares. “In our experience, owners have different goals. Some are aiming to produce high class performance, show jumping and eventing foals/ young horses.
“Others are looking for pure-bred Irish Draught horses. We have seen a growing trend towards sensible quiet pleasure horses. The variety of clients is what makes the business at Drumhowan interesting and lively. Drumhowan for sure is not a one horse wonder business.”
CHANGES IN BREEDING
Colandro - WBFSH top 100-ranked show jumping and eventing sire for 2017 is an emerging top-class sire standing at Drumhowan StudColandro - WBFSH top 100-ranked show jumping and eventing sire for 2017 is an emerging top-class sire standing at Drumhowan Stud
Over the years Eamon and Gladys have seen major changes in sport horse breeding in Ireland.
“Stud farms like ourselves are competing against a European market of imported semen.”
Despite this trend, both Gladys and Eamon are adamant that they will not travel too far off their master plan. “We are still breeding, buying, selling and sourcing stallions, broodmares and foals annually for simply one reason - DEMAND. And so the ‘pyramid’ grows.
“We recognise that our most important asset, is our people and the relationship we have with our clients. ‘We do what we do, do well’, represents our simple philosophy.
Situated just outside Castleblayney in Co Monaghan, Drumhowan Stud is renowned for not only offering quality stallions, but a variety of stallions.
In total the stud stands eight performance stallions, two thoroughbred stallions and three Registered Irish Draught (RID) stallions. Owned and managed by Eamon and Gladys McArdle the couple have hand-picked the choice of stallions available at Drumhowan.
This year the McArdles have extended their stable and have introduced four new stallions, Lucarelli (TB), Cloncastle Silver Squire (RID), J Reach For The Stars (KWPN) and Parco (BWP).
Drumhowan Stud is one of few studs that offer such variety in terms of stallions. “Quantity and quality go hand in hand,” according to the McArdles. The choice of high performance European-bred stallions, thoroughbreds, Irish Sport Horses (ISH) and RID stallions makes the stud’s catalogue an enviable mix of horses.
Gladys and Eamon are indebted to Ken Rehill of The Stallion Company, for entrusting the legend that is Parco to stand at Drumhowan. A renowned global performer in sport and breeding, some of his top results include; becoming the first ever Global Champions Tour Champion in 2006, finishing fourth at the Olympic Games in Athens and winning Nations Cup competitions at Aachen and Dublin.
Cloncastle Silver Squire joins Drumhowan Stud's two other RID stallions for the 2018 breeding seasonCloncastle Silver Squire joins Drumhowan Stud's two other RID stallions for the 2018 breeding season
CHANGE MEANS OPPORTUNITIES
Both Eamon and Gladys are lifelong horse people and both are from breeding and horse trading backgrounds. Their passion, market intuition and a well thought out masterplan has meant that they have developed the stud in a professional way. This in turn means that they are respected and well supported.
Their approach to developing the stud has commanded the attention of several European top stud owners and, as a result, the McArdles have gained the trust of various stallion owners over the years. These owners entrust their stallions to “stand in the flesh” at Drumhowan Stud. All coverings at Drumhowan are either by fresh or chilled semen, and possibly by natural cover – for them there is little interest in frozen semen.
The business model has meant that the stallion roster is always vibrant and revolving at Drumhowan. “We readily accept change as it brings new opportunities, both in terms of revenue, hopefully, and new mare owners year on year.
“Reputation is everything and our returning clients are one of our great business assets. We are now dealing with the fourth generation of some families, who have remained loyal to the stud. Their support has been invaluable and has allowed us to grow.”
Gladys McArdle with Cobra 18, who proved a very popular sales sire in 2017Gladys McArdle with Cobra 18, who proved a very popular sales sire in 2017
SOMETHING NEW
As they offer a variety of stallions, the stud has a mix of different types of breeders coming to use their stallions. “We have some breeders for sure who will use younger stallions, while others will bank on the sires coming with proven reputations. Personally we admire Jan Greve’s philosophy – ‘I will use a stallion when no one has heard of them, I am always looking for something new’.”
The McArdles, who have approximately 12 breeding mares of their own, are not huge fans of using “over-crowded” stallions. “We feel that if you use ‘overcrowded’ stallions the supply outweighs demand at the sales.
“In our opinion, it’s attractive to be different and stand-out with a foal by a new or younger stallion at the sales. We think very strongly about the cross in breeding.
“The cross of the mare and stallion must be compatible, therefore it is imperative to see the stallions in the flesh or if not, be advised by someone with proven integrity and a firm knowledge of breeding.”
We have seen a growing trend towards sensible quiet pleasure horses.
BREEDING GOALS
Variety is the spice of life at Drumhowan and amidst the breeding season at the stud, there are all shapes, sizes, colours and breeds of mares visiting, including pony mares. “In our experience, owners have different goals. Some are aiming to produce high class performance, show jumping and eventing foals/ young horses.
“Others are looking for pure-bred Irish Draught horses. We have seen a growing trend towards sensible quiet pleasure horses. The variety of clients is what makes the business at Drumhowan interesting and lively. Drumhowan for sure is not a one horse wonder business.”
CHANGES IN BREEDING
Colandro - WBFSH top 100-ranked show jumping and eventing sire for 2017 is an emerging top-class sire standing at Drumhowan StudColandro - WBFSH top 100-ranked show jumping and eventing sire for 2017 is an emerging top-class sire standing at Drumhowan Stud
Over the years Eamon and Gladys have seen major changes in sport horse breeding in Ireland.
“Stud farms like ourselves are competing against a European market of imported semen.”
Despite this trend, both Gladys and Eamon are adamant that they will not travel too far off their master plan. “We are still breeding, buying, selling and sourcing stallions, broodmares and foals annually for simply one reason - DEMAND. And so the ‘pyramid’ grows.
“We recognise that our most important asset, is our people and the relationship we have with our clients. ‘We do what we do, do well’, represents our simple philosophy.
SHARING OPTIONS