Millsleigh Irish Sport Horse Stud

29/06/2024

The weanlings have settled in well with Filippe (foreground). Good to talk to their half-brothers and uncles over the fence..

29/06/2024

It is very bleak in the Free State at this time of the year! Some unexpected rain/sleet this morning and very grey.. there is a very big contrast between the seasons..

22/06/2024

..but only if I feel like it!

19/06/2024

Weaning Day 2..

19/06/2024

Foal weaning Day 2 meeting Grandpa Ashgar Fillipe..

26/05/2024

News from Star Burton at the Idle Hour Stud in Zimbabwe: By Connemara ( Ashgar Mighty Knight) out of ISH/ TB mare by her ISH stallion Zeus. "Exactly what I wanted. Strong junior sport horse. Filly . Like a power house . Mum is 16.2hh". Her name is a different name but with meaning . Mighty Ailbhe.

12/05/2024

Congratulations to Caroline Powell from New Zealand and Greenacres Special Cavalier (ISH) 2024 Badminton winners!

05/05/2024

One of my favourite Events of the UK show season is the The Royal Windsor Horse Show. Thanks to Horse & Hound and Traditional Irish Horse Association for providing us with commentary and exemplary pictures of the highlights and beautiful horses.

“He just wants to please... He likes to cover a lot of ground, which is why he loved the main ring here; he ate it up.”

Congratulations to all of the Royal Windsor Horse Show’s working hunter champion’s connections

Read the full report below...

05/05/2024

😍

🏆 Another TIH Champion, this time at Kilbride Pre-Balmoral Show.

☘️ Farmhill Inspirational Alex ISH (TIH) was ridden by Brian Murphy to win the Middleweight Class, the 4 year old class & Ridden Show Champion. Owned by Glen Knipe, this gelding is by Rosier TB out of the Fast Silver mare Muckross Lorna, bred by Edmund Vaughan.

05/05/2024

😍

Lucy Glover and Amanda Sharman's Connemara stallion Castle Kestrel won the 2024 Royal Windsor ridden M&M championship on the penultimate day of the show...

05/05/2024

😍

30/04/2024

******* PLEASE HELP ******
This little pony has gone missing from the Bainsvlei area in Bloemfontein 2 days ago. Please keep a lookout for him! His name is Whiskey, and is a sweetheart. Please, if you live in Bloemfontein, or you know people in Bloemfontein, please keep a lookout! If you have any info, please call Nicole Joubert at 0732648339. — in Bloemfontein.

22/04/2024

Oh gosh! That four-month stage time when the older colts are ready to be weaned and we are waiting for the younger ones to catch up.. Rebel is giving the grooms such a run around being caught! Grandma has had to intervene twice now.. these Irish Horses are too bright for their own good!!

14/04/2024

Stormy wintry day on the farm today.. locking up with my faithful companion!

29/03/2024

HOW MUCH DOES A FOAL COST?
Behind every purebred foal is a BREEDER. I use capital letters to distinguish a breeder from a backyard breeder or a farm animal because there is no better word. A serious breeder does not breed foals without papers that protect the integrity of the breed.
Registration papers are ancestral records that document your bloodline and allow you to investigate possible health issues in your lineage
If you tell a breeder you don’t care about papers just tell him you don’t matter about foals health, you just want the cheapest you can find!
If you decide to buy a foal from a reliable and quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for the health of each foal.
This breeder will skip holidays and weekends, miss out on sleep and spend most of his personal time on his horses and their welfare. The truly passionate breeder who loves what he grows puts all his time into it.
Not only foals for sale, but for every customer who owns a piece of his heart and is now a member of his big family!
Breeders are worried about their babies after their extraction!
A breeder will get his hands dirty,often covered in everything that comes with birth. Cause that's what life is all about... In between birth and life there is death... that's a part of it. It breaks the breeder's heart. But it's the wheel of life that keeps turning.
A breeder performs ultrasound, analyses, emergency vet calls, vaccinations, registrations, researches pedigree, deworming, farrier appointments and offers the basic start for the future of foal in foal ABC, loading training, cleaning, injecting, leading, getting used to environmental influences...
After all, a breeder CHOOSES the family lucky enough to have one of their foals. Yes, read it right.
A real breeder decides WHO to sell. And that's never "above the price" either.
There really is no compensation that can compensate a breeder's investment.
A good breeder has different criteria for who wants to continue his bloodline or buy a foal from his offspring why? Because breeding is not a responsibility you take lightly, it's a lifestyle choice reserved ONLY for the few dedicated people who are willing to because a foal is never "just a pet" or a "recreational horse".
The foal is the breeder's legacy, a little boy's best friend, a little girl's caregiver, a therapy for the elderly, a family member, someone's whole world - until the day it moves out and from then on for the new owner!

Written in part by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Muller
translated into english by: Angel Sophia Nogga
Modified for foal by: Stacey Mugrage
COPY THIS AND POST IT WITH YOUR OWN PICTURE ON YOUR PAGE.
Worth sharing, an article written with so much truth and heart bleed. Responsible breeding and ownership of multiple horses is a lifestyle and commitment that many fail to understand:
7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Our life revolves around horses!
Found written perfect and so true and therefore shared ❤

23/03/2024

We have now passed the Autumn Equinox and with the chilly nights and lack of rain the trees are already turning and shedding. Two big storms over the last two days brought a smattering of rain which is most welcome.. the foals are now 4 months and becoming much more independent but still 2 months to go before scheduled weaning..

17/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/ktqbEj5SenZzi7gw/?mibextid=oFDknk
Happy St Patrick's Day!

🍀☘️ Happy St Patrick's Day ☘️🍀
Everyone is a little Irish on Saint Patrick's Day, 💚💚💚

02/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/EGXdjxgoQNRhtXm2/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Please stop and think seriously about breeding. There are so many unwanted horses, ponies, and foals. Breeding for the sake of breeding is wrong. A problem in the UK and a problem here in South Africa too.

If you're thinking of breeding a foal, it's important to consider what makes a good broodmare

Read more via link below

01/03/2024

After a wet beginning to the summer we have not had rain for quite a while now. The veldt is getting dry and is starting to change colour as are the trees.. the change of season is starting to show with chilly mornings.. the foals continue to thrive and also change colour!..

23/02/2024

I am sure there are many of us out there that identify with this!!

14/02/2024

To all with horses: With the humidity and the extreme heat the environment is now conducive for weavil and mite infestations in the concentrate.. please be sure to check.. I have had to throw out bags of stud feed today the most expensive of the range..

13/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/VVXUY2qibVorguZF/?mibextid=oFDknk
Some good points made..

I want to talk about the responsibility we have as horse owners and the responsibility we have of putting our equine partners first before our own needs and wishes.

I have recently witnessed a horse owner refusing to listen to vets, trainers, grooms, bodyworkers and the farrier. Every professional in her circle and beyond has made the recommendation, although heartbreaking, that the horse needs to be put down. 💔 He is in extreme pain, unable to walk and is in constant muscle spasm.

As horse owners, we have the incredible privilege of caring for these magnificent creatures that bring so much joy and companionship into our lives. With this privilege comes great responsibility - the responsibility to always put the well-being of our horses first and to make ethical decisions on their behalf.

Providing a Safe and Healthy Environment: Our horses rely on us to create a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive in. This means providing them with proper shelter, adequate turnout, and a clean living space. Regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and dental check-ups, is crucial to their overall health and well-being and this is just the basic level. By prioritizing their physical and mental health, we ensure that they live their best lives.

📚 Continuous Learning and Education: As horse owners, it's our responsibility to stay informed and educated about the best practices in horse care. We should strive to expand our knowledge on topics such as nutrition, training methods, and equine behavior. By being knowledgeable, we can make informed decisions that promote the welfare and happiness of our horses.

💚 Proper Nutrition and Exercise: Just like humans, horses thrive when they have a balanced diet and regular exercise. It's essential to provide our horses with nutritious forage, high-quality feed, and access to fresh water at all times. Regular exercise, whether through riding, turnout, or engaging in natural horsemanship activities, helps to keep them physically and mentally fit. Let's ensure they receive the nourishment and movement they need to stay healthy.

🤝 Building Trust and Positive Relationships: Horses are highly social animals that thrive on trust and positive interactions. It's our duty to cultivate a strong bond with our horses through gentle training methods, clear communication, and consistent care. By fostering a relationship built on trust and respect, we create a harmonious partnership that benefits both horse and rider.

🌍 Being Ethical and Responsible: As horse owners, we have a responsibility to make ethical decisions for our horses. This means considering their individual needs and preferences when it comes to their living conditions, training methods, and overall care. We should always prioritize their well-being above our own desires and be advocates for their welfare. Let's be the voice for our horses and ensure they are treated with the love and respect they deserve.

One of the most challenging responsibilities we may face is making the decision to put our beloved equine companion to rest. It's a decision that no one wants to make, but sometimes it becomes necessary for the well-being and quality of life of our horses. Ultimately, the decision to euthanize a horse should always prioritize their welfare and quality of life. It is a decision made out of love and compassion, guided by the best interests of our equine companions.

By embracing these principles of responsible horse ownership, we create a foundation of love, care, and respect for our equine companions. Let's remember that they rely on us for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our horses and set a positive example for the equestrian community. 🌟🐴❤️

09/02/2024

Walking the larger mares and foals such a long distance to the field is not easy. It has taken quite a lot of training and it is nice to see them now walking confidently and in control. The colts can sometimes be quite unpredictable! The grooms are taught to lead the horses on both sides.

09/02/2024

Mistral, Katie and Sea Lord all playing around Chenook with the Connemara mare herd coming to watch! The video gives an idea of the size of the camp..