Quality breeding at Pallas Stud

By Shane Brophy

Almost every aspect of how we do things has changed over the past year. No area of society and business has been unaffected, and the breeding industry is no different.

Pallas Stud, located in Pallas, Carrigatoher, outside Nenagh, is run by the McDonnell family. It was established 40 years ago by Willie and Peggy McDonnell and has been taken over in recent years by William jnr and Becky McDonnell.

A family business, they currently have around sixty horses in the stud, priding itself on producing quality Irish Sport Horses, particularly for the showjumping and eventing markets.

“There is a good trade there at the moment for quality stock,” admitted William McDonnell.

“It’s all about quality now. We are going for quality but we also have numbers (around 50) so there is strength in numbers. We had more at one stage but too many to manage.”

Pallas Stud’s largest market has primarily been the United Kingdom, although sales within Ireland have improved in recent years. Covid-19 initially impacted their ability to connect with potential buyers but much like estate agents have had to adapt in terms of selling homes over the last twelve months, breeders have had to turn online to trade, and it has had its benefits.

“I am kind of surprised that trade was as good as it has been,” William revealed.

“For the first few months there was uncertainty and people weren’t inclined to buy but after that people clicked on and they are buying them without seeing them now; they are buying them off videos.

“People don’t have the time to fly over here and go into quarantine and spend a few more weeks looking at horses and then go home again.

“We have to produce more expensive videoing, but it is worth it as we don’t have to deal with the people as such, only over the phone. It saves time at the end of the day.”

One of Pallas Stud’s most successful stallions is CastlecomerQ. His pedigree speaks for itself. By OBOS Quality 004 and out of Loon Candle (by Candle King), he is closely related to Quickstar, Galoubet and King of Diamonds, some of the best blood lines in the world.

According to his profile, he is a “a super type with amazing exuberant paces), he has fantastic jumping technique and is bold and extremely scopy. His first crop of foals were born in 2007, they in turn have inherited his quality, wonderful temperament and step.

“He is working very well for ourselves,” McDonnell added.

“I always had stallions before him, but they grew old and finished up and they were very busy. CastlecomerQ is easily twice as good as any of them.”

In an industry that is constantly evolving with extremely competitive market for high quality bred horses, Pallas Stud is aiming to build on its strong tradition built over the last forty years and they are inviting anyone looking to purchase a high-quality breed to get in contact by going to their website: www.sporthorses.ie.