‘My late father used to say 16.1 was the right height, 16.2 and no more’ - behind the scenes at one of the most historic and equine-diverse stud farms

The stone walls that attend the driveway up to Tullaghansleek Stud are as solid as the days they were laid by hand, generations ago, and the earthen mounds of the double ring fort stand to attention as rigidly now as they have done for centuries.

People have lived in this Westmeath townland for millennia and, as long as humans have inhabited this midlands dwelling, horses must have accompanied them. 

Tullaghansleek Stud has a history on this land all of its own, and while the Carey family has stood stallions in this ancient place for more than 160 years, the farm, with all its store of success, its archive of knowledge, is but a child when such long years of life are counted up.