Driven by an inquisitive mind and a keen interest in breeding Michael Doherty gladly shares his knowledge and moreover the Irishman really enjoys getting the word out there. That is the words of renowned people in the equestrian world that he interviews for his Podcast: ‘Big talk for breeders’. Michael has had the pleasure to speak with and learn from some of the most accomplished breeders in the world. We thought it was high time we interviewed Michael, because his story is definitely worth sharing and very inspiring indeed.
How did you get involved in the world of horses?
I was born into a farming family, and we originally had a dairy farm. As children we got a pony (‘Holly’) for Christmas, but it was only my sister, Kelly, who really maintained a strong interest. Shortly before University, I began to take an interest in the bloodlines of horses. The breeding aspect of all animals on our farm was always a part that really interested me. I studied Equine Business at University, and worked for Horse Sport Ireland during the summers, and continued to work with them eight years after graduating. I left my Marketing Executive role in December 2018, to work for myself. Back in the spring of 2013, I had purchased a broodmare called Knightfield Mena (Touchdown x Irco Mena), and she was the start of my breeding program.
What makes you passionate about the world of breeding?
That strive for (likely unattainable) perfection! Breeding is like a never-ending jigsaw puzzle – in a good way. I have always enjoyed making combinations. Breeding two animals together, working on strengths and weaknesses, in an attempt to create a superior next generation.
With all other farm animals, you know where it starts and ends. With horses, however, the possibilities are unlimited. The prospect of seeing horses born on our farm, in the west of Ireland, competing at the highest levels of international showjumping, excites and motivates me. Breeding, and horses in general, brings us in contact with people all over the world, that we would otherwise never meet, and gives us this international common language. It’s incredible, really.
You are besides an avid podcast maker also an entrepreneur in the world of breeding. What are the other activities you undertake?
In addition to creating my podcast ‘Big Talk For Breeders’, I also offer a number of services to other breeders, including a Stallion Selection Service and the sourcing of broodmares. I also facilitate five breeder groups throughout Ireland. In recent months, I took on a part time position with Hippomundo, as this is a platform that I really believe in. Aside from all of this, we also have a farm to run, of course! In addition to my sport horse breeding program, we have a sheep enterprise, and a number of other on-farm Agri-tourism side businesses.
Can you tell us why you decided to begin a podcast series and when did it start?
If we go right back to the beginning, it was a TED Talk by Kalina Silverman title ‘How to skip the small talk and connect with anyone’ that got the ball rolling. Kalina had also developed a card game called ‘Big Talk’. I really liked the concept and wondered how I could incorporate something like that into the breeder group meetings that I was facilitating. I created 30 equine specific questions on cards and played a game with these groups. It really got some of the quieter participants to open up. I later asked Luc Henry if he would be willing to sit down to answer some of these questions, and that we would record it. We did this at his home in Belgium in September 2018, and the response to the interview far surpassed my expectations. There was no going back then!
Since breeding is your business but also your passion, how many times have you almost had to pinch yourself when doing an interview with someone you admire?
To educate myself on breeding, and the industry in general, I continue to meet with, and learn from, successful individuals. Over the past decade, I have been fortunate to meet with some great minds and enjoy incredible visits to their farms or stables. It’s amazing how willing most people have been to welcome me to into their homes and give me their time so generously.
My podcast is a way for me to capture the experiences and wisdom of these individuals, and to share it freely with all those interested in sport horse breeding. I love that you can listen to the interviews in that breeder’s own words, with their intended tone, and at a time and place that suits the listener. I’m very aware that not everyone has the freedom to travel like I do, and the opportunities to meet these successful breeders. It’s not something that I ever take for granted.
Is there a specific interview that has special meaning to you?
The beauty of doing this podcast is that, if not a single person listened to it, I get a lot of value from it myself. It’s a privilege to get to have these conversations, and for them to be available online forever more. Even when we are all gone, future generations of breeders can still access them. There’s something in each interview that I have learned from or enjoyed.
Episode one, with Luc Henry, was a particular special interview for a variety of reasons. I had never created anything like this before and wasn’t sure how it would go. Luc was very influential on my earlier years in breeding, so it was important to me that I started it with him. The fact that the interview made him quite emotional, in two separate instances, showed me the power of these conversations.
If after reading this interview there are new listeners that will tune into your podcast, what is the must-listen interview you’d advise to start with?
Start from the very beginning! I’m biased, of course, but I feel it is a solid investment to listen to each one of these interviews. Throughout the interviews, you will hear common themes, and also views that are somewhat conflicting. Some interviews will mean more to you than others. That will depend on your own specific interests and goals.
For something a bit different, however, I think episode five, with Alan Waldman, is quite intriguing. He sees the industry from so many different perspectives, and in his breeding program (and in life) he is definitely not afraid to do things differently.
I found my recent visit to Stal Hendrix, to interview Paul, quite inspiring too. Both in terms of the visit and the conversation for the podcast. The feedback on that interview has been fantastic, and that word ‘inspiring’ keeps on coming up in the messages I am receiving from listeners and friends.
Do you have any advice to breeders who are starting out?
Set a clear goal and do all that is within your power to reach for it.
Invest in the work of the successful breeders that have gone before you, by buying a good filly, from a good mare, from a good family. While of course there are one-hit-wonders, it’s important that we do all we can to increase the probability of success in our chosen space.
Seek out the breeders that have been successful in your chosen discipline. Study them and meet them in person if possible. Over time, you will see common themes appearing across all many of the successful breeders. This is even evident in my podcast series. Similarly, it is important that you regularly expose yourself to high level competition in your chosen discipline, to understand the modern-day requirements and demands of the sport.
Market your horses more like a luxury good, and not a commodity. Be honest in your words and your actions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be slow to give it to others. Finally, cheer on your fellow breeders when one of their home-bred horses does well.
What is your experience with auctions & what do you think of the Barnbridge platform?
While I typically sell my home-bred horses privately, I regularly attend various auctions in Ireland and in mainland Europe. As a breeder it can be a nice way to see the offspring of specific stallions, and if foals have their genetic dams with them at auction, it’s a good way to see how particular combinations worked out.
There are so many auctions worldwide currently, that it is difficult to keep up. Barnbridge is very helpful platform that allows you to see auctions in once place, and to browse all of the individual auction lots together. The option to set up alerts, for a particular horse age or sires for example, is a great idea. Barnbridge is sure to be a success!
Big Talk For Breeders is available on ApplePodcasts, SoundCloud and Spotify, or by visiting www.michaeldoherty.ie/big-talk
You can enter the discount code michael50 at the sign-up process here: www.barnbridge-auctions.com/membership/ *The code is valid until the 14th of March.
