Based in the beautiful heart of Shropshire, last weekend the Stallion AI services held a hugely successful open day which was graced with fabulous weather with visitors from far and wide enjoying the glorious sunshine.
As the largest semen storage and distribution centre in the UK, the open day showcased world-class stallions including Nick Skelton’s gold medal ride, Big Star, Arko III who was voted No.1 Showjumping Stallion in the World (2005 – 2006), Son of Arko III Argento, Ramiro B and Michael Whitaker’s ride at the RIO 2016 Olympic Games, Cassionato.
Stallion owners and staff, who boast a wealth of knowledge on breeding and the horses’ standing at the centre, were on hand throughout the day to answer visitors questions.
Central to the day’s events was the arena where the stallions were showcased under saddle or in hand. Crowd favourite, Cassionata, was ridden by the young Jack Whitaker who also got chance to take the reins on Nick Skelton’s ride, Big Star and Argento later in the day.
Other stallions who were featured in the parade included Murka’s Gem, Warmblood Showjumper Aristio and the rather stunning Franz Ferdinand, from Woodlander Stood.
Adjacent to the AI Services is the Equine Reproduction Centre, Twemlows Stud, where the mares are brought in for insemination, embryo transfer, and foaling. Visitors were treated to a tour of the unit and were welcomed to ask questions on services offered.
A silent auction was held for The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, who are currently working with the Stallion AI Services to preserve the Suffolk Punch Horse. The rather stunning and highly sought after, Craikhow Hall Jensen, whose size was matched by his generous nature, stood effortlessly next to some of the worlds most successful stallions.
Spillers horse feeds were on hand to discuss nutritional requirements, while the British Hanoverian Horse Society, and the Anglo European Stud Book were promoting their services alongside other equine businesses in the trade stand hall.
For more information on the centre please visit the Stallion AI Services website.
Image credit JH Equestrian Photography
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.