Eyreleigh Stud is a 7.4 hectare property in North Canterbury, only 25km from Christchurch on the north side of the Waimakariri river, and south of Kaiapoi and Rangiora. The land is all pasture and provides winter hay as well as grazing for horses and cattle. The soil is fertile silt loam which is of good depth and free draining.

Originally from Mossburn, in Southland, Lyn Turner was brought up with horses. She even rode a pony to primary school. Then, about 15 years ago, she started pleasure riding again.

Lyn and Neville Turner with Coalman's Touch

Breeding her own horses soon followed. "We wanted to breed the type of horse that was suitable for me to ride. We looked at many breeds but were sold after seeing the stallion Kingcroft Wicklow," says Lyn.

"He was taken out to work in a paddock with mares on both sides - and he didn't turn a hair."

Over the years the Turners have developed a love of the Irish Horse, realising the breed offered the temperament and athleticism they were looking for in a sport and riding horse. They now have several registered purebred mares in their breeding programme.

Neville does not have an equine background, but enjoys working with the horses and has taken a keen interest in handling and showing.