Ian Boylan, in-hand show producer shares his life lessons

Cuddy

The in-hand show producer on the importance of patience, his obsession with breeding the best and his days as a restaurant manager.

Ian Boylan says: “I always maintain the importance of real, honest stable management. With youngsters, it’s all about keeping them happy and content as well as injury free. All my horses go out in the field regularly and have lots of rest in between shows, with plenty of downtime and peace and quiet. I’m fanatical about deep beds, which encourages them to lie down and relax properly.

“I treat the stallions like normal horses; they’re never segregated and everything is done to improve their general wellbeing.

“These days, I’m more patient with my horses. When I was younger, I was so hungry to do things that I probably didn’t give some of them enough time and got carried away by my own drive. I wanted to be really good, but some animals need more time and I have learnt that you can’t push a young horse. I don’t like to see them doing too much too soon.

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Alex Robinson

Freelance equestrian journalist

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.