BREEDERS are the backbone of our sport, with passionate equestrians up and down the country hoping to produce the next superstar. But success doesn't come easily, so what are the benefits of producing several generations of a dynasty, and what can be learned from that?
From a sheep farm in Wales, father and son Martyn and Mark Edwards have been conjuring jumping genes for showjumper Mark to ride. Through to the current fifth generation, an impressive tally of prolific home-breds has emerged, including his grand prix stars Montreuxs Tale, Tinkers Tale and Flying Tinker II, who has amassed more than £70,000 in prize money.
Martyn, formerly a leading showjumper himself, was the pioneer 25 years ago, setting the wheels in motion with his top horse Flying Mamma becoming their foundation mare.
“Starting out, you have big dreams and you think every foal is going to be a world beater, but in the early days our aim was just to breed something as good
