Manu Fortis Blue Nile

IDHSNA - 2020 - 17.0hh

Manu Fortis Blue Nile (Niles) is a rising star in the Irish Draught world and a true gem of traditional breeding. He is one of only two sons of the legendary Touch of the Blues (deceased) standing to the public in the United States today. What sets Niles apart is his exceptional lineage: he is the only active stallion in the U.S. produced by crossing Touch of the Blues on an own daughter of Riverbank—a pedigree steeped in performance and versatility.

Riverbank, known for passing on his athleticism and temperament, is also the grandsire of Toytown, Zara Tindall's (née Phillips) renowned event horse who competed at the very top levels of international sport. This rare genetic combination makes Niles a standout in preserving and enhancing the Irish Draught breed, offering breeders a unique opportunity to access these coveted bloodlines.

Conformation, Temperament, and Early Achievements

Niles is a striking dark chestnut with a stunning flaxen mane and tail. Beyond his exceptional looks, he carries the strong bone, balanced proportions, and willing temperament that make Irish Draughts an ideal choice for sport horse breeding.

He began his under-saddle training in 2024 and is on track to launch his competitive career in dressage, jumping, and eventing in 2025. This combination of proven performance genetics and a solid training foundation positions him to contribute both as a breeding stallion and a competitor.

Niles’ breeding career began in 2023 with a test pairing to Heather's APHA eventing mare, which resulted in an outstanding colt exhibiting superb movement, presence, and substance—traits that define Niles' influence as a sire. This colt can be found on our Sales page. In 2024, Niles covered our Giacomo daughter, Jacomina (JC), and she has been confirmed in foal, further proving Niles' fertility and potential to cross well with a variety of mare lines.

2025 Breeding Season

Manu Fortis Blue Nile will be available for cooled and frozen semen in 2025.

• Regular Breeding Fee: $1,250
• Booking Fee: $500 (applied toward breeding fee)
• Live Foal Guarantee: Covers the breeding fee for two consecutive seasons and may be transferred to an alternative, approved mare.
• Mare Owner Responsibilities: Shipping and collection fees.

Discounts and Opportunities

We are pleased to offer discounts by private treaty for:

• Purebred Irish Draught mares.
• Approved mares with proven competition records or show homes.
• Breeders with multiple mares.
• Early booking; by January 15th.

Contact us at stallions@syzygyfarm.com to learn more about discounts and how Manu Fortis Blue Nile can elevate your breeding program.

Looking Ahead

With his traditional pedigree, striking conformation, and proven early offspring, Niles is set to become a leading sire of purebred Irish Draughts and Irish Draught Sport Horses in North America. His competitive career, beginning in 2025, will showcase his versatility and athleticism, further cementing his value in the sport horse world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to incorporate rare, performance-driven genetics into your program with Manu Fortis Blue Nile—where tradition meets the future of sport horse excellence.