I’M the youngest of four and my father Eamon always kept ponies, so they were part of life long before I was. We all did Pony Club, but as other sports took over for my brothers and sister, I stayed with the ponies.

My brother Tommie became involved with Irish Draughts alongside our uncle Tom Burke, so horses and ponies were always central to the family.

I grew up surrounded by stallions, mares and foals. Show preparation, breeding seasons, Clifden in August and the winter break in between has always been the natural rhythm of the year. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to compete, breed and judge both in Ireland and internationally, and the ponies have opened up the world to me.

From spending six months in France in 2012 with Currachmore Cashel to judging in 13 countries, including the USA last year and Australia next year, it’s all come through the ponies.

Dad and I still breed and produce at home and we’re expecting a number of foals this season. Some will be retained and produced, others sold, but the aim is always the same - a correct, traditional Connemara with presence, athleticism and a good temperament. We are probably best known for standing stallions at stud and this year we have eight. Alongside our established stallions, we’re introducing new bloodlines, including the Danish-bred Skaergaardens Date Night, a seven-year-old who has competed successfully in dressage and offers valuable genetic diversity, which is very important to us.

I’ve been lucky to have success in the ring with home-breds and ponies produced for others, with highlights including major wins at Clifden, the RDS, the UK and Europe, along with judging and teaching invitations abroad.

Breeding ponies is not an easy road and never has been, but it’s one I wouldn’t swap.

1. Proudest breeder moment?

It’s very hard not to answer Currachmore Cashel. We’ve had many proud moments over the years, but I don’t think anything could equal what he has achieved and done for us. He’s 26 now and still fit and well, and as a family we couldn’t be prouder to be part of his story.

Clifden will always be special too. To win the supreme there in 2009 with something you bred and produced yourself, among that depth of quality, is hard to beat. It’s not just the rosette on the day, it’s years of decisions, patience and a bit of luck all coming together for five minutes in the ring.

https://foto.ifj.ie/fotoweb/archives/5005-Irish-Field/Irish%20Field%20New/Irish%20Horse%20World/Westport%202016%20Connemara%20Champion.jpg.info#c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5005-Irish-Field%2F%3Fq%3Djoe%2520burke

Joe Burke's Connemara champion at Westport Aniar Cashel \ Susan Finnerty

2. The Burke family is synonymous with Connemaras… you’re also interested in another aspect?

Yes, aside from breeding and showing, I’ve been heavily involved in judging and promoting the breed internationally. Recently, I was invited by the National Pony Society in the UK to give a presentation on breeding in Ireland. Judging in different countries gives you a wider perspective on how the Connemara is viewed globally.

I’m also very involved with the Irish Pony Society, particularly in the western area, where there has always been a strong pony culture. It’s important to support that grassroots level.

Through my uncle and brother, I’ve also been involved on the Irish Draught side. I’ve been lucky enough to produce some very good Irish Draught stallions over the years for Cappa Stud, including standing reserve champion at the RDS with Cappa Dianthus among other results.

3. Winter regime for keeping ponies?

We try to keep things as natural as possible. Most broodmares and youngstock are out for as long as ground conditions allow. Good grass, shelter and sensible management go a long way.

We usually sell most foals and retain only a few weanlings, which we manage between a loose barn and winter turnout. The stallions are kept out as long as possible too and given a chance to decompress before another busy breeding season.

4. Biggest challenges facing Connemara breeders?

Everyone involved is aware of the recent turmoil within the society and that’s concerning for the industry. Instability is never good for the pony and hopefully things will move forward in a more pony-centred and positive direction over the next few months.

Alongside that, costs are a major challenge. Everything has become more expensive: feed, transport, entries, and that puts pressure on breeders.

Maintaining type is another ongoing priority. The Connemara’s strength is its versatility and character, but we must protect the traditional qualities that made the breed what it is.

5. Prefixes - your thoughts?

Ours is slightly different in that we use a suffix, ‘Cashel’, rather than a prefix, but the principle is the same. A name should stand for a type and a level of quality. When you see certain prefixes or suffixes, you should have an idea of what you’re going to get.

Consistency is key. It’s not about breeding numbers, it’s about breeding good ones and standing over them.

6. Internet - a good or bad servant?

Both. It’s an incredible tool for promotion and for connecting breeders and buyers worldwide. Ponies now travel further and reach markets they never would have before.

But it can also create trends and pressures that aren’t always in the breed’s best interests. You still have to rely on your own eye and judgement, rather than following fashion.

7. If you could have bred any famous horse/pony?

There have been many, but even as a child I always admired two mares in particular: Castle Urchin and Coral Misty. Both outstanding mares with everything you’d want in a Connemara.

8. It takes a team. Who’s on yours?

Family first. You can’t do this on your own. There are also good vets, farriers and friends in the pony world whose opinions I value.

Dad started it all and still likes to think he’s in charge! Most of the family help out at times and my niece Beth is very keen, which is great to see. I met my wife Grace through ponies 12 years ago and she has been a huge support and more understanding than most when I’m away showing or judging for weeks on end.

It’s a small team but it wouldn’t work without them.

9. Breeding ponies - would you do it all over again?

Yes, I’m not even halfway there. I’ve been very lucky to have been handed the reins with these ponies and although, as a family, we’ve been breeding ponies for years, I still feel like I’m only getting started.

It’s not an easy road and there are plenty of ups and downs, but if you love ponies there’s nothing quite like seeing a foal grow into something special.

10. What keeps you interested after all these years?

The ponies themselves. Every foal is a fresh start and a new bit of hope. You’re always learning and always trying to breed the next good one.

And, of course, Clifden in August still has the same buzz it always did.