FOLLOWING a publicly peaceful start to 2025, Irish Horse World readers began to learn that division still existed on the Connemara pony scene.

Lesley Hunter-Nolan has mainly taken the lead when it comes to reporting on the politics of the breed society, but it was IHW editor Judith Faherty whose report in the issue of Saturday, January 18th appeared under the heading ‘New entity formed to secure Clifden Show’.

After that, we became aware that ‘Pony inspection clash rumbles on’ (March 15th), followed seven days later by ‘Meeting called for concerned breeders’. In April, our attention was drawn to the news that ‘CPBS appoint CFO to lead society’, while in May it was ‘CPBS members in limbo over EGM’.

If we thought this would be quickly called, having learned that over 400 people had signed up in favour of same, things weren’t that simple. ‘CPBS claims EGM signatures ‘illegitimate’’ (May 24th) and then, seven days later, we read ‘CPBS members give notice of EGM’.

We were advised on Saturday, June 21st ‘An EGM convened by members of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society is going ahead, despite the fact the council of the Society rejects its legitimacy’. This EGM was to take place, if it were to take place, on June 28th; not too far away but was anyone holding their breath?

As reported on July 5th, the EGM did go ahead with 220 members present. ‘A statement from the Breeders’ Support Group said two ordinary resolutions were presented and passed unanimously, with no counter proposals or questions raised. The statement said, in accordance with Company Law, and following the removal of three directors, the floor nominated and elected three interim council members.

The Irish Field asked the CPBS if the council accepts or rejects the motions, and the next steps the society will take. In response, the CPBS said: “Our position remains unchanged as outlined in our previous correspondence to members. As previously noted, the Council proposed a meeting with representatives of those seeking the EGM; however, no response has been received to date. That offer remains open. As this remains an ongoing matter, the Society will not make any further comments at this time.”’

We now await the society’s AGM, which is expected in early 2026.

On a positive note, news of the launch in Clifden of the 100th Connemara Pony Show was carried in the issue of Saturday, August 2nd. This show, and the next two renewals, was being independently run and managed by the newly-formed Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG. After the contentious 2024 show, the Clifden anniversary fixture took place in mid-August when history was made as Patrick Curran’s stallion Glencarrig Douvan became the first pony to win both the in-hand and ridden supreme championships, being partnered under saddle by Grace Maxwell-Murphy.

Away from the politics of the breed, the Connemara was proving its popularity on the ridden and performance scenes and continued to draw big crowds ringside at the major shows.