THE management of the annual Connemara Pony Show in Clifden will be returned to the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) after an announcement this week by the Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG.

The Show CLG was established in 2025 as a company licenced to independently run and manage the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden for an initial period of three years. This followed a rocky path to the 2024 show, which included issues around the warm-up sand arena at the Connemara Showgrounds and a weather event that led to a decision to postpone the ridden classes and move them to another venue.

While it had only run the show for two years, it confirmed that it will not be responsible for the management or operation of the show in 2027. It is understood the move came after the CPBS council made a decision at a recent meeting that it wanted to resume control of the show.

A public statement on the matter from the Show CLG outlined that: “Following recent discussions between the two organisations, the CPBS communicated its strong desire to bring the Connemara Pony Show back under the direct management and control of the Society. In light of that position, Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG has agreed that its role in managing the event will now come to an end.

“The Board (of the CLG) wishes the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society every success as responsibility for the future management and organisation of the Show returns to the Society.

“The Board would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the delivery of the Show over the past two years, including staff, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, pony owners, breeders, competitors, local businesses, statutory agencies and the wider Clifden and Connemara community.

“The commitment and goodwill shown by so many people played an important role in staging one of the most significant events in the Connemara calendar.

“While Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG will no longer be responsible for the operation of the Show itself, we remain strongly supportive of the Connemara Pony Show and its importance to Clifden, Connemara and the Connemara Pony community internationally.

“In that spirit, we will continue, in conjunction with Connemara Chamber and the wider community, to assist with the staging of uptown festivities during Show week and help ensure that those attending receive a warm welcome in Clifden town.

“The Board believes that the Connemara Pony Show is an important part of the heritage, identity and economy of Clifden and Connemara and wishes everyone involved every success in taking the event forward into 2027 and beyond.”

The CPBS was approached for a statement on this matter but none was recieved at time of print.