PART one of a four-part series examining the enduring popularity of the Connemara pony in Irish society will air on TG4 on Thursday, May 29th, at 8pm and will also be available on TG4 player.

The series will delve into this world of breeders, riders, buyers and sellers to establish why this pony is so revered. It also touches on the controversial postponement of the ridden part of the Clifden show last year.

In episode one, viewers will meet Máirtín Ó Neachtain from Rosmuc, a generational pony-owner, who is preparing for a busy season of pony shows. Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society member Peter Ó Máille talks about the process of inspecting Connemara ponies. Also appearing here is Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society president Daragh Ó Tuairisg. Gearóid and Patrick Devane, who share strong opinions regarding the protection of the traditional-type Connemara pony, also feature.

In episode two, Máirtín Ó Neachtain is at the Corrundulla show with Glencorrib Missy and show organiser Lucille Smyth speaks of the importance of the country show in Irish society. Pony owner Róisín Ní Ghionnáin also features as she prepares her stallion Old Stone Tucker for the Roundstone show. Kildare-based Connemara woman Finola Nic An Iomaire introduces her four-year-old mare Knocmena Eloise, who is being trained to compete in events this summer.

In episode three, Finola attends the Midlands Connemara Pony Show with Eloise and her rider Aoife Brennan and Áine Ní Fhoghla talks about the Clifden show. Also featuring in this episode are the Ó Ráinne family, Seán Ó Conaire and his father-in-law Jerry and Máirín Ó Neachtain.

Episode four features Mike Frank Ó Confhaola, a pony enthusiast who travels by pony and cart as a pastime, Colm Sullivan and his nephew Colm McCauley, as well as Gloria Nolan.