THE Connemara pony always played a part in the life of Countess April Merveldt who was a long-time supporter and member of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society.

She was a selective breeder under her Donode prefix and a highly-respected judge, attending the national show in Clifden every year until unable to do so last August. Some months earlier, shortly before her 90th birthday, April was inducted into the CPBS hall of fame and was presented with her certificate at home in Ballymore Eustace by her good friend Denise Norton of the Edenmist Stud in Kilcullen.

Denise was a regular visitor to Donode and travelled throughout Ireland with April who she fondly remembers in so many ways.

“April was a perfectionist who was always looking at life with a view to improve. She was hawk-eyed, never missing a thing, and was always reading and keeping up-to-date with new ideas which she would discuss, then adapt or dismiss as she thought fit.

“She loved judging and could remember every pony seen on the day. She herself bred true-to-type Connemaras with good conformation and, importantly, the ability to perform. To this end, she would travel the country tirelessly looking for the right stallion for her mares.

“April was an amazing instructor with patience to match her expertise and no problem was beyond her. When it came to her ponies, no shortcuts or gadgets were used as she always worked using classical training. She sent me a pony to break, although coming to see him every day, and, when it came to backing him she insisted on being the first – until she cracked a rib – she was about 82 at the time.

“April had an amazing memory and was seldom, no never, wrong! She was independent, sociable and made really great egg sandwiches.”