THIS year’s Connemara Pony World Search for a Star Championships, run by Connemara Pony World, in conjunction with the Irish Pony Society, are scheduled for Sunday, September 6th at Barnadown Equestrian, Co Wexford. A total prize fund of €4,000 is offered across four championships, thanks to the support of Horse Sport Ireland.

The four categories are Connemara Pony Sales Four-year-old Search for a Star, Carr & Day & Martin Five-year-old Search for a Star, CPBS Little Star Championship and HorseQuest Four and Five-year-old Ridden Championship.

The CPBS Little Star Championship, sponsored by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, is new for 2026 and is for Connemaras of 143cm and under, aged four to six years.

Connemara Pony Sales have come on board as title sponsor of the Four-year-old championship, while Carr & Day & Martin take the Five-year-old championship. HorseQuest return as title sponsor of the Ridden Championship for a second year.

Every pony will be assessed across four phases - jumping, show, conformation and ride judge - giving a rounded picture of a young pony’s potential.

UK ride judge Harrison Taylor has been confirmed on the judging panel, with a second judge yet to be confirmed.

Entries are open now at itsplainsailing.com/org/cpw