THE Connemara Pony Breeders Society has unveiled a new Connemara Pony calendar for 2016 with all proceeds going towards Connemara Therapeutic Riding.

This year’s Clifden festival saw the hosting of the inaugural art competition which was won by equestrian artist and Connemara Pony breeder Janice Linden. Janice’s late father, Frank Latham owned Blackrath Stud, the leading National Hunt Stud which stood the great Vulgan, sire of three Aintree Grand National winners.

Asides from assisting in all aspects of the stud and racing yard, Janice also hunted and evented, qualifying for Burghley as an 18-year-old. On leaving school, she studied Fine Art and for 10 years was tutored privately by the renowned portrait painter George Colley RHA.

EQUESTRIAN ART

Janice now concentrates on equestrian art and paints private commissions. Along with her husband Anthony, she breeds Connemara ponies at Blackrath and has produced many very successful ponies including all-rounder Blackwood Fernando, Blackwood Dancer in dressage, and the international show jumper Blackwoodland Rock who has represented four countries.

The painting Janice created for the CPBS competition covered the three main aspects of the Connemara pony, breeding, showing and performance. Priced €10, all proceeds are going to Connemara Therapeutic Riding. The calendar is available from the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society on 095 21863.

The original winning painting is for sale and will be on display in Hayden’s Hotel, Ballinasloe, during the CPBS Conference next Sunday, December 13th from 12 noon. Calendars will be on sale at the conference.