LAST year the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society introduced a Merit Award Scheme for Connemara ridden and performance ponies, registered with the Society, and generally not competing in mainstream competitions. It is hoped that this scheme will develop and improve in the coming years and encourage higher entries at shows throughout the country.

At present, a limited number of shows and classes (detailed below) are part of the pilot scheme, and the first four places in the Connemara Ridden and Connemara Working Hunter Performance classes at these specified shows will qualify for merits; 3yo Connemara Loose Jumping and 4yo Connemara Mare Performance class first four places will qualify for merits only in the finals.