LAST weekend, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society held a successful Spring Festival. On Friday night, there was an open discussion on the pony, with Padraig Heanue talking about the market and the associated costs of producing a pony. Malachy Gorman spoke on the importance of type and breeding quality ponies. Jimmy Canavan said he believed the greater equestrian community required a minister of state to promote the Connemara pony and the Irish Horse. Pauline Dahill addressed the meeting regarding the performance pony and competing the Connemara Pony. Cait Hennessy explained the SNP process and the passport process and the outlook going forward.

Early on Saturday, there was a demonstration by the highly regarded Denise Norton, who explained the linear profiling system, used by the Society for the inspection of the ponies being classified and how the marks awarded are calculated.

The Bartley O’Sullivan talk was given by Kevin Bolger and was enjoyed by those in attendance.

On Saturday night, a number of breeders were inducted into the Society’s Hall of Fame.

Renowned Connemara breeder and Connemara pony show competitor, Mary Rabbit of Monaghanstown Stud in Westmeath’s contribution to the breed and the quality of her ponies was acknowledged with this award.

Philip McMahon from Cavan, who stood the stallion Murphy Rebel, the sire of five Clifden Champions in the 90s was also inducted.

Frank Joyce, a former judge, inspector and council member and loyal supporter of the Connemara Pony and the Society, whose pony Cailin Ciun won the Supreme Championship in Clifden in 1996 and has bred several class one stallions was also inducted.

Eamon Burke, whose Cashel ponies have been true to type and excelled in the show ring, was also inducted.

Joan Dahill, a former council member, who did not miss a meeting while on council from 2015-2018 and promoted seeing the Connemara Pony competing in cross-country and eventing, was also inducted.

Padraig Folan of the Teach Mor stud received an award for his contribution to the promotion of the Connemara Pony at local shows, standing stallions and supporting and assisting Connemara Pony breeders in South Connemara.

The final award on the night was to Ann Henderson, who campaigned and petitioned the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show for years to get a Connemara Pony class included.

On Sunday, the Stallion Parade was held in the showgrounds in Clifden. Before commencing the parade, a minute’s silence was observed for the passing of Pádraig Hynes, a cherished member of the Connemara Pony community and a stalwart of the world-famous Canal ponies. Pádraig’s legacy spans over half a century, marked by his exceptional dedication to showcasing the beauty and grace of ponies. CPBS president Daragh Ó Tuairisg extended his deepest sympathies to Pádraig’s beloved wife Mary, his family, and friends during this difficult time. “May the memories of Pádraig’s remarkable life bring comfort and solace, and may he rest in eternal peace,” he said.

The stallion parade included several popular stallions and was also an opportunity for stallion owners to attend and display their recently inspected and classified stallions. One notable recently passed pony was a 12.2hh stallion owned by Sharon Walsh, who is believed to be the first 12.2hh stallion passed in approx 50 years.