“WE have to innovate to stay ahead in any industry,” said Connemara Pony World Search for a Star organiser Lucinda Kelly as she described last Sunday’s expanded format. Now in its second year, the competition is the brainchild of Kelly whose passion for the Connemara pony is evident in many of her ventures.

Building on last year’s success, the 2025 event took place in the new venue of Barnadown Equestrian attracting competitors from across the country to compete in classes aimed at promoting the development of novice ponies. “I wanted to develop something similar to the Pictan Novice Championship in the UK. We are the home of the Connemara Pony and I wanted to showcase younger ponies performing in Ireland,” she said.