THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society held their annual Spring Festival last weekend, which kicks off the centenary celebrations for the society, established in 1923.

The weekend kicked off with colt inspections on Thursday and Friday at Creagh Equestrian Centre in Ballinasloe. On Friday evening, the Station House Theatre was the venue for the ‘Heritage & history of the Connemara Pony’, presented by the students of the Clifden Community School, and led by teacher and breeder Olivia Staunton.

Students discussed their experiences with the Connemara Pony as part of family life, what areas of management and riding they enjoyed most, and their ambitions for the future.

Saturday kicked off at the Clifden showgrounds with the All-Ireland Farrier competition, followed by the final day of colt inspections. Fifty ponies were presented over the three days, 16 of which achieved Class 1.

That evening, the 21st annual edition of An Capillín was launched at the Station House Theatre and the Hall of Fame awards took place.

Liz Hodgins, a sixth generation breeder, was recognised for her long time service to the Society over the last 65 years. Breeder of Woodfield Sammy (Abbeyleix Owen - Clonlara Nora) the Grade A showjumping stallion, he has gone on to be a sire of sires.

Robbie Fallon of Cashel Bay Connemara Ponies was recognised for his success as a breeder, producer and promoter of the Connemara pony both here and abroad. Breeding the winners of the in-hand Supreme and Ridden Champions at the 2022 Connemara Pony Show in Clifden this was the “icing of the cake”.

Founding fathers

A fireside chat with the living relatives of the founding fathers married an image of what life was like for those originally founding the Society, which was followed by a glimpse of the future when young breeder Colin Doyle gave a presentation on his journey with the Irish team to the Young Breeders World Championships.

The evening’s proceedings were rounded off by a special presentation from Michaela Pavlisová, President of the Czech Republic Connemara Pony Society, to the CPBS committee members. This is the most recently formed daughter society, of which there are now 17 worldwide.

The weekend culminated on Sunday with the annual stallion parade, with 20 stallions shown to spectators on a sun filled day. Paddy McNamara of Belmont Pony Stud, rider Alicia Devlin Byrne and Claire Crawford of Ardfry Stud were awarded for their recognition to the breed, before

CPBS President Dave Sheedy, the CPBS committee members and family members of the Society’s founding fathers unveiled the special commemorative plaque marking this auspicious year.