THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) has moved to ease disquiet among members by publishing an update on passport delays. In the update, published in part on their website, cpbs.ie, and in full on their Facebook page, the new committee said the transition to SNP DNA testing ‘has not been smooth’ and acknowledged some ‘technical and logistical hiccups’along the way.

The statement reads: “It turns out that delays in getting our passports are linked to using the original DNA from mares and stallions in the DNA bank. These are the same belonging to our ponies from when they were originally DNA tested. To protect the integrity of the studbook, the best decision at the time was to use the retrieved samples from the DNA Bank. The pedigree of these ponies was already established, verified and readily available.

“In relation to this year’s foals, who could not go through the new testing system we, with our lab partners, are endeavouring to speed up the passport process using the old MS DNA system. Passports should be rolling out in the next few weeks.”

To assist in planning for next year’s foal crop, the committee has appealed to members, “in the interest of expediting this process”, to complete and return their ‘Forecast of Foals Expected in 2024’ forms to the office, by post or email, before January 15th, 2024, so the status of both sire and dam can be identified and the necessary steps taken to follow up and update their SNP status prior to the foaling season.

“The new council for 2023/24 is committed to work diligently together within these parameters to fulfil our responsibilities and we are prepared to tackle these challenges with you, our members and contribute to the overall success of the CPBS,” the statement concludes.