Ballynahowen Eamon wins IPS Novice Pony of the Year Award

Congratulations to Ballynahowen Eamon, owner Mr. Paul O'Connell & 15 yr old rider Ms. Rebecca O'Connell on winning Novice Pony of the Year award at the recent IPS awards.  Ballynahowen Eamon was also awarded the Aran Bobby Cup, this is awarded to the Connemara Working Hunter pony who achieved the most points throughout the season.

Ballynahowen Eamon was bred by Mr. Eamon King from Ballynahowen in Co Galway, his sire is Moy Hazy Cove and the dam is Grainne (M 11557 by Rynn Richard).  Included in Ballynahowen Eamon's accolades are Cork IPS Novice WH Champion, Mountain & Moorland Champion a Limerick Show & Reserve Champion at the Mountain & Moorland class at Galway County Show. 

Well done to all involved  

Inspection Clinics

The CPBS are organising two Inspection Clinics. The clinics are aimed at anyone who is planning to present a pony at Inspections. It will also be beneficial to anyone who shows ponies or is interested in the general care and welfare of ponies. The first clinic will take place in Cavan Equestrian Centre on Saturday 11th February at 1pm. The second clinic will take place in Glen Aire Equestrian Centre, Mallow , Co. Cork on Sunday 4th March at 1pm. Admission to both clinics is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Topics covered will include nutrition, hoof care, presentation and turnout of a pony, and what an inspector looks for in a pony.

Fundraiser in loving memory of Aibha Conroy in aid of Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

Event: Drive & Ride from Gowla to Mynish (Connemara, Co Galway)

Date: 19th February 2012

Time: 12 noon

Location: Gowla to Mynish

Contact: Kathleen Keaney Conroy 087 7852745. Martin Nee 087 2226668 or Alison Coyne 087 6778374.

If you cannot make it on the day but would still like to make a donation in loving memory of Aibha Conroy (grand-daughter of former CPBS vice president Thomas Keaney, Gowla, Cashel, Co Galway) please contact Temple Street Children's University Office on 01-878 4344 or www.templestreet.ie

Getting to London with Camilla Speirs

Follow Camilla Speirs fortnightly column in the Irish Field.  The young Event rider from Co Kildare is part of Irelands long list squad for the London Olympics.  Her first column was in Saturdays Irish Field (January 21st)  Camilla rides the half bred Connemara, Portersize Just A Jiff (By Crosskeys Rebel) which she hopes to qualify for the London Olympics 2012.

Michael O'Malley Celebrations

The year 2012 marks a special anniversary for the Connemara Pony. It is one hundred years since Michael O’Malley brought the Connemara Pony to the notice of the general public. Michael O’Malley was born in Rosmuc, Connemara, Co. Galway in 1884. He took great pride in his native Connemara Pony and it’s ponies and was among those present at a meeting of the Connemara Pony committee which was held in Clifden on 15^th November 1911, when a description and definition of the Connemara Pony was drawn up. An attempt to form Society seems to have failed but nonetheless Michael O’Malley was determined to promote the Connemara Pony in which he believed in so passionately.

In June 1912 Michael O’Malley travelled the long journey from Rosmuc to London with two ponies to take part in a breed parade in Olympia. His efforts were well rewarded as his ponies were much admired, and the hardships of the long journey had been worthwhile.

On his return from Olympia Michael O’Malley set about trying to revive the old breed. He wrote a letter to the Irish Farming World, headed “A Plea for the Connemara Pony”, in which he deplored the deterioration of the Connemara Pony, due to the introduction of unsuitable sires and urged that steps be taken to revive the old breed. His letter raised huge awareness of the Connemara Pony and in all between November 1912 and July 1913 twenty letters were published in the Irish Farming World concerning the Connemara Pony.

The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was formed on 12^th December 1923, with Rev. Father C.J. White as President and Michael O’Malley as Honorary Secretary. Throughout his life Michael O’Malley strived to promote and improve the Connemara Pony.

To recognise the contribution Michael O’Malley made to the Connemara Pony, the CPBS are organising a number of events throughout 2012 to commemorate this remarkable man who played such a part in making the Connemara Pony recognisable worldwide. As part of the Spring Festival the annual Bartley O’Sullivan Lecture will be presented on Saturday 24^th March 2012. This year’s speaker will be Pat Lyne, who will discuss the Michael O’Malley legacy.

(Adapted from “Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society 1923 - 1998”, Petch, Elizabeth )

Complete Equine Reproduction Course

Kate Murray, Veterinary surgeon and owner of Performance Connemara stallion “ Killaloe Buachaill Mor, is organising a THREE DAY complete equine reproduction short course, with lectures by Jos Mottershead of Equine-Reproduction.com.

The course is to be taught by one of the World’s top equine reproduction experts, and is without doubt, the most comprehensive stud course available. Each day a different section will be covered, the mare, the pregnant mare and foal, and the stallion. The course will include practical sessions, Q&A’s, and a huge amount of practical and money saving advice. Each delegate will receive detailed course notes.

Teaching and practical work will be supported by Jamie Anderson, BA Physiol (Oxon), Lotta Sortoft, and a presenting veterinarian.

The course will commence on 24^th February 2012, subject to sufficient bookings.

For more information, contact Kate Murray: 0868169134.

Connemara Pony Spring Festival

The annual Connemara Pony Spring Festival will take place in Clifden from Thursday 22nd March to Sunday 25th March. The festival will have a wide range of activities including photo exhibition, colt inspections, table quiz, kid's party, educational seminars and stallion parade.

More details will be posted shortly.

FEI Passports

Would the owner of every registered Connemara Pony that is going to perform or be sold ABROAD to perform , please send their passports back to the office in Clifden to be modified for acceptance by the FEI. The measuring season will be starting soon, and the correct passport is needed prior to measurement to have breeding recorded by the FEI.

Midland & Western Region Dressage

The First winter Show for this region took place in Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, Claregalway on December 4^th. Thanks to Cathríona O'Toole for supplying results and photo.

Below are the results for the Registered Connemara Ponies , who took part :

Despite the cold, windy conditions, there was a good turnout with 59 tests. The judge was Donie Mc Namara from Limerick. Results:

Class 1: Intro A:

Unreg: 1^st- Margaret Gorton – Corrib Mistral – 57.82

Class 2: Prelim BD 7:

Reg. Cat 1. 2 nd - Alwyn Moran – Buttermilk Melody – 63.50, 4^th - Deirdre Holmes – Cnocban Yasha- 59.50.

Reg. Cat. 2. Junior: 1^st Alanna Cazabon Sullivan – Saoirse na Mara – 60.00.

Under 12: 3^rd - Jane Field – Creganna Amber – 57.50, 4^th - Caoimhe Curran – Starlight - 56.00.

Sportsman A: 1^st - Pat O ‘Neill – Illaunurra Shadow – 67.50 (pictured below).

Class 3: Prelim. BD14

Reg. Cat. 1: 1^st - Alwyn Moran – Buttermilk Melody – 66.66, 3^rd - Deirdre Holmes – Cnocban Yasha – 65.00.

Junior: 1^st - Alanna Cazabon Sullivan – Saoirse na Mara 63.33.

Under 12: 1^st - Caoimhe Curran – Starlight – 61.25, 2^nd - Jane Field – Creganna Amber – 61.25.

Sportsman A: 1^st - Pat O ‘Neill – Illaunurra Shadow – 65.83

Class 5: Novice BD 24

Junior: 1^st - Alanna Cazabon Sullivan - Roundstone Heather – 69.23,

Class 6: Elementary BD 42

Reg. Cat. 1: 1st - Mary Mitchell – Western May – 63.75

Junior Junior: 2nd - Alanna Cazabon Sullivan – Roundstone Heather - 63.12

Mirah leaves for Foreign Shores

Successful performance sire Westside Mirah, is leaving his Co. Galway home in January. He will be travelling to Normandy, to the farm of his owner, Mr. Eric Walsh where the twenty five year old stallion will continue his stud duties.

Those of you who feel they “missed the boat” do not despair. Frozen semen will be available at the practice of veterinary surgeon Philip McManus in Claregalway.

This photograph was taken when Westside Mirah was 17 years old.

Foal Registrations

It is now the law that every foal must be registered before 31st December in the year of its birth or within six months of its birth, whichever occurs later. Each animal must also be micro-chipped.” [S.I. No. 357 of 2011]

Therefore if your foal was born on or before June 30th 2011 it must be registered by December 31st this year. Failure to comply with this will also result in the horse being ineligible for slaughter for human consumption.

Bebo.com Sold to Belgium

Bebo.com (pictured below) an eight year old Connemara gelding has recently been sold to Belgium for a substantial undisclosed figure. The grey showjumper by Monaghanstown Fred, ex Sally Ann will be sadly missed by his owners, the Kenny family from Gorey, Co. Wexford. Bebo.com was bred by Peter J. Roberts and broken and produced by Shane and Padraig Kenny, who sold him as a four year old but in a twist of fate bought him back. Having competed consistently well on the Irish circuit the gelding will continue his showjumping career in Belgium. Shane and Padraig's Mother, Ellen, described Bebo.com as " a super pony, who will be sadly missed". The CPBS wish Bebo.com every success in the future.

Connemara Connections to Top Grand Prix Horse

Will Wimble the 11 year old grey gelding by Touchdown and owned by Mr. Harold McGahern is quarter connemara.  The grand dam is a Connemara mare called Coolbawn Claire.  Coolbawn Claire a 13.2h was owned by Margaret McCormack from Colehill in Co Longford.  She jumped with her children.  She also hunted and pony clubbed before she started breeding.  She was covered by the top NH stallion Roselier to produce The Woolsack (14.3h).

Will Wimble is ridden by Co Meath rider Alexander Butler.  They won the 2011 Vodafone International Grand Prix at Balmoral Horse Show this year and also placed a very impressive 6th in the Longines Grand Prix at the RDS.  Alexander was crowned Show Jumping Champion of 2011 following his win on Will Wimble in the final of the SJI and Dubai Duty Free National Grand Prix in Ennis.

Harold McGahern is no stranger to the showjumping and performance world, he had Rincoola Abu jumping with the Army and along with Mr. Ronnie McMahon created the Performance Hunter Class at the RDS and the Future Event Horse Classes.  Both classes are well worth watching if ever at the RDS !

Connemara Pony Stallion Parade 2012

The Annual stallion parade will take place in the Showgrounds in Clifden on Sunday 25th March.  Other activities for this weekend to be confirmed.

Connemara Pony Festival 2012 - Change of Date

The annual Connemara Pony Festival will take place a week earlier than usual in 2012 to avoid a clash with Dublin Horse Show who had to change their date due to the Olympics. The Connemara Pony Festival will now take place from Sunday 5^th August to Sunday 12^th August. On Thursday 9^th August the in-hand and ridden classes will take place and the performance classes will be on Friday 10^th August. Further details will be posted shortly.

Exciting News

An Post has issued a series of four 55c stamps to honour the Irish horse. Peter Curling, Ireland’s leading equestrian artist, painted the images on which the stamps were based. One of the stamps features a Connemara Pony. The Irish Draught, the Coloured horse and the Thoroughbred are also featured. These stamps are available to buy in your local post office or online at www.anpost.ie for a limited time only. Why not purchase some to use on your 2011 Christmas cards?

Producing the Connemara Pony in the UK

Diamonds Equestrian Centre in Renvyle in Co Galway have just joined a new business venture in the Pony World in Manchester in Walsden E,C.  The centre is run by Becky Jones an International rider who has vast experience in the equine world.  Becky also runs Water Equestrian Centre in Rosendale 10 miles form Walsden.  There are stables for 31 horses, a large indoor arena and 2 outdoor arenas along with 40 acres of land.  Already 80% of teh stables are fully booked in livery with Beckys vast experience in sales.  She hopes to make it the hub location for sales of trained Connemara ponies and promote the breed in the UK.

An Capaillín

The CPBS are currently compiling Volume XI of An Capaillín. If any one has an interesting article or photo we would be delighted if you could send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be considered for publication. We are especially interested in any Connemara Ponies at home or abroad or are competing at a top level or performing consistently well. It is our intention to run another Facebook competition for the front cover photo.

Advertising space is available at a cost of €100 for a full page and €60 for a half page. To book your ad please contact the CPBS on 095 21863. We would appreciate if all articles, photos, news and adverts could reach us by Friday 18^th November.

Count Christy highest placed Connemara at the National Dressage Championships

The final day of Dressage Ireland's National Championships was held at Cavan Equestrian Centre on Sunday 25th September.  The highest placed Connemara, and the winner of the Abbeyleix Owen Trophy along with a cheque for €150 sponsored by the CPBS was the 10 year old gelding Count Christy.  The pony is owned by Annora Whitley from Co Meath and was ridden by her daughter Rose.  Count Christy was bred by Matthew Cloherty from Barna in Co Galway and goes back to Abbeyleix Owen through his sire Ben Gawher.  His dam is Lady Bird by Dangan Dun.  Congratulations to the Whitley family and to Count Christy.

Documentary proves a great success !

The documentary shown on TG4 on Tuesday September 6th proved to be extremely popular.  110,000 people tuned into watch the International Connemara Pony Show.  The documentary comfortably made it into TG4's Top 10 programmes for that week.  This was a week which included live coverage of Under-21 Hurling Finals, the deferred coverage of matches from the first weekend of the Rugby World Cup and the special programme featuring Dolly Parton, live from the O2.

Very proud of our Connemara Pony !

Blackwood Fernando to feature on cover of UK Magazine

The Native Pony Magazine will be running a 3 page article on the Connemara Pony Festival.  The magazine will include news and photographs from the Connemara Pony Show.  The magazine is only available by subscription from 01 380734374

TG4 Documentary

A documentary on the Clifden Show was shown on TG4 on Tuesday 06 September.  The documentary gave highlights of the show, interviews, and a real insight to what takes place in Clifden over the week.  For those of you who missed it, you can visit our facebook page and click on the link.  Well worth watching !

CPBS Sponsors Starfinder

Four Connemara ponies qualified at various centres for the Pre-qualifier at Barnadown on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th August.  Three of which got through to the final on Sunday 21st August.  Ponies and riders tackled the 1.15m - 1.20m track , and unfortunately whilst there were only 9 clear first rounds out of the 25 that had started the best of the Connemaras had 4 faults.  This was a pony called Orange Sparrow, by Ashfield Jovial Joker ex Sheila by Holiday Archfield, owned by Pauline Clarke and ridden by Killian Norris.  Congratulations to the other two connemara ponies who made it through to the final, Derrylough Freddie (by: Corrib Prince ex: Rahins Misty Maeve) and Doon Laddie (by: Silver Shadow ex: Doon Kate)

Ann Reade from the CPBS Council presenting Killian Norris with his rosette.  Photo courtesy of : jumpinaction

Coosheen Julie Crowned Supreme Champion

The 2011 Connemara Pony Show attracted the largest ever crowd to the Showgrounds in Clifden, Co. Galway. Spectators basked in glorious sunshine while viewing perfectly presented ponies. The 88^th Annual Connemara Pony show was the highlight of the week long Connemara Pony Festival. A huge thanks must go to all who helped make the week such a success. Congratulations to all prize winners. The first of the competitions, the Irish Green Hunter class, commenced on Wednesday morning. This was the first time this competition was run and it was deemed a great success. Congrats to Mary Mitchell and her pony Western Easter who collected the red rosette. On Wednesday afternoon Kirsten McDonagh and her team from Inishturkbeg Stud soared to victory in the loose jumping competition with their pony Inishturkbeg Top Cat Wind Guru.

In the in-hand classes on Thursday the Supreme Champion and Visitor Champion was awarded to Elizabeth Petch’s two year old filly Coosheen Julie. Reserve champion went to Robert and Barbara Fallon’s Frederiksminde Mathilda. Joanne Grogan’s stallion Mountain Cascade won Reserve Visitor Champion. In the Confined Championship Damien Gorham’s Doonhill Queen was named champion while Joan Geoghegan’s Beckindale won Reserve Confined Champion.

Winner of the two year old colt class Doonreaghan Marty owned by Martin Nee was also judged Junior Champion. Champion foal went to Peter O’Toole’s colt foal Castle Emperor, while reserve went to Michael Moran’s filly foal Rocklawn Celeen.

The Champion Ridden pony of the show was Prospect Suzy ridden by Shauna Finneran and the reserve champion ridden was Festy Jane ridden by Catherine Ryan. A special mention must go to Derbhile Dempsey who expertly showed her pony Hollyhock Smurog to win the Young Handler’s Class.

Heavy rain on Friday morning did not deter the riders in the Working Hunter classes. Claire Devlin’s gelding Blackwood Fernando was crowned Champion Working Hunter pony with Suzanne Creaven’s pony Tarpey in Reserve. The rain stopped just in time for the exciting new class, the Clifden High Performance Class with a prize fund of €3000. Blackwood Fernando again took the red rosette in this class with Foxcourt owned by Anne Maguire in Reserve. Following this competition the Puissance took place with Bobby Sparrow Blue claiming the title for the third year in succession much to the delight of his owner Patricia Dalton.

The support we received from our sponsors is much appreciated. Our main sponsors in 2011 were Horse Sport Ireland, Galway Irish Crystal, The Oil Company, Manor Connemara Ponies and Diamond’s Equestrian Centre. Thanks to all our judges, stewards and exhibitors.

Junior Champion Doonreaghan Marty

Ridden Champion & Reserve Ridden Champion

Confined Champion Doonhill Queen

Reserve Confined Champion Beckingdale

Reserve Visitor Champion Mountain Cascade

Winner of the Green Hunter Competition Western Easter

Loose Jumping Champion Inishturkbeg Top Cat Wind Guru

WH Champion Blackwood Fernando and Reserve Champion Tarpey

Puissance Champion Bobby Sparrow Blue

Connemara Pony Show 2011

New Officers Elected

The Council of the CPBS have elected Andy O'Donoghue from Co. Clare as the new President. Pat Mullen was re-elected as Vice-President and Padraic Heanue was newly elected as Vice-President. John Riordan will serve another term as Treasurer. Jane Andrews was elected as Honorary Secretary.

Equi-Solutions

Equi-Solution suppliers of quality equine products are now offering all Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society members discount on the following products: Pony Feeds, Shavings, Horslyx, Supplements, Rubber Matting. Discount offered on full range of products. New store opened at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, Claregalway, Co Galway.

For more information please contact Martin Cooke 087 9704773

Proof of membership required on delivery

An Capaillín

Volume ten of An Capaillín is now available from the CPBS. Priced at ten euro it is great value and packed full of photos and interesteing articles. To order your copy phone 00 353 95 21863. Payment can be made by credit card. P+P €3.

CPBS Awards Night

On Saturday 26^th March the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society held it’s annual awards night in the Station House Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway. The recipients of the Hall of Fame awards were Mr. Ado Kenny, Mr. Joe Gorham, Ms. Pat Lyne and a posthumous award was presented to Mr. Christy King in memory of his brother, the late Paddy King.

Ado Kenny is a man synonymous with shows all over Ireland and his ‘golden’ voice is instantly recognisable. Ado has made a huge contribution to the Connemara Pony Show for many a year as the official show commentator.

Joe Gorham is a former CPBS Council member and served on many CPBS committees over the years. He has given a lifetime dedication to the Connemara pony and his prefix Kingstown is recognised all over the world. Joe won the championship in Clifden twice and also bred a third champion.

Pat Lyne is a well known author who has written a number of books on Connemara Ponies. Pat also runs a museum in Clifden dedicated to the Connemara Pony. She is a renowned judge and breeder of Connemara Ponies.

The late Paddy King was honoured with a posthumous award for his contribution to the Connemara Pony as breeder of the famous Village Ponies. The award was presented on the night to his brother Christy.

The CPBS also presented three performance awards to the owners and breeders of three ponies. These ponies were Templebready Fear Buí, Young Walt and Bob Marley. Templebready Fear Bui has bred a number of top performance ponies, while Young Walt and Bob Marley are performing consistently well in competitions.

Online Stallion List

As many of you are currently making choices on which stallion to use this Spring, you may find our stallion list a useful tool. To view the complete stallion list free of charge please click here.

Reduction in Fees

The CPBS is delighted to announce that the Council have reduced the prices of doing transactions with the Society for members. Parentage testing kits for colts and fillies will now cost €50. Filly inspection fees have been reduced to €55. Transfer of ownership now costs €10 and duplicate passports cost €150. These price changes have immediate effect and only apply to members of the CPBS.

New Publication

Tom MacLochlainn's new book "The Moycullen Ponymen" is available from the CPBS priced at €20. Congrats to Tom on producing such an interesting book which is full of unseen photos.

Email Addresses

If you are a member of the CPBS and wish to receive your correspondence by email please send your email address to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will add it to our database.