AN exciting new programme to identify performance fillies at a young age was announced by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society this week.

On Sunday, July 18th next at Creagh Equestrian Centre, the CPBS will be officially launching the initiative which aims to identify, award, and record merits towards the fillies’ performance in their chosen competitive discipline.

Known as the Connemara Performance Indicator Assessments, it will be open to Class 1 Connemara fillies only, of three and four years of age. Mares with ‘foal at foot’ will not be eligible. Passports will be inspected on the day of the assessments. Closing date and time for entries is 5pm on July 8th.

The objectives of this project include:-

1. To enhance the breeding status of Connemara fillies.

2. To help identify ponies with performance potential.

3. To identify performance within the Connemara pony Studbook.

4. To encourage breeders to produce ponies of the highest standard possible.

5. To promote the sale of the Connemara pony throughout the world.

6. To identify to sport pony producers that the Connemara pony is the leading pure breed sports pony of the world.

Assessment requirements

These assessments are for all performance qualities, and one of the requirements will be to loose jump competently, with attitude, approach, take-off and landing being major contributory parts to the activity of ‘jumping’.

Assessment will be carried out by a high-profile equitation performance judge with experience in identifying performance qualities in equines at a young age. Ponies which score over 75 in their assessment will receive a Bronze Award and 50 merits in the CPBS Merit Scheme.

Ponies which complete the task reasonably competently in the eyes of the judge but score under 75 will receive 30 merits in the CPBS Merit Scheme. Awards and merits will be recorded on the CPBS Database and the judge’s decision will be final.

Professional

Each entry will be professionally photographed and video recorded at the assessments and recordings made available at a fixed price to the owner/producer for enhancement of advertisement in the sale of the pony. This video or photograph may be used by the owner at sales rings and social media to demonstrate and promote the performance ability of the pony.

Anyone wishing their eligible pony to take part in this assessment must submit their completed entry forms to the CPBS office prior to the closing date on July 8th, along with the entry fee of €25 (no cash accepted).

Entry can be online or in writing and full details are on www.cpbs.ie