I’VE been associated with Connemara ponies my entire life and my grandfather Michael Conroy gifted me my first pony at the age of three.

I spent most of my childhood travelling to shows and fairs with my father Josie and later in my teens assisting Dad during covering season. My summer jobs were mainly in the catering industry and when my studies were complete, I found myself drawn to the world of finance and for the past 20 years, I’ve been working in the insurance sector.

The Connemara pony has introduced me to many wonderful people and friends for life.

1. Growing up with Connemara ponies – best childhood memories?

I grew up in Ballyconneely on a small farm where my late father Josie Conroy, RIP, was a CPBS stallion custodian, as was his father before him. I have many great memories of my childhood, from the mare owners coming with presents of sweets at covering time, seeing the new foals, the excitement of getting a new stallion to the yard and most of all, the road trips in summertime to shows, even though there were not as many then as nowadays.

We would often load up neighbours’ ponies on the truck and hit the road very early, sometimes getting Mass along the way. The buzz was just magic and the picnic on the show field was a real treat. I remember selling one of my first foals at the fair in Clifden, a filly by Skyrne Bright Cloud to a lovely man from Hollymount, Co Mayo.

He was haggling with me but I stood my ground for £100 because I wanted to buy a stereo. I knew if I got any less the stereo would be a lot smaller as my father didn’t appreciate the sound effects as much as I did!

2. When did you become the CPBS president?

December 2019.

3. Why did you take on the role?

I have always been very passionate about the CPBS and its functions. I was the Company Secretary prior to becoming president and had been very active in the running of the society. I feel the organisation has a lot to offer ponies, breeders and producers and, with an excellent team of directors, the CPBS has a bright future.

4. What would you like to achieve during your term?

We have a lot done but we still have a lot to do. We have been proactive in the control of the HWSD [Hoof Wall Separation Disease] and have a new breeding committee which will identify endangered lines etc. I would love to have educational seminars for our young pony enthusiasts, as the youth of today are the future of our breed.

5. Describe your typical day?

A typical day for us before lockdown involved my husband Patrick feeding the animals while I got our eight-year-old son Cian ready for school. Then I’d settle into my working day which could involve travelling to meet clients or desk work at home. Since lockdown it’s some home schooling with Cian, conference calls instead of travel for me and a little DIY.

6. Covid-19 has meant an

unprecedented year?

The Covid-19 restrictions will see little or no shows go ahead. Hopefully, sales will be a success. It’s going to be a summer with a difference to say the least, but hopefully 2021 will be a show year to remember.

7. Describe going to Clifden Show?

The excitement of Clifden would start weeks beforehand with the preparation of ponies. We always had the stallions entered in the show.

The atmosphere was electric on the day; my father meeting old friends from all over the world, I used to help Jimmy Jones, RIP, with his ponies and back then, everyone gathered in the area where Ring 2 and the sand arena is today. The foals would run loose with their dams, everyone helped each other and the dealing was done there.

We had many a great day at Clifden but the two that really were sweet was 1990, when Smokey Duncan won the supreme championship and 1995, when the first pony myself and Patrick purchased together, Errismore Duke, won the junior championship and stood reserve supreme to Coral Misty.

8. Is this the first year Clifden Show had to cancel?

Yes, first show cancelled since 1924.

9. Any CPBS events left on the 2020 calendar?

We would hope to be able to run inspections in autumn but that all depends on government guidelines which must be adhered to.

10. Will Connemara sales and fairs go ahead?

I really can’t say; again, that depends on government guidelines.

11. How will the clash with the Dublin Horse Show in 2021

affect Clifden?

This is a topic for discussion by Council.

12. Where does the Connemara breed fit in today’s market?

The Connemara pony is a very versatile animal with excellent temperament which makes it ideal as a child’s pony, mother/daughter share, working hunter, dressage or jumping pony. A true all-rounder.

13. Favourite pony?

Mervyn Kingsmill would most definitely be my favourite pony. He had the most gentle nature and was a typical true-to-type Connemara.

14. How are you coping with lockdown?

I love to travel and I love to talk, so cabin fever set in almost immediately. I’m no domestic goddess, however I have discovered I can use a paintbrush and make fruit scones! We also got to spend time doing fun things as a family around the place, that would not have happened only for lockdown.

15. Non-horsey hobby?

Playing cards.

16. Social media, yes or no?

Yes, I think social media is very

important when used correctly.

17. Who inspired you?

My dad was the person that most inspired me and had the greatest influence on me as a person. He was a man of honesty and integrity, always put his family first and instilled respect for others into us. He was a true horseman and had such a wonderful bond with his ponies, he embraced victory and accepted defeat. He was a friend to all who knew him.

18. The must-have gadget?

My mobile phone, it’s my buddy!

19. Favourite corner of Connemara?

Ballyconneely. You can’t but love its people, its ponies and its beaches.

20. Best time of the year?

I love summer. Long days, sunshine and ponies at their best. Nothing beats show season, meeting old friends and making new ones. There are highs and lows but so many wonderful memories are made.