“WHAT we were looking for today was star quality and the ability to go forward in the performance fields,” judge Janet Murray explained at the first inaugural Connemara Pony World Search for a Star.

The competition concept, passionately pioneered by Lucinda Kelly, was developed to showcase the talents of four and five-year-old Connemara ponies across three judged phases.

Held in Punchestown last Saturday alongside the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association national breed show, the format was “based on feedback over the last few years from across Ireland. I felt there was the need for a platform to showcase some of our best young, up and coming Connemara ponies,” explained Lucinda Kelly.

Kelly who runs the Connemara Pony World Facebook page and Connemara Pony Tales podcast alongside her full-time job, set about providing such a stage. Running two specific age classes - a four-year-old and a five-year-old class - the concept proved to be a hit with 32 competitors entering across the sections.

Alongside Murray’s judging the performance phase, where ponies were scored on paces and jumping ability over a course of 10 fences, Orla Geraghty assessed confirmation. When these scores were tallied, Geraghty then rode the top six ponies in a ridden judge phase before final placings were awarded.

Individual age categories offered this competition a unique approach that Kelly was keen to implement. “Four and five-year-olds are the first grassroot markets for ridden ponies and I felt these were the right ages to kick off with,” she said. From a judging perspective, Murray added: “Age is really important because you are competing against ponies that are the same vintage and it is a good yard stick for people who are producing to see where their own ponies are at.”

Jumping took place on grass, an aspect that was praised by both judges and participants for allowing ponies to demonstrate the surefootness the breed is famed for.

A delight

“The standard in the four-year-old class was extremely high, they coped really well with the jumping,” Orla fed back at the end of the day. Topping this section was Theresa’s Delight (Royal Atlantic Star x Janno Sky Lady), owned by Thomasina O’Reilly and ridden by Ciara Dennigan.

“She’s an absolute legend, she is one of the nicest Connemaras I have every ridden. She just tries her best at every opportunity,” said an elated Dennigan who also finished fourth in this section with another of O’Reilly’s ponies, Flower of Roo (Banks Donovan x Roo Heather). As an owner and producer herself, classes like Search for a Star are “crucial” for Thomasina who commented: “They built a course that was inviting for the ponies, allowing them to show their skill and scope without putting in questions that would frighten them. We have taken both ponies very slowly this year to put them in positions they are confident in their job.”

Ciara Dennisgan and Theresa's Delight (left) with Thomasina O'Reilly and Flower of Roo \ Clare Silke

Present on the day to witness her win were breeders David and Theresa Donoghue. David named the mare after his wife when he was diagnosed with cancer the year she was born not knowing at the time what lay ahead.

Four years on, having made a great recovery witnessing ‘Margo’s’ win was incredibly meaningful to the pair. “These types of classes are very important to breeders like us as it gives us something to breed for. Being here today is incredible,” beamed David.

Match made in heaven

Topping the five-year-old class was the exciting grey gelding Cupid’s Magic Shadow (Silver Shadow x Meadowhill Magic Melody). A true embodiment of the Connemara versatility, he was ridden on the day by 15-year-old Abigail Kenny.

They were the only five-year-old combination to compete in the Connemara Performance class at last month’s Dublin Horse Show, finishing seventh overall and have also won the Sarah Miller Future Performance 2024.

Owned by her parents Graham and Cassandra, Abigail’s younger sister has also enjoyed success on the Noel Shally- bred gelding, including Novice Working Hunter Champion at the IPS Spring Show and he added an EI80 win to his CV the day following Search for a Star.

“It was nice to have a class where young ponies could compete against others of their own age,” Abigail said. “We’ve had a great day. It was superb to have a ride judge, that was one of the most exciting parts for us. It would be lovely to see that in more classes around the country,” Graham, who was on hand to support his daughter throughout the phases, added.

Having already attracted sponsorship from Horse Sport Ireland, Horse Quest, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and Hollywood Connemara Pony Stud, Search for a Star is in full ascent. Keen to build on this year’s success Lucinda is already planning to expand.

“I’d love to get it across to a global audience and live stream the classes in the future. Maybe one day we might look at creating some sort of sales platform or auction to run alongside the event. I am very grateful to the support of this year’s sponsors for getting behind the idea and for the individuals who gave up their time today to ensure it all ran smoothly. Sincerest thanks to the IDHBA and Robert Draper for facilitating the competition as part of their National Show.”