THE Annual Connemara Pony Show, taking place every August, is the largest display in the world of the finest Connemara ponies the breed has to offer. It is held in the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) Showgrounds in the capital of Connemara, Clifden, Co Galway.

The show has grown over the years and is an opportunity for breeders to display and compete their ponies and their progeny to the largest attendance of Connemara Pony enthusiasts. International societies, overseas breeders and Connemara friends make their way to the West, and for many, it is an annual trip.

A win at the show is a source of great pride for any pony’s dedicated owner and there is much friendly rivalry in evidence.

Traditionally it has also afforded breeders an opportunity to sell their ponies. Emphasis on the importance of the breeder is acknowledged with the name of both the pony’s owner and breeder noted on all entries and publically announced with their listing on each day of competition.

The continued success and achievements of the Connemara Pony can be attributed to the breeders who constantly strive to breed the best to the breed standard – “little horse with the big heart” – and the producers who bring the ponies on to compete in all manner of equestrian disciplines.

The Connemara has proven itself over and over again to be a sure-footed, willing, hardy, intelligent, kind hearted and reliable creature, with an excellent disposition suitable for both adults and children.

History of CPBS

The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, established in 1923 for the purpose of taking steps that would lead to the preservation and improvement of the Connemara Pony, appointed a team of inspectors in 1924 and two stallions were purchased by the Society.

There was tremendous enthusiasm for this project and the first Connemara Pony Show was held at Roundstone on August 15th 1924 with 500 entries overall, and 150 entries in the designated Connemara Pony Section.

The opening ceremony was performed by Prince Ranjitsinhji, renowned cricket player, who had recently come to live at Ballynahinch Castle outside Clifden.

The Connemara Pony stallion class and RDS Silver Medal was won by the Society’s own stallion, Gold Digger (5), with Cannon Ball (1), aged 20, taking second place. The second annual show was held at Recess and this was followed by Carna and two years at Oughterard in 1929 and 1930. In 1947 the 24th Annual Connemara Pony Show moved to Clifden and from that year onwards, Clifden became the location for the show.

Tribute is paid to the Society’s stallion custodians for their tireless commitment to the breeding policy of the society. A plaque bearing all their names was unveiled last year at the Showgrounds in recognition and remembrance of their devoted contribution and loyalty to the breed.

Pioneering excursion

The pony has come a long way from the 1912 pioneering excursion that saw breeder Michael O’Malley bring his two ponies, Irish Dragoon and Eileen Alanna, all the way to the National Agricultural Hall in Kensington (now known as Olympia) in London, to participate in the World Exhibition of Breeds.

Travelling from Rosmuc in Connemara, Co Galway, by rough road terrain, train and boat and finally walking through the streets of London to show the breed at the prominent venue, he and the two animals took part in a huge international gathering of horses and ponies. It must have been a very lively and impressive occasion.

Upon his return, a series of letters, 20 in all, were written to raise awareness of the Connemara Pony and these were published in the Irish Farming World. Eleven years later the CPBS was formed with Rev. C. J. White as President and Michael O’Malley as Honorary Secretary.

The first council of the CPBS in 1924. Back row (l-r) Bartley O'Sullivan, Michael O'Malley, Willie Roe. Middle row: Michael Wallace, Josie Mongan, Tim Cotter, T McD Kelly. Front row: Tom Lyons, W.F Prendergast, Father C.J WHite, Christy Kerin

To commemorate his passion and commitment for the Connemara Pony, the Michael O’Malley award is made annually to an international Connemara pony owner or breeder for their promotion of and contribution to the breed in their lifetime, a tribute instigated by the ICCPS, the committee of international pony societies.

The Connemara Pony is exported worldwide, and the work of the global daughter societies is very much appreciated, all acting as marvellous ambassadors for the breed. There are daughter societies in 17 countries outside of Ireland.

A celebration

The annual festival in August celebrates the Connemara Pony to the full: including photo exhibits, lectures, an international reception, in-hand showing, loose jumping, working hunter, dressage, side saddle, puissance, lead rein, plus much more. It brings people with the same appreciation together from the four corners of the globe as well as providing an interesting spectacle and exciting few days of entertainment.

There is something for everybody with an Irish dancing display, a dog show, homemade baking, goods and crafts, homegrown vegetables all included on the list for exhibits as well as a best dressed lady competition. The streets of Clifden are in truly festive mode with trade stalls where many an item of use or memorabilia can be purchased.

At the end of show week the ‘Parade of Champions’ makes a lap of the town escorted by An Garda Síochána – the winners from the week making a multi-coloured procession of Connemara ponies with owners, riders and handlers parading proudly.

Iconic ponies

Although 2020 will be a year to remember for sad reasons we look forward to the 2021 festival and welcoming breeders, producers, competitors, supporters and visitors back to Clifden to celebrate our beloved icon – the Connemara Pony. The Society also looks forward to celebrating its centenary year in 2023.