THE annual spring Connemara Pony colt inspections took place over three days last month at Creagh Equestrian in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. Some 59 ponies came before Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) inspectors Cathy Snow, Denise Norton and Eamon Spain.

Of these, 17 stallion achieved Class 1 status (see table below), Class 2 was awarded to 15 ponies and the remainder stayed in Class 3. Anyone who wishes to appeal the decision may do so under the rules. The CPBS thanked Sean Carey and his family for making Creagh Equestrian available for the inspections, and thanks the organising committee for enabling the smooth running of the event.

The filly inspections are next in the programme. These will commence on April 24th over 11 dates at eight venues around the country. Closing date for online applications is April 16th. Full details are available on www.cpbs.ie.

Online stallion parade

The CPBS held an ‘Online Stallion Parade’ in lieu of the usual stallion parade that takes place usually in Clifden over the spring weekend. Twenty-six registered stallions were entered for this free event and the parade is available to view on the CPBS Facebook page.

Each entry is accompanied by a short video and summary about each pony and the result is an entertaining and informative online event, outlining vital statistics, achievements and attributes of the animals showcased.

The CPBS thanked the members and their agents who took the time to put the pieces together and hopes that the presentations will be found useful for mare owners in the 2021 season. Contact details are given for each individual entry. Full lineage for each pony may be located on the CPBS Database on the website www.cpbs.ie. The parade has proved to be very successful with over 22,000 individual views at time of writing.

Ponies in the online parade are: Annaghdown Island, Aughanure Leo, Avalon Outcast, Ballyowen Samson’ ,Bettyspark Shadow, Bob Mac Bobby, Bunowen Paddy, Caherross Duke, Canal Felim, Carnakilly Mac Guire, Cashelbay Prince, Cashelbay Rocket, Crusheen Hazy Con, Doohulla Dunally, Dowdstown Daylight, Edenmist Pride of Thieves, Equiplay Melody, Errismore Rocky, Gurteen Cathal, Hannah’s Only Dun, Kinamara Echo I Love You, Knockillaree Tomas, Menlo Sparrow, Murvey Jordan, Rocklawn Braveheart and Seabreeze Mirah.