THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society have postponed the 97th annual Connemara Pony Show by four weeks to a new date in September, it was announced this week.
Originally in the calendar for August 11th to 13th, the show will now run over three days on the weekend of September 10th to 12th. It is hoped the extra month will give the show a better chance of running in accordance with the Government guidelines surrounding Covid-19.
The news has been welcomed by breeders and producers who are desperate to showcase their ponies. President of the CPBS, Ann Marie Conroy, told The Irish Field: “The show committee and the Council feel it is extremely important to give breeders and producers something to look forward to and aim for this year. We will be doing everything in our power to run the show, in line with Government guidelines.
“It is more than likely that it will be held behind the closed doors. We know it is extremely important for the industry, and there is an appetite out there to have a show. People are crying out for it, and it is not about the prize money, it is about getting out and competing and getting the rosette,” Conroy said.
The CPBS will look into livestreaming the event if spectators are not allowed on the grounds.
Dublin Horse Show
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the RDS told this paper they expect to be in a position to inform the industry on the status of the Dublin Horse Show, due to take place from August 18th to 22nd, in the coming weeks.
“The RDS has been monitoring the evolving situation regarding Covid-19 and the projected vaccination rates.
“We expect to be in a position to advise equestrian competitors of the status of this year’s show in a matter of weeks when the next Government announcement on the easing of restrictions is anticipated.
“We know that this is later than anyone would like or typically expect, but we are all dealing with very unusual circumstances,” the spokesperson said.
Showjumping Ireland confirmed that no dates have yet been set for RDS national show jumping qualifiers.