A NEW Connemara pony performance initiative has been announced to run in conjunction with the prestigious IDHBA Irish Draught National Breed Show in Punchestown, Co Kildare, on August, 31st 2024.

The Connemara Pony World ‘Search for a Star’ initiative is a new championship inspired by the young horse classes at events, such as the Dublin Horse Show and the Burghley Young Event Horse. The competition aims to spotlight the talents of four and five-year-old Connemara ponies.

Competition structure

The Search for a Star championship will feature two qualifying rounds, where ponies are assessed on future potential, rideability, and jumping technique/natural ability. The top eight ponies with the highest scores from round one (four ponies each from the four-year-old and five-year-old categories) will progress to the second round for further assessment by a professional rider.

Judging phases

The competition will be judged on the following phases:

    • Jumping ability: Evaluate over a series of fences, including both show jumps and natural fences.
    • Future potential: Judged based on overall movement, conformation, and potential for high-level competition, with live feedback provided by professional judges.
    • Rideability: Assess the ease with which the horse can be ridden and its responsiveness to the rider’s aids.

    • Eligibility

    The competition is open to four and five-year-old Connemara ponies, ridden by riders over the age of 14. The ponies must be registered with the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS). There is no height certificate required.

    There will be a prize fund of €1,500 on offer, funded by Horse Sport Ireland, as well as a breeder prize.

    The CPBS will provide rugs and rosettes for winners in each section, including a prize for the top placed pony 138cm or under.

    A press release from Connemara Pony World said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association (IDHBA) for this initiative. They have recognised the significant crossover of owners and producers, who are competing both Irish Draughts and Connemara ponies.”

    For more information, visit the Connemara Pony World Facebook page, where updates will be shared, including the closing date for entries.